Google L6 leadership vs program managers
I read that Google L6 (staff) engineers should have an influence on their team direction (leadership) and be good at cross-team communication. Makes me wonder, how is this different from what a program manager is supposed to do? I assume a program manager is trying to keep a team focused on a certain project (leadership) and works with multiple teams to get the project done. Not quite sure though. Do the L6 engineers and program managers have very clearly distinct roles, or do they compete with each other to set team direction and handle cross-team coordination?
Think of the program manager as a COO, the product manager as CEO, and TLM as the CTO.
Program managers track your project progress. They dont set direction.
Program managers drive schedule. Tech leads drive cross team design, implementation, etc
It’s the same. Many PgMs become team managers eventually.
Not in tech companies
No, they work more like assistant and secratry. No chance to be team managers.
When a pgm is present an engineer lead focusses on the technical aspects.
Without PgM, project would probably take 2-3 more months. Without TL, project won’t happen.
Any idea about TPM TC breakdown at FAANG?
I think same base as SWE for same level, maybe half RSU?
For 10 yoe, is it in range of 200ish base?
What are the L6 refreshers like for a PgM (or TPM)?
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