We have gotten into the habit of thinking deeper about one topic on a weekly basis. We pick topics based on anything interesting we read - so the topics can range from 'how to express the value of testing' to 'Dieter Rams' design principles' to 'effective remote work habits'. Employees are guided to spend no more than one hour researching the topic online. The emphasis is on coming up with their own ideas and interpretations. We then meet as a group to exchange ideas. I love this habit and consider it one of the more unique benefits you will enjoy at Qxf2.
9-May-2017
It doesn't look that way now, but Qxf2 (read Arun) prefers hiring senior engineers. It's really hard to describe what that means. But this post (and the links in it) describe what it means to be a senior engineer. I thought given the binary range of experience we have (5 people < 2 years and 5 people > 10 years), this would be an interesting topic.link here
Avinash
I feel these are the reasons why Senior engineers perform better 1) Have experience being in situations before therefore will be able to handle some situation better 2) Are better at communicating stuff- I don't mean just the language. Sending emails, knowing when things should be escalated, when things go out of way 3) Knowledge- Would have naturally learnt more in their career 4) Handling teams colleagues better: Understand how another person on your team feels 5) Able to take criticism 6) More consistent 7) Failed and learned from the failure 8) Would have figured out their strengths, how to approach new stuff
Arun
As of now, I think these are a few things that senior engineers do: a) have technical competence and knowledge b) say 'no', 'I don't know', 'I'm not going to be able to do that', 'I messed up', 'My fault' c) manage up, manage expectations d) work with people (humor is a good indicator) e) comfortable with uncertainty, tension, and conflict f) verbalize decisions and trade-offs g) use rational analysis as one tool but not the only tool
Smitha
The term engineer was never in my career until I joined Qxf2. It was more of Test Analyst, Test Lead and Test Manager. I used to always stay away from the role Engineer as I thought they were too techincally strong and I only knew testing and people management. Yes I did think very high of them. Its an interesting article. I agree about Theo's words about being 'senior'.I relate it to my past experience where the analysts had a similar target of becoming a lead very quickly, then a manager too soon as well.I agree with the line "senior" engineer being a mature engineer.The way hes defined the characteristics of a mature engineer is rightly said too. I agree about the constructive criticism and understanding non-technical areas too. There are very few people who take feedback in a healthy manner. I always look out for both technical and non-technical areas in an analyst/engineer. When I review my work,I always check if Im missing anything or how better can this be done.I dont believe that you need 100% knowledge of whatever you are doing.I believe in working in collaboration, respecting others and communicating well.I have always insisted and worked towards keeping a happy team than a highly technical team. This is what I look for in a senior engineer. Working in Qxf2, I learnt from Arun that its ok to do mistakes and its ok to forget too. I agree with his points on Senior Engineers.
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