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Tech lead
Guides the technical direction of one team, stays close to the code and unblocks colleagues. You still build, and you also set standards, review designs and help others grow.
Engineering manager
Is responsible for the people and the team’s results: hiring, feedback, careers, priorities and delivery. The work is conversations and decisions about people and process, more than code.
Architect
Is responsible for how systems fit together across teams: boundaries, standards and long-term technical decisions. The work is design, influence and communication more than direct delivery.
How to choose
- Which problems do you enjoy: technical, people or system-wide?
- Where do you find you add the most value?
- Try a stretch: lead a project, mentor, or write a design that crosses teams.
- Remember that moving between these paths is normal.
Sources and further reading
- IICTP. TPBOK, People Leadership in Engineering. iictp.org/standards/tpbok.
IICTP is a new independent credential and is not ISO/IEC 17024 accredited.