Being a Tech Lead

Tech Lead. It is often sought after but widely misunderstood role in software development. In this post, I will go through some key roles that a tech lead may perform. I am assuming a software product delivery responsibility, but most aspects hold good for any tech lead responsibility. Let’s go…

What does a Tech Lead do?

A Tech Lead is responsible for successful product delivery and maintenance. This is achieved through robust design, high quality development and good product maintenance done by a great team with right skills.

10 Key Domains of a Tech Lead

Though a Tech Lead is expected to be an all-rounder, the responsibilities can be grouped into 10 key domains.

• Communication
• Hiring and recruitment
• Stakeholder management
• Product Management
• Short and long term planning
• Software Architecture and Design
• Product Engineering
• Training and Coaching
• Quality Assurance & Control
• Support & Maintenance

Tech Lead as a Project Manager

Project management is key in software delivery, whether a well defined waterfall or an adaptive agile model is used. A Tech Lead is expected to be a project manager, who ensures a steady progress and achievement of various milestones.

Tech Lead as an Architect

Technical and software engineering skills are essential to be a successful Tech Lead. Understanding the big picture, designing complex integrations and creating a delivery framework – are all essential responsibilities of a Tech Lead.

Tech Lead as a Development Manager

A great team is crucial and a Tech Lead is expected to create one. The responsibility of hiring the right team, motivating them and ensuring they succeed falls on the broad shoulders of a Tech Lead.

Tech Lead as a Spokesperson

Tech Lead is also the external face of product development team. Sharing the vision, progress and risks to stakeholders – both internal and external – falls under the domain of a Tech Lead.

As you can see, a Tech Lead plays a pivotal role in the success of an engineering team. Regardless of the size of the product or the team, the right Tech Lead ensures success above and beyond.

In the next few posts, I will go through each skill domain in detail. Until then, stay safe and happy engineering!

All views expressed in this post are my own and in no way represent that of my employer.