Engineering Career Path

From Grad to Principal

Master every stage of your software engineering career with our battle-tested roadmap covering 0-20 years of experience

6
Career Stages
20+
Years Covered
30+
Interview Rounds
$1M+ / ₹2Cr+
Peak Salary
Career Progression

Your Engineering Evolution

Each stage represents a significant milestone in your career journey

🎓
0-2 years
01

New Graduate / Entry Level

Fresh out of college or bootcamp. Focus on fundamentals and getting that first job in tech.

First 2 years
Duration
$80k - $140k | ₹8L - ₹25L
Salary
Key Skills
Data Structures & Algorithms
Object-Oriented Programming
Basic System Design
+2 more skills
Interview Process
Application ScreeningOnline Assessment+3
Target Companies
GoogleMicrosoftAmazon+2
💻
2-4 years
02

Junior Software Engineer

Building real-world experience. Contributing to codebases and learning from senior engineers.

2-3 years
Duration
$120k - $180k | ₹15L - ₹45L
Salary
Key Skills
Advanced algorithms
System design basics
Database design
+3 more skills
Interview Process
Application ReviewTechnical Screen+3
Target Companies
MAANGUnicornsGrowing startups+1
🚀
4-7 years
03

Mid-Level Software Engineer

Taking ownership of features and mentoring junior developers. Deep technical expertise expected.

3-4 years
Duration
$160k - $280k | ₹25L - ₹80L
Salary
Key Skills
Advanced system design
Architecture decisions
Performance optimization
+3 more skills
Interview Process
Portfolio ReviewAdvanced Coding+3
Target Companies
Top tech companiesFintechHigh-growth startups
⭐
7-10 years
04

Senior Software Engineer

Technical leader driving architectural decisions and complex project delivery.

3-4 years
Duration
$220k - $400k | ₹30L - ₹90L
Salary
Key Skills
System architecture
Technical strategy
Team leadership
+3 more skills
Interview Process
Executive ScreeningAdvanced System Design+3
Target Companies
MAANG+Tier-1 techFintech giants+1
🎯
10-15 years
05

Staff Software Engineer

Technical expert driving organization-wide initiatives and setting technical direction.

4-5 years
Duration
$350k - $600k | ₹50L - ₹1.5Cr
Salary
Key Skills
Technical vision
Organizational influence
Strategic planning
+3 more skills
Interview Process
VP-level DiscussionTechnical Strategy+3
Target Companies
Top-tier MAANGLeading tech companiesInnovative startups
👑
15-20 years
06

Principal Software Engineer

Technical authority and thought leader. Shaping the future of technology at the company.

5+ years
Duration
$500k - $1M+ | ₹80L - ₹2Cr+
Salary
Key Skills
Industry leadership
Technical evangelism
Strategic partnerships
+3 more skills
Interview Process
CTO/CEO DiscussionInnovation Leadership+3
Target Companies
Leading tech giantsResearch-focused companiesInnovative platforms

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