In software engineering, the differences between a tech lead and an engineering manager are not always clear. As a result, it can be difficult to determine which role is the best fit for your skills and interests.
Tech leads and engineering managers have overlapping responsibilities at some organizations. Both are key roles that have a significant impact on the success of engineering projects and teams. While precise requirements vary across teams and companies, each role has distinct areas of focus and required skills.
Today, we’ll discuss 3 key differences between tech leads and engineering managers to help you make an informed choice about your software engineering career path.
We’ll cover:
1. Technical Expertise
Tech Lead
A tech lead is typically a highly skilled engineer with deep expertise in specific languages, systems, and frameworks. A tech lead is actively involved in the technical aspects of software development, including:
- Writing code.
- Designing architecture.
- Reviewing code to ensure it meets quality standards.
In addition to making technical contributions, tech leads often collaborate with engineering managers to drive technical decisions within their team or project. As a result, tech leads need to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in technology and continually sharpen their technical skills.
Throughout the development process, tech leads need the expertise to troubleshoot and work with the team to implement fixes. Deep understanding of the tech stack, architecture, and coding best practices help tech leads guide the team in making sound technical decisions.
Engineering Manager
While many engineering managers have a background in software engineering, it is not a strict requirement for the role. Engineering managers can come from various backgrounds and experiences, depending on the needs of the organization.
Some EMs start as an individual contributor and then transition into an engineering manager role as they gain experience and leadership skills. These individuals may have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of software development, which can be beneficial in managing engineering teams. However, engineering managers can come from other technical roles, including:
- System administrators
- Network engineers
- Quality assurance engineers
Engineering managers may also have non-technical backgrounds in project management or business. An EM’s required level of technical knowledge depends on the needs of the organization. If a team lacks a tech lead, for example, the EM would likely be expected to have robust technical skills. If a team does have a tech lead, however, EMs with less technical knowledge could succeed in the role.
2. Scope of Responsibility
Tech Lead
Tech leads guide decisions about technical matters within the context of a specific project or domain. Areas of focus typically include:
- Architecture choices
- Code review
- Technical debt management
In addition to making their own technical contributions, tech leads equip team members to produce high-quality code and troubleshoot issues. Tech leads often have a hands-on role in mentoring engineers and helping them work through learning plans.
Depending on the organization, some tech leads also oversee the broader technical development of the team. For example, tech leads may work with engineering managers to set long-term technical goals that align with the engineering roadmap.
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers establish a clear vision and direction for their team. They communicate the strategic objectives of the organization and ensure that engineers understand how their work contributes to the big picture.
While tech leads have an active role in technical mentorship, engineering managers are responsible for driving engineers’ overall growth. EMs do this in a few key ways:
- Lead regular one-on-ones to provide feedback and discuss engineers’ career goals.
- Connect engineers with growth opportunities.
- Advocate for engineers’ needs and concerns.
In addition to supporting direct reports individually, engineering managers encourage excellence by establishing a healthy team culture. For example, EMs:
- Hire talent that aligns with organizational goals and values.
- Allocate the Learning and Development budget to support team growth.
- Implement effective technical and operational processes.
- Create an inclusive environment where engineers feel safe to grow.
3. Communication and Collaboration
Tech Lead
Some engineers pursue tech lead roles because they prefer writing code over people management. While tech leads do have a technical focus, it’s important to note that there is still a need for effective communication and collaboration. Tech leads collaborate with their immediate team to help engineers achieve technical excellence. For example, tech leads often work closely with engineers to:
- Break down technical concepts.
- Clarify requirements.
- Walk the team through technical problem-solving.
- Promote a culture of knowledge sharing.
In some organizations, tech leads may also have opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. This can include working with product managers and quality assurance teams to ensure smooth delivery of technical solutions.
Engineering Manager
Because engineering managers are responsible for the overall performance of the engineering team, they typically coordinate with a broader range of stakeholders than tech leads. Outside of the immediate engineering team, EMs may engage in strategic communication with:
- Product managers
- Cross-functional teams (quality assurance, operations, and design)
- C-level executives, department heads, and other senior leaders
- External stakeholders (clients, partners, vendors, and contractors)
During meetings with these stakeholders, engineering managers:
- Seek clarity on product requirements.
- Align engineering goals with product roadmaps and strategic objectives.
- Report on team performance and metrics.
- Integrate engineering solutions with other functional areas.
- Address any functionality issues during the development and deployment process.
Engineering managers bridge technical and business objectives, communicating across teams to align expectations and translate strategic goals into technical solutions.
Planning Your Career Path
As you advance in your software engineering career, eventually you’ll need to decide whether to pursue technical leadership or engineering management. Both roles demand a certain level of technical knowledge and collaboration. However, there are key differences in how you’re expected to apply these skills.
Ask yourself: how do you want to spend the majority of your workday?
If you enjoy focusing on technical systems and coding, tech lead might be the better fit. If you are passionate about helping people grow and optimizing processes, you might find more fulfillment in an engineering management position.
Once you determine the ideal path for your skills and interests, you can seek growth opportunities to help you reach your career goals.
