FB E6 interviews
Hey guys, I’m L6 at Google and am starting to look around. In a TLM role right now, so definitely doing designs but less direct coding (though some, of course). Does FB have a TLM role or is it all pure IC or pure M? Do I need to study up on proper syntax for potential E6 interviews, or are they more design/leadership-focused?
Facebook doesn't have architects. If you're an ic engineer, you'll have to pass the coding bar
We do have TLM track managers, but I would also not consider these people architects.
Who does the overarching design of systems? aka who helps make sure it makes sense at a 10k foot view and then helps make sure the dividing lines make sense and fit together well?
Ask your recruiter if you’re going through the IC pipeline or the EM pipeline. For EM we obviously have a different standard on coding. I’m not certain where TLMs would fall but I imagine since a good portion of your focus is on IC level technical contributions we’d evaluate you at the same technical bar as an IC.
Any idea what fraction of managers are on the IC ladder vs EM ladder? Do you have to be on the EM ladder to manage?
You can be a tech lead, but no ICs have anyone reporting to them at any level. There's M0 which is a lateral transition from E5 to the EM line where you're expected to execute as well as manage people, but that's about the only role/level with that expectation in the E track.
Facebook has Product Design and Build teams separated. Sounds like you fit a Technical Program Management role
Google TLM are likely interviewed as IC (confirm with recruiter). For IC interviews, coding bar is same for everyone.
I was in the same role at Google and moved to fb earlier this year.
Yes, we have a tlm role. They are largely evaluated as an IC so I'd expect your interview was an IC interview.
Pretty sure we don’t hire external M0 TLMs. You have to either get hired as an M1 where you demonstrate the ability to manage a 8-10 person team, grow people, manage them out, etc. in addition to solid technical depth or you get hired as an E6 which requires strong technical depth, ability to wrote great code and leadership.
I was hired as an E6. They expect you to nail the coding questions, no room for error and optimal solutions quickly and cleanly. At E6, I had 2 design interviews and nailed them both, they were very impressed. FB does not have TLM officially but as an E6, you are expected to come up with larger intra-and-cross-functional tasks and lead them and provide mentoring and design leadership. It is very TLM-ish but no direct reports, your manager helps you with the meetings and hiring load.
When you say you nailed them, could you give an example of what you did better in system design? I mean I'd imagine coming up with something original like paxos on the fly isn't possible? I'm just trying to prepare better but can't seem to find what they're looking for
It's ridiculous to expect something like that in a 40 minute interview. It's much more about practical problem solving, coming up with an excellent experienced solution and being able to talk about it with confidence.
What is TLM
Technical Lead / Manager