Create Stage: Tech Leads
The objective of this page is to provide a clear documentation of the responsibilities and attributes associated with the role of a tech lead within the Create Stage.
What is a Tech Lead
This role is outlined here.
Create Tech Leads
Source Code Tech Leads
| Start Date |
End Date |
Estimated End Date |
Epic(s) / Issue(s) |
Tech Lead |
| 2024-02-01 |
TBD |
TBD |
Branch Rules |
Joe Woodward |
| 2024-02-01 |
TBD |
TBD |
Cells 1.0 |
Vasilii Iakliushin |
Code Review Tech Leads
Remote Development Tech Leads
Editor Extension Tech Leads
| Start Date |
End Date |
Estimated End Date |
Epic(s) / Issue(s) |
Tech Lead |
| 2024-02-01 |
TBD |
TBD |
Cell 1.0 |
Tomas Vik |
Code Creation Tech Leads
How is a Tech Lead different from a Domain Expert
Tech Leads and Domain Experts share similarities and differences. The tables below clarify distinctions between the two roles.
Similarities
| Criteria |
Tech Lead |
Domain Expert |
| Expertise Requirement |
Requires domain knowledge and expertise |
Requires substantial experience in a specific area |
| Collaboration |
Collaboration with Engineering Managers and Product Managers |
Collaboration with team members and stakeholders |
| Mentoring |
Provides technical guidance and mentoring |
Mentors team members in their specific area |
| Not a Managerial Role |
Not a manager |
Not a manager |
Differences
| Criteria |
Tech Lead |
Domain Expert |
| Nature of Role |
Temporary role tied to a specific topic/project |
Ongoing role with substantial expertise |
| Assignment Criteria |
Efficiency, domain knowledge, expertise |
Substantial experience in specific areas |
| Seniority |
Any engineer, regardless of seniority |
Encouraged for team members with experience |
| Providing Technical Vision |
Providing technical vision and architecture |
Not required. |
| Guidance and Mentoring |
Offering technical guidance and mentoring |
Conducting code and MR reviews in their domain |
| Planning and Prioritizing Work |
Planning and prioritizing work |
Not required |
| Tracking Progress and Reporting |
Tracking progress on commitments and reporting |
Ensuring progress tracking and reporting within their domain, providing insights into achievements, challenges, and goals |
| Risk Management |
Identifying, assessing, and managing technical risks that may impact deliverables |
Managing technical risks associated with specific technology, product feature, or codebase area |
| Coordination |
Overseeing the work of others and helping remove blockers |
Coordinating with team members in their domain, ensuring smooth collaboration and addressing challenges as they arise |
| Collaboration |
Slack channel for collaboration (#tech_leads or topic/project specific channel) |
Not required. |
| Project Template |
Utilizes a project template for guidance |
Not required. |
| Scope |
Tied to a specific topic/project |
Generally encompasses specific technology, feature, or codebase area |
Responsibilities
The Tech Lead responsibilites are outlined here.
Process
Determine if the Project needs a Tech Lead
In some projects, having a Tech Lead depends on the team’s available capacity. Engineering Managers decide based on the team’s Tech Leadership capacity. Use these questions to help evaluate if your project needs a Tech Lead.
- Is the project technically complex? Does it require a blueprint?
- Does it involve multiple technologies or integrations?
- Does the project demand unique technical expertise?
- Does the project have a high level of risk associated with technical aspects?
- Is the success of the project critical to the overall business goals?
- Are there complex technical decisions to be made during the project?
- Does the project involve architectural choices that need experienced guidance?
- Is there a tight deadline for project completion?
- Is there a need for effective communication between technical and non-technical team members?
Appointing a Tech Lead for a Project
| Step |
Engineering Manager’s Responsibilities |
| 1 |
Assess project needs |
| 2 |
Evaluate Tech Leadership capacity |
| 3 |
Select a Tech Lead |
