How Engineers Break Into The Top 1% | Michael Novati
Secrets to Scaling Engineering Careers and Navigating the AI Shift
Discover the hidden friction points preventing engineers from reaching E7/Principal levels and learn how generative AI is rewriting the rules for identifying developer competence and taste.
Short Summary
- The jump from E6 to E7 at Meta requires influence beyond sheer coding output, a transition few successfully make.
- AI tools are challenging the value of high-volume coding ("Code Machine" status) by democratizing output speed.
- Developing "taste and judgment" through real-world failures and practical experience remains critical, even as LLMs mature.
- Traditional interview formats are evolving to incorporate AI tools, demanding testable fluency rather than rote memorization.
- Top-tier, highly compensated engineers often maintain low public visibility because companies actively protect them.
This discussion unpacks the complex transition from technical dominance to broad influence required for top corporate roles, contextualizing these challenges against the rapid emergence of AI in software development and hiring.
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Top Comments (10)
Seemed like a great interview at first! But then I googled this guy and the second link was about Reddit/Codesmith drama. Why this wasn't addressed at all? Now the video lacks objectivity.
Will he bring up codesmith? lool
Whats the timestamp for the clickbait intro?
This egg can talk!
Good interview, Steve!
E7 is Senior Staff, how it is Principal?
Hey at 19.00 the question you asked about judgement!! <3 Awesome. I always feel that I am shipping more with AI yup, but am I actually learning? What if this breaks? what if there is security attack or some issue. Thanks for bringing that up.
Hey just commenting to point out typo in your YouTube profile description second paragraph "who who". Love the content
Get 6 months free of Linear Business (3 seats) to celebrate our partnership 👉🏻 Redeem at: https://linear.app/ale
I think the payscale problem with teachers at boot camps shows a big blind spot. When your ecosystem is silicon valley, yeah, you gotta pay a lot. But over the years I've branched out and there's very good seniors making low 6 figures. One of the better ones I know makes around $150k total comp at a car company.
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Top Comments (10)
Seemed like a great interview at first! But then I googled this guy and the second link was about Reddit/Codesmith drama. Why this wasn't addressed at all? Now the video lacks objectivity.
Will he bring up codesmith? lool
Whats the timestamp for the clickbait intro?
This egg can talk!
Good interview, Steve!
E7 is Senior Staff, how it is Principal?
Hey at 19.00 the question you asked about judgement!! <3 Awesome. I always feel that I am shipping more with AI yup, but am I actually learning? What if this breaks? what if there is security attack or some issue. Thanks for bringing that up.
Hey just commenting to point out typo in your YouTube profile description second paragraph "who who". Love the content
Get 6 months free of Linear Business (3 seats) to celebrate our partnership 👉🏻 Redeem at: https://linear.app/ale
I think the payscale problem with teachers at boot camps shows a big blind spot. When your ecosystem is silicon valley, yeah, you gotta pay a lot. But over the years I've branched out and there's very good seniors making low 6 figures. One of the better ones I know makes around $150k total comp at a car company.