I interviewed for SWE role, but hiring committee recommended a TPM role because what I have been told, I screwed up somewhere in coding but did well in design and manager rounds. I wanted to understand what does a TPM do at Google. I have been told that they manage technical projects, are involved in large system designs, manage communications, and can optionally code. Also, based on (optional) code contributions and some 2-3 rounds of interviews, I can get into SWE roles later 1 year down the line. I personally do not want to completely let go of coding and technical contributions, and being on management sides gives a different experience, which could be nice. Also, above picture is not what I have seen TPMs do at LinkedIn. Here, they are purely for managing timelines and schedules, and not at all technical. Can any one give me a picture of what TPMs do at Google, and how much of what I have been told is actually correct. 1. Are TPMs expected to be technical? 2. How much of technical contributions (design, coding) can they get involved in? 3. How much of a flexibility do people have if they want to shift from TPM role to SWE later on? 4. Career growth in this role? 5. Finally, compensation comparison with an SWE role.
I dunno about alphabet, but TPMs at FB are usually somewhat technical, but they mostly aren't engineers. The ones that are the most highly regarded are usually ex eng. Someone with the eng chops and PM skills can have big impact.
Same for Red Hat fwiw
1. Yes 2. Depends on competency, ability to build credibility, and team. 3. You'll be at Google and can show them work products as well as be well calibrated on SWE expectations. Practically speaking it's a totally different job w different expectations. A lot more 'driving' than actual 'doing' in some ways. More strategic than a SWE. 4. As much as you want. I know TPM VPs and SVPs. 5. Should be similar comp. Maybe 10% less? Not certain as I never looked at raw numbers. Plus stock grants vary so much.
Thanks!
In the same boat. @OP: did you have to repeat the interviews? Also what is your experience on the ground right now? (Assuming you ended up working there)
I am curious, did you join Google as a TPM, I consider the same transition, what do you think?
Same boat. @op can you share what did you end up doing?
Few of such creatures are in LendingClub a big waste of time & money.