How to find a very specific position?
I'd like to find a role where I can start as a SWE IC but gradually build up my own team. I've seen it happen before: startup hires a SWE to build and own some part of the product. At first the SWE is doing a lot of coding, but as the engineering org grows, eventually he hires some engineers and works as a team lead. Any idea how to find this type of opportunity? 8 YOE $175 TC
I've done it a few times now. I got to a senior IC/TL role, picked up reports in a reorg but stayed as first level manager even as I grew the team. After that I went to a new company as the first member of a team and hired on more people to work with me. I might do that again soon. Main aspect of it is: I'm good at what I do. I come in and set technical direction early, and staff the team to implement that direction. If this is what you want to do, build up expertise now, and get your feet wet managing in your current job. Most startups will want someone who has done most of it at least once before for these roles, or someone they know they need for their expertise and experience and can take a gamble on whether they can build a team. This is the "pendulum" model here: https://charity.wtf/2019/01/04/engineering-management-the-pendulum-or-the-ladder/
Thanks for the thoughts and article!!