Tech Lead

Noun · Hacker Culture

Definitions

  1. An experienced engineer who sets technical direction for a team, makes architecture decisions, mentors team members, and bridges between engineering and product/management. Typically still writes code (30-70% of time) while also reviewing PRs, running design discussions, and managing technical risk. The first step on the leadership track, distinct from people management.

    In plain English: A senior engineer who guides the team's technical decisions and mentors others while still writing code.

    Example: "The tech lead chose the database, designed the API contracts, paired with juniors on tricky bugs, and pushed back when the PM wanted to skip testing."

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