Developer vs. Engineer

Main Thread 1 min read

I recently returned to the job market with the fortune to interview with some top tech companies. I noticed the usage of Developer and Engineer in job titles. While I typically agree with “titles don't matter”, there is a difference between the roles of developer and engineer.

Developer

A developer executes. Their talents often focused to a single area. Without need for the “big picture”.

Engineer

An engineer designs and plans. Always aware of the “big picture”. With talents in many areas. An engineer can assume the developer role. But an engineer's core focus lies with architecture.

This is not a judgement on either role. Simply a distinction I've come to realize between the two. An important one personally, as I intend for my next role to be an engineer.

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