# Engineering Manager Published articles for Engineering Manager. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## A switchback career move from engineering management to software engineering DevFeed: [A switchback career move from engineering management to software engineering]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anton Zaides Published: 2026-09-08T06:01:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Manager.dev]() Topics: [Job](), [AI-assisted coding](), [Software](), [Tech Lead]() Tags: [agents](), [career](), [data](), [engineering-manager](), [experiment](), [software-engineer]() ### AI overview The author describes moving from engineering management back to software engineering after struggling to secure another Engineering Manager role. The article also discusses an experiment in which an engineering team worked more deliberately with coding agents and a tech lead. ### Source excerpt The perfect time for a switchback career move ## The Engineering Manager's role is under attack (again) DevFeed: [The Engineering Manager's role is under attack (again)]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anton Zaides Published: 2026-09-01T06:01:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Manager.dev]() Topics: [Development](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [Large Language Model](), [Software](), [Meta]() Tags: [agents](), [ai](), [engineering-manager](), [llms](), [meta](), [organizational](), [processes](), [software]() ### AI overview A commentary on the erosion of the Engineering Manager role as companies flatten organizations and expect managers to manage larger teams while also shipping code. It argues that AI-related efficiency claims may reinforce a cycle of reduced management capacity and value. ### Source excerpt The erosion of the EM role ## Why Engineering Player-Coach Roles Are Becoming More Demanding DevFeed: [Why Engineering Player-Coach Roles Are Becoming More Demanding]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Gregor Ojstersek Published: 2026-08-31T13:41:33Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Engineering Leadership]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Artificial Intelligence]() Tags: [engineering-manager](), [team-lead](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview An opinion article argues that engineering leaders are increasingly expected to combine leadership responsibilities with hands-on technical work. It defines player-coaches as people who set direction, support teams, and also perform senior-engineering work such as coding, specification work, incident resolution, and prototyping. ### Source excerpt Engineering Manager, Team Lead, Tech Lead, and Architect roles are becoming harder than ever, but the problematic part is that many people don't understand that and don't give the deserved credit. ## There's more to software development than coding DevFeed: [There's more to software development than coding]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Dan Lew Published: 2026-08-17T16:38:20Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Dan Lew Blog]() Topics: [Development](), [coding](), [Artificial Intelligence](), [AI Development](), [Software Engineering]() Tags: [ai](), [career](), [developer](), [developers](), [development](), [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [like](), [manager](), [product](), [quality-assurance](), [software-development]() ### AI overview This opinion article argues that software development involves much more than writing code. It describes requirements refinement, design and logic review, communication, tradeoff discussions, architecture, project coordination, mentoring, and cross-functional work as important parts of the role. It concludes that these non-coding skills may remain valuable as AI improves at coding. ### Source excerpt Like many software developers, I've been considering the future of my profession in the face of AI. AI can write code. Our job is to write code. It seems natural that we'd be replaced by AI, no? But recently I've been considering the warning ## Engineering Managers' Involvement in Product Decisions DevFeed: [Engineering Managers' Involvement in Product Decisions]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anton Zaides Published: 2026-08-11T06:01:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Manager.dev]() Topics: [Product Management](), [context](), [Claude](), [Claude Code]() Tags: [claude](), [claude-code](), [context](), [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [product-management]() ### AI overview The article argues that engineering managers should participate more actively in product decisions and business discussions. It cites a survey of more than 950 engineering managers, finding that 45% of experienced managers were barely involved and only 16% were very involved in product decisions. ### Source excerpt Only 1 out of 6 EMs is involved in product decisions ## Why engineering managers lose hands-on coding time DevFeed: [Why engineering managers lose hands-on coding time]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anton Zaides Published: 2026-08-04T06:01:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Manager.dev]() Topics: [engineering-culture](), [Software Engineering](), [Development](), [AI-assisted coding]() Tags: [ai](), [coding-agents](), [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [manager]() ### AI overview The article examines how engineering managers gradually lose hands-on coding time as meetings, coordination, and project responsibilities increase. It argues that this shift can become a habit and discusses the case for managers remaining connected to the codebase. ### Source excerpt Never prompted until today ## 7 reasons experienced EMs get stuck DevFeed: [7 reasons experienced EMs get stuck]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anton Zaides Published: 2026-06-30T06:01:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Manager.dev]() Topics: [Job]() Tags: [career](), [engineering-manager](), [mistakes]() ### AI overview An experienced engineering manager reflects on career traps that can cause experienced EMs to stagnate, including confusing job titles or team size with impact. The article draws on the author's experience moving from a director role to an engineering manager role after a failed startup. ### Source excerpt The mistakes that stall a career, even when you see them coming. ## Managing Humans DevFeed: [Managing Humans]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Tom Published: 2026-05-14T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Tomasz Gągor]() Topics: [Software Engineering](), [engineering-culture](), [Development]() Tags: [book](), [business](), [engineering-manager](), [humor](), [improvements](), [innovation](), [leadership](), [management](), [meetings](), [processes](), [software-engineering](), [team](), [technology]() ### AI overview A review of Michael Lopp's Managing Humans, focusing on leadership lessons about managing different team member profiles, channeling conflict productively, driving continuous change, and deciding who should attend meetings. ### Source excerpt Managing Humans Biting and Humorous Tales of a Software Engineering Manager Author: Michael Lopp If you manage people, this book is worth reading. Rather than offering complete solutions, it presents the author's gut feelings based on his experience with what works and what doesn't. It's written lightly, with plenty of humor and healthy doses of sarcasm that make it engaging without being cynical. ## n: the command-line tool that I wrote without writing any code DevFeed: [n: the command-line tool that I wrote without writing any code]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leonidas Partsas Published: 2026-01-04T10:09:38Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [le0nidas]() Topics: [Command-line interface](), [AI-assisted coding](), [Warp](), [Development](), [Go Language](), [GitHub]() Tags: [ai](), [coding](), [coding-agents](), [command-line](), [engineering-manager](), [github](), [go](), [repo](), [vibe-coding](), [warp]() ### AI overview The author describes creating a command-line tool in an afternoon with Warp and coding-agent assistance, choosing Go for the initial implementation. The tool organizes dated notes about reports, supports tagging, editing, deletion, backups using GitHub, and multiple ways to view notes. The author also explains how beads helped manage tasks while keeping the coding agent's context focused. ### Source excerpt There are three reasons I wanted to write this blog post: A tool in an afternoon The idea of a command line tool that will fit my needs was planted quite a while a go. Couldn't find the time or didn't have the energy to act on it so it remained just that, an idea. ... Continue reading n: the command-line tool that I wrote without writing any code -> ## Eight daily ways an Engineering Manager uses AI for coding, planning, incidents, documentation, queries, unit tests, and debugging DevFeed: [Eight daily ways an Engineering Manager uses AI for coding, planning, incidents, documentation, queries, unit tests, and debugging]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Caleb Mellas Published: 2025-07-17T11:30:48Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up software engineering]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [coding](), [debugging](), [Documentation](), [unit tests]() Tags: [ai](), [coding](), [debugging](), [docs](), [engineering-manager](), [tests](), [writing]() ### AI overview An Engineering Manager describes eight practical daily uses of AI across coding, planning, incident work, documentation, complex queries, unit-test writing, and debugging. ### Source excerpt No BS practical everyday ways I use Ai for coding, planning, incidents, docs, complex queries, writing unit tests, debugging, and more ## Taking Ownership and Handling Difficult Responsibilities as an Engineering Manager DevFeed: [Taking Ownership and Handling Difficult Responsibilities as an Engineering Manager]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anna J McDougall Published: 2025-06-25T12:20:24Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Anna J McDougall]() Topics: [engineering-leadership](), [Development]() Tags: [engineering](), [engineering-leadership](), [engineering-management](), [engineering-manager](), [leadership](), [leadership-team](), [management](), [management-skills](), [software-engineering](), [teams]() ### AI overview This commentary argues that engineering managers must sometimes accept conflict and deliver difficult feedback instead of trying to remain peers with their teams. As leaders move away from hands-on development, they must balance engineers' needs with stakeholders, product, and business expectations. ### Source excerpt An Engineering Manager's Guide to Taking Ownership by Taking Heat Title Image: a vibrant yellow background with a picture of Anna smiling, with two red devil-horns superimposed on top. Title text reads: "It's time to be the BAD GUY. An Engineering Manager's Guide to Taking Ownership by Taking Heat"Introduction At my first project management job, I was given the nickname "Mad Dog".* Any time new sales reps would join the company, the existing reps would try to scare them by telling them "Oh shit, you're on Mad Dog's project". The joke, of course, is that I'm a big ol' ray of sunshine: After a few days of being scared to encounter Mad Dog, those reps would meet me and realise they weren't going to have a problem with some hard-ass micromanager. The same is still true today, but I've also come to realise that there are some benefits to being Mad Dog. Sometimes, the best way to help your team is to lean into being the bad guy. In this post, I'll cover some situations where it's good to be bad, and why being the bad guy is a core management skill. * The nickname came about due to my name's similarity to a famous football player (Adam "Mad Dog" MacDougall). Say "Anna McDougall" and "Adam MacDougall" ten times and you'll hear it. Leadership means stepping out of the team As you move up the engineering leadership chain, from EM to Director to VP to CTO, you become less and less a part of the development teams. This sense of social isolation often drives leaders to try their best to be buddy-buddy with developers, to attempt to completely eradicate any sense of hierarchy, and to improve psychological safety. In general, this is a great idea. As a leader, you do need people to know that you're just human. You should have people trust you with their real thoughts. You must enable a culture where failure and feedback are freely given and learned from. But... You are also the one who has to take the heat from above, and sometimes you have to be the bad guy to the team when it come ## EM/PM Relationships Aren't About Luck: 5 Tips for Product/Tech DevFeed: [EM/PM Relationships Aren't About Luck: 5 Tips for Product/Tech]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anna J McDougall Published: 2025-05-13T14:53:24Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Anna J McDougall]() Topics: [Code quality]() Tags: [code-quality](), [compliance](), [engineering-management](), [engineering-manager](), [engineering-mangement](), [identifier](), [improvements](), [iso](), [management](), [product-engineering](), [product-management](), [quality](), [relationships](), [team-lead](), [teams](), [tech-leadership]() ### AI