The Software Engineer’s Guidebook provides an in-depth, practical roadmap for software engineers looking to advance their careers from senior to leadership roles such as Tech Lead and Staff Engineer. Written by Gergely Orosz, a former engineering leader at Uber and Microsoft, the book distills his experiences into actionable advice for navigating career progression in both big tech companies and startups.

The book covers key aspects of career growth, including the transition from an individual contributor to leadership roles, mastering technical decision-making, effective communication within engineering teams, and strategies for driving impact at scale. It explores the expectations and responsibilities at each career stage, offering real-world insights from industry veterans. With a focus on both technical excellence and leadership skills, this guide helps engineers accelerate their professional growth while staying relevant in an ever-changing industry.

Why Read This Book

• Learn the key skills and mindset shifts needed to transition into leadership roles.
• Understand the expectations and challenges at different levels, from Senior Engineer to Staff Engineer.
• Gain insights into decision-making, influencing without authority, and driving technical initiatives.
• Discover strategies for balancing deep technical expertise with leadership responsibilities.
• Get practical advice on career growth, mentorship, and navigating company politics.

About the Author

Gergely Orosz is a software engineer, author, and founder of The Pragmatic Engineer, one of the most widely read engineering newsletters. He has worked in leadership roles at companies such as Uber and Microsoft, where he played a key role in scaling engineering teams and mentoring developers. With a passion for sharing knowledge, Orosz has become a respected voice in the tech industry, offering practical career advice and insights on software engineering best practices. His work focuses on helping engineers navigate career progression, improve their skills, and make informed decisions about their professional growth.