Five levels. One shared
definition of done.
Level by scope and autonomy, not years on a resume. Two engineers with the same title can be a level apart, what separates them is how much ambiguity they can absorb without help.
Level
Scope
Autonomy
What they own
JuniorL1 · 0-2 yrs
Well-defined tasks within a single component.
Works with regular guidance and review.
Completing tickets correctly and learning the codebase.
Mid-levelL2 · 2-4 yrs
Whole features across a service they know well.
Self-directed on familiar work; escalates the unfamiliar.
Delivering features end to end with reliable quality.
SeniorL3 · 4-8 yrs
Ambiguous problems spanning multiple systems.
Operates independently; defines the “how.”
Technical decisions, mentoring, and project delivery.
StaffL4 · 8+ yrs
Cross-team initiatives and architecture.
Sets direction; trusted to choose the right problems.
System design, technical strategy, and raising the team's bar.
PrincipalL5 · 10+ yrs
Org-wide technical bets with business impact.
Defines the “what” and “why,” not just the how.
Long-term architecture and the most consequential trade-offs.
Years are a loose guide, not a gate, strong engineers move faster, and LatAm markets vary. Level on demonstrated scope.