Software Engineer Designations - Hierarchy

In the Software Technology Industry, there exists a hierarchical level designation titles based on skills, expertise, and experience. In most product-based companies, a structured progression exists, providing techies with opportunities to advance and specialize. Generally, most BTech/MTech graduates with a major in Computer Science related fields start to work as SWE 1 or SDE 1. "SDE" stands for "Software Development Engineer," or "SWE" is "Software Engineer" and the number 1, 2, and 3 denote different levels of experience and seniority within the software engineering career path in many technology companies.

In this article, let's break down the hierarchy and provide a brief explanation of each designation:

SDE Intern:

The Intern is an individual who is a BTech/MTech student or recent graduate gaining practical experience in software engineering. Interns are typically in a learning and training phase. There are generally 2 types of Interns:

• Summer Intern: 2-month intern at end of sem 6 of Btech (Jun-July) or sem 8 of int-MSc/MCA(5yr)
• Spring Intern: 6-month intern during 8th sem of BTech(Jan-Jun) or 1yr for MTech

Software Development Engineer I (SDE 1):

SDE 1 is an entry-level position for a software engineer who has recently graduated (BTech/Mtech) or has professional experience of less than 2-3 years. They are usually involved in coding, testing, and basic software development tasks. This position is also sometimes called as Junior Engineer or Associate Engineer.

Software Development Engineer II (SDE 2):

SDE 2 is an intermediate-level position where engineers have gained more experience typically more than 3 years and may take on more complex projects and responsibilities. They may also mentor Interns and freshers. Some MTech from IITs, NITs, BITSPilani, etc with significant work and Intern experience may be considered for direct SDE 2 roles in some small product-based companies.

Software Development Engineer III (SDE 3):

SDE 3 is a mid-senior-level position with experience of more than 6-7 years. They generally have responsibilities like leading projects, making technical decisions, and mentoring SDE 1. This is where typically most Software engineers end up and retire. There is less progression after SDE 3 in both designation and compensation. After SDE3, one can move to the manager horizon also.

Senior Software Engineer (SDE 4):

A senior SDE is a more senior and experienced software engineer. They generally take on more significant technical challenges and may guide less experienced team members. They may also be involved in technical interviews during the recruitment process. Generally, one team will have one SDE 4 as team lead.

Staff Software Engineer :

Staff Engineer is an experienced and proficient Software developer who typically have a high level of expertise and are involved in critical technical decisions. They may also take on responsibilities related to team leadership or project management.

Lead Software Engineer:

Leads are responsible for guiding and leading the development team, making technical decisions, oversees project development and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. They may also mentor other SDE 2 and SDE 3 engineers.

Principal Software Engineer:

Principals are highly experienced engineers who provide technical leadership. They are often responsible for making high-level architecture decisions, strategic technical decisions, influencing the technical direction of projects and may lead multiple teams or projects.

Distinguished Engineer:

Distinguised SDE is a senior technical role where individuals have demonstrated exceptional expertise and recognized for outstanding contributions to the field. They may be involved in setting technical standards and may involve influencing company-wide technical strategy.

Chief Engineer/Architect:

Chief Architect is a top technical position and senior leadership role where individuals are responsible for the overall technical direction of the organization. They may be involved in high-level architecture decisions and play a key role in shaping the company's technology strategy.

Managerial Horizon:

Sometimes, Having an MBA may lead to managerial roles and attract higher compensations. This is different horizon than Technical positions. This requires exceptional expertise in field and management skills.

Engineering Project Manager (SEM 1):

SEM 1 manager is the entry-level position for a managerial role in engineering. Engineering Managers are responsible for leading and managing a team of engineers, ensuring projects are on track, and often involved in people management. This may require MBA or more years of expertise as SDE3 or senior SDE.

Engineering Project Manager 2 (SEM 2):

SEM 2 Manager is a more experienced level of engineering management where individuals manage larger teams or more complex projects. They are involved in strategic planning and may have more significant leadership responsibilities.

Senior Engineering Manager:

Senior Engineering Managers have extensive experience in managing engineering teams and are involved in high-level decision-making for engineering projects and teams. They are also involved in manager round interviews for SDE 3 and SDE 4 recruitment process.

Director of Engineering:

Directors are responsible for the overall engineering strategy within a department or for specific projects. They often play a crucial role in aligning engineering efforts with the company's overall goals.

Vice President of Engineering:

VP of Engineering oversee the entire engineering division, making strategic decisions about the company's technical direction. They play a key role in aligning engineering efforts with business goals.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO):

The CTO is a top executive responsible for the overall technology strategy of the company. They play a crucial role in shaping the company's technology vision, innovation, and long-term technical goals. They report directly to CEO of the comoany.

These titles are common to the software engineering track in companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and others. Always different companies use slightly different titles or have additional levels in their career progression.