Ask HN: What is the difference between Software Engg. & Senior Software Engg.?

#1

Post by programmer7 » Sat, Oct 03, 2009, 4:14 PM UTC

Hi, I recently got promoted to senior software engineer position. I want to know what are the differences in work responsibilities that you think for software engineer and senior software engineers positions. Help me understand!

Re: Ask HN: What is the difference between Software Engg. & Senior Software Engg.?

#2

Post by cperciva » Sat, Oct 03, 2009, 4:21 PM UTC

The title "Senior Software Engineer" means "we're worried about you leaving, but we don't want to pay you more, so we're going to give you a title which sounds better in order to make you feel appreciated".

Re: Ask HN: What is the difference between Software Engg. & Senior Software Engg.?

#3

Post by yan » Sat, Oct 03, 2009, 4:41 PM UTC

To me, "software engineer" means you can come to a large, existing project, look at their open tickets and begin to attempt to fix the issues. "Senior software engineer" means you can design such a project, push the first commit and supervise it as it grows.

But what does it mean realistically? Probably exactly what Colin said.

Re: Ask HN: What is the difference between Software Engg. & Senior Software Engg.?

#4

Post by gruseom » Sat, Oct 03, 2009, 4:54 PM UTC

There are no differences in work responsibilities. The term is an artifact of HR and organizational structures that have little to do with making software.

Re: Ask HN: What is the difference between Software Engg. & Senior Software Engg.?

#5

Post by cmars232 » Sat, Oct 03, 2009, 9:30 PM UTC

At least a 10% raise, I'd hope!