This article takes the aspects discussed in Are you a tech lead? and tries to define what it means to be a senior Software Engineer.

Senior Software Engineer is someone with experience, a team player and takes ownership over their work.

Lets put each of those items under the microscope to understand them better.

Team Player

Respect

• uses the language of “We”
• does not put their colleagues down
• is aware of a colleagues sensitivities
• is a good listener
• be open to when an opinion differs from theirs
• uses the feedback received to better themselves

Trust

• seeks feedback from team members
• teaches the team a particular skill they own
• is not afraid to speak up when it matters

Partnership

• provides constructive, truthful and helpful feedback to team members
• helps the team to handle their tasks
• shares knowledge about technologies and new findings
• reviews the work of a team member to help them better themselves
• is capable of not letting negativity hinder the team’s productivity
• completes tasks in a way that will allow smooth and almost effortless transition to the follow up tasks

Takes Ownership

• will do as they say they will and follow through when they give their word
• ability to identify and resolve bottlenecks to help team work effectively and efficiently

Experience

• has solid knowledge of principals and architectures
• is continuously looking to improve themselves
• has experience that can be shared
• puts code quality first
• is not afraid to explore uncharted territories
• is a quick learner when it comes to team’s methodologies, procedures & technologies
• ability to see the big picture and the part the team plays in it
• can find balance between what’s best for the team and what’s best for the business