What makes a senior developer, besides code

As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve met countless “senior” software engineers. They were masters of their craft—creating seamless, scalable applications, fixing emergency production bugs with grace and ease, and always staying on the cutting edge of technology. But as I’ve worked with these individuals, I’ve learned that there are several factors beyond code that earned them the senior title.

Learning How to Deal with Different Personalities

Over the course of my career, I’ve encountered a wide range of personalities—from incredibly kind to not so much. A senior engineer knows how to navigate these differences professionally and with grace. This means finding common ground, actively listening, and ensuring that communication remains respectful and productive. The ability to empathize and adapt to various working styles helps foster a positive and inclusive work environment, allowing teams to thrive.

Staying Professional in Moments of Great Stress

That inevitable moment arrives—a production bug surfaces, and your application goes down. Customers are angry. Senior engineers know how to stay calm, focus on the problem, identify potential solutions, and deploy the fix. They also take proactive steps to minimize the likelihood of such issues occurring in the first place. Beyond technical solutions, they support their team members, offering reassurance and direction to help everyone stay focused and motivated during critical moments.

Setting Appropriate Timelines

Senior engineers set realistic timelines and avoid creating unrealistic expectations when taking on features and projects. They ensure that their estimates are backed by solid reasoning and evidence to avoid problems later down the line. This often involves breaking down tasks, consulting with team members, and accounting for potential risks or roadblocks. By consistently delivering on their commitments, senior engineers build trust and demonstrate reliability to both their team and stakeholders.

Gaining Experience Across Multiple Production Systems

Senior engineers have worked on a variety of projects and applications. They’ve seen different approaches, experienced both successes and failures, and learned from each scenario. This broad experience allows them to bring valuable insights and innovative solutions to new challenges. Exposure to different technologies and architectures also enhances their adaptability, making them more effective when working on unfamiliar systems or leading complex initiatives.

Being Transparent About Project Progress and Issues

Senior engineers maintain transparency regarding the status of a feature or project. They promptly inform stakeholders when issues arise and communicate the reasons behind delays or setbacks. This level of openness helps manage expectations and ensures that problems are addressed collaboratively. Transparency also fosters accountability within the team, creating a culture where challenges are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to hide.

Admitting Mistakes

One of the key differences between a senior and junior engineer is the ability to admit mistakes and, more importantly, correct them. Senior engineers don’t try to conceal their errors; they take responsibility and focus on solutions. By owning up to missteps, they set an example for the team, reinforcing the idea that mistakes are part of the learning process. This humility not only builds respect but also encourages others to be honest and proactive about addressing their own errors.

Finally

What qualities, beyond coding, do you believe define a senior engineer? Do you agree or disagree with any of the points I’ve mentioned? Let’s continue the conversation on Twitter. Thanks for reading.