Evaluating the performance of engineers can be challenging, especially when it comes to decisions about promotions, performance improvement plans (PIPs), or hiring new team members. In my experience, the most important criteria for assessing performance are scope, impact, and repeatability.
1. Scope: Breadth of Responsibilities
The scope of an engineer’s role varies based on their level. For junior engineers, the focus is on demonstrating solid technical foundations, completing tasks, and showing growth potential. Senior engineers, on the other hand, are expected to handle larger responsibilities—designing scalable systems, executing efficiently, leading others, deploying successfully, and maintaining SLAs.
As a tech manager, it’s important to define the scope of each role clearly. A well-structured career ladder helps ensure every engineer understands what’s expected at their level in terms of responsibility and influence.
2. Impact: Driving Success
Impact reflects how an engineer’s work affects the product and the business. Whether it’s developing a key component, contributing to shared libraries, or mentoring others, impact varies with the role. Senior engineers should have a broader and deeper influence. However, it’s important to note that impact can be both positive or negative—high-level engineers can elevate the development process or harm team dynamics, scalability, and standards if misaligned.
When assessing impact, it’s critical to consider both the direct outcomes and the broader influence on the team, culture, and product.
3. Repeatability: Consistent Results
Repeatability refers to an engineer’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes. It’s not about one-off successes; true performance is reflected in repeatable, reliable results over time. An engineer who consistently delivers is not only performing well but may also be ready for promotion.
When considering promotion, look for whether the engineer is already delivering at the next level’s scope. If they show consistent capability, it’s a strong indicator they’re ready for more responsibility.
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