You only need 4 promotions: The step-by-step guide from Junior to Staff+ engineer

The engineering career path involves four key promotions reflecting expanding influence. Juniors build trust through consistent work and communication. Mid-levels become responsible for team success and unblocking others. Seniors enable others to deliver, work strategically across teams, and prioritize high-impact work. Staff+ engineers identify opportunities, translate complex concepts for non-technical leaders, and scale their influence organization-wide. Career advancement comes from expanding impact—from tasks to team to the entire organization.