A Director of Engineering Explains How to Make $1.5 Million at Google

Technology companies have some of the highest salaries and total compensation packages, and Google often leads the pack. It is part of the reason why Google typically ranks high as a top employer in employee satisfaction in annual company rankings and surveys.

A director of engineering at Google recently hosted an “ask me anything” session on the professional social network Blind. In the informal interview, the 16-year veteran with stints at Amazon, Apple and PayPal who makes $1.5 million in total compensation explained how they were recruited, how engineers can best advance their careers, and what it is like to manage an organization of more than 150 engineers.

Here are the top nine career tips that software engineers might want to know:

1. You don’t need to solve coding challenges.

After a call with the recruiter or hiring manager, engineers typically have a technical interview or skills test.

Many technology companies ask engineers to complete one or more problems on a virtual or in-person whiteboard or take-home assignment during the interview. The goal is to gauge a candidate’s understanding of fundamental algorithms and data structures.

But directors may not have to complete a coding challenge at Google.

“I add much more value by setting strategy and roadmaps,” explained the verified Google professional.

While there are systems design rounds, the director added excellent coders help execute the plans, which is why coding problems may be more important at the entry and mid-levels.

2. Don’t bother looking for a job application online.

Some of the best positions and advancements in your career will come from networking, and technical leadership is no exception.

Candidates generally do not apply for a director or senior leadership position.

“Either your network recommends you or a recruiter comes across your LinkedIn,” noted the engineering leader. “Keep your LinkedIn up to date and relevant with high level details only.”

3. The interview process can take months.

Senior hires are some of the most consequential decisions a company can make, and Google takes the responsibility seriously.

“It’s drawn out over months as you’re meeting several VPs and Directors,” said the verified Google professional.

In short, do not expect a quick interview loop—other leaders at the company vet senior candidates in a seemingly very involved process.

4. You may be “down-leveled” when you receive a job offer.

It is important to remember that technology companies may “down-level” candidates. The job may require experience or added responsibility that has not been demonstrated in the interview, or it may be standard practice to have someone grow into a role.

“Your level or scope will get down-leveled by most BigTech,” the director said in response to a question about whether it was essential to have a track record leading large teams.

The Google technical leader explained they went from leading 100 people to only 20 upon joining a Big Tech company, like Amazon or Google. However, their responsibility grew quickly to managing a team of 100 after delivering solid results consistently.

5. It’s crucial to be a team player.

A “brilliant jerk” is still a jerk, no matter their skill set.

While technical expertise is necessary as a baseline skill, it may be more valuable for engineers to manage up.

“A good engineer is not the smartest, but the one who uplifts the team, understands what managers want, and is a great peer and report to work with,” advised the leader at Google.

Demonstrating value to the team, manager and company by being empathetic, communicating effectively and being proactive is critical to advancing professionally.

6. Don’t rush to specialize as an engineer.

Engineers may think it is wise to specialize to advance their careers, but it may cause more harm than good.

“Unless you are really deep into a particular technology (AI, ML, hardware, etc.), it’s almost always better to be a generalist,” said the director, referring to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The technology leader recommended engineers gain a solid foundation in planning, talent management and leadership principles, as those skills are shared across many teams, companies and industries.

7. Try to make yourself “redundant.”

Leaders are responsible for their teams, but the best leaders are great delegators and people-empowerers.

“I used to be proud of the fact that my team cannot function well without me,” recalled the director of engineering. However, the technical leader now believes it was the wrong approach.

“I try to make myself redundant by getting my teams to the point of being self-reliant,” added the director.

The added time can then be focused on coaching, creating repeatable processes and mechanisms, and identifying additional scope in responsibility. These processes drive scale across organizations and are generally more valuable than tactical work.

8. You don’t need to work long hours to be a director.

It may be best to work smarter than work harder.

Engineering and technical leadership do not necessarily work the longest hours. Instead, it is more important to work quality hours that drive the most impact, such as making key decisions.

The director of engineering revealed he works about five to six hours of “quality time” a day.

9. Most of the compensation is in stock.

Directors of engineers at Google, sometimes called “principal” engineers at the “L8” job level, can earn base salaries of $300,000 or more.

The verified Google professional reports a total compensation package of $1.5 million, split between a base salary of approximately $400,000, a bonus, and stock-based compensation. The annual cash bonus is 30% or $120,000, which means directors of engineering can receive about $1 million in restricted stock units each year.

Despite the blockbuster pay package, the director notes it is on “the low end of externally hired directors at FANG,” referring to Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google. The director added that leaders at Amazon generally earn less among the cohort of top technology companies.

The bottom line

Professionals seeking to advance their careers and earn management or leadership positions should take note: It is vital to be strategic.

In an “ask me anything” interview on Blind, a director of engineering at Google recommended professionals recognize where their product and market is headed, understand their customers, and be a great peer to teammates and managers. Communication and so-called “soft skills” are likely more valuable than technical know-how alone.