Tech Lead / Engineering Manager
Tech Lead and Engineering Manager are two distinct paths for senior technical professionals. Tech Lead — IC++ (individual contributor plus): still codes 60-70%, leads technical decisions, mentors. Engineering Manager — manager track: 80-100% management (1:1s, hiring, performance, strategy), codes only occasionally. Choose path: mentorship/architecture → Tech Lead, people leadership → EM.
Tech Lead vs Engineering Manager — key decision
TECH LEAD: still codes (60-70%), leads technical decisions (architectural reviews, code reviews), mentors juniors. Remains 'IC' (Individual Contributor) on career ladder. ENGINEERING MANAGER: manager track. 80-100% management activities — 1:1s with team members, hiring, performance management, strategy planning, stakeholder management. Codes only occasionally (PR review).
Can oscillate — many seniors try EM for 1-2 years, return to Tech Lead, or vice versa.
Top firms with dual career path (IC + Manager): Google, Meta, Netflix, Spotify, Klarna, King.
Goal
Develop Tech Leads capable of mentorship and technical leadership, or Engineering Managers leading teams of 5-10 engineers toward business goals through psychological safety, clear strategy, and excellent execution.
Recommended EITT Trainings
Interested in this path?
Contact us to discuss the details of the training program and tailor it to your needs.