overview An opinion article presents practices for building effective engineering manager and product manager relationships. It emphasizes shared ownership across business, team, and product goals, with quality improvements--including compliance work--as part of an engineering manager's contribution. ### Source excerpt EM/PM Relationships Aren't About Luck: 5 Tips for Product/Tech TeamsHeader image: purple background with the text "EM/PM Relationships Aren't About Luck. 5 Tips for Product/Tech Teams :)" and a photo of Anna and Tanja together.Introduction As my probation period at HelloBetter was coming to an end, my team's Senior Product Manager Tanja Lembcke remarked, "It's great working with an EM who cares so much about product." I could easily have said the same back to her, because it's just as valuable working with a PM who cares deeply about technology, something at which she truly excels. Together, we've become a strong team. Much of that relationship has developed naturally, but I've also noticed a few intentional practices that have helped us along the way. I want to share them here for all the product managers, engineering managers, and whoever else happens to like reading my sporadic blog posts. In the end, Tanja and I didn't just "luck out" working together. There are some tried-and-true strategies we both employ to make the most out of our work and get the results we need. If you prefer LinkedIn, you can view the short-form version of this post as a summary and carousel here. Tip 1: Purposefully be the intersection of business, team, and product As a Team Lead or Engineering Manager, it's important to operate at the intersection of business goals, the engineering team, and product. This means not only using the product but also critiquing it, asking thoughtful questions, and continually returning to the core "Why." It is all too easy to sit back and just wait for features to drop in your lap, estimate them, deliver them, and then dust off your hands with a "job well done" attitude that allows you to add a nice dot-point to your CV about value creation. What is much harder, is to actually focus on quality: that hard-to-measure, hard-to-prove value that is constantly competing with your time. For EMs, we tend to see the word "quality" and jump to the concept of code qu ## I guess i'm an engineering manager now DevFeed: [I guess i'm an engineering manager now]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leonidas Partsas Published: 2024-12-08T11:51:44Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [le0nidas]() Topics: [Development](), [Software Engineering](), [Self-organizing Team]() Tags: [engineering-manager](), [featured](), [software](), [software-development](), [team](), [thoughts]() ### AI overview A personal reflection on transitioning from an individual contributor to an engineering manager in software development. The author describes learning to focus less on writing code and solving every problem personally, and more on supporting the team, setting direction, prioritizing work, and maintaining project quality. ### Source excerpt It took me two and half years to come to terms with my new role. So, why now? I guess its a process like everything else. You start something new and feel completely out of your league. You educate yourself and try to apply your learnings. You make mistakes and feel awful. You try something ... Continue reading I guess i'm an engineering manager now -> ## How I went from Senior Engineer -\> Tech Lead DevFeed: [How I went from Senior Engineer -\> Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Caleb Mellas Published: 2024-07-31T13:19:01Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up software engineering]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [engineering-manager](), [software-engineer](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview A two-part series about lessons learned while progressing from Senior Software Engineer to Tech Lead and then Engineering Manager. ### Source excerpt A two-part series about everything I've learned going from a Senior Software Engineer to Tech Lead to Engineering Manager. ## Code.Lead.Succeed is changing DevFeed: [Code.Lead.Succeed is changing]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Dariusz Sadowski Published: 2024-06-30T12:35:50Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Thinking in Tech]() Topics: [engineering-leadership](), [Software Engineering](), [engineering-culture]() Tags: [engineering-leadership](), [engineering-manager](), [software-engineering](), [updates]() ### AI overview The author explains changes to the Code.Lead.Succeed newsletter and broader publishing strategy for 2024. Long-form content will move to the author's website, while the newsletter will continue with monthly software engineering philosophy articles and personal updates. The author also explains plans to focus more on an engineering leadership coaching business and why they are reducing activity on Substack. ### Source excerpt Code.Lead.Succeed is changing ## Three Mindset Shifts in the Transition from Engineer to Engineering Manager DevFeed: [Three Mindset Shifts in the Transition from Engineer to Engineering Manager]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Tom Bartel Published: 2023-01-03T00:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Trivago]() Topics: [Job](), [meetings](), [Code]() Tags: [engineering-culture](), [engineering-management](), [engineering-manager](), [leadership](), [management](), [manager](), [meetings](), [productivity]() ### AI overview This article discusses the transition from engineering to engineering management, emphasizing that it is a different job rather than simply a promotion. It focuses on redefining productivity when managerial work brings more meetings, interruptions, and less hands-on coding. ### Source excerpt You have always been an engineer, solving problems and writing code. Now, there is an opportunity to become an engineering manager. You are interested.However, questions arise. ## Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager DevFeed: [Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-10-14T11:30:54Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Development](), [coding](), [code reviews]() Tags: [code-reviews](), [coding](), [developers](), [engineering-manager](), [process]() ### AI overview This opinion article explains when engineering managers should code. It advises new managers to focus primarily on people, process, and communication, while identifying bug fixing, proofs of concept, code reviews, and hands-on work in small teams as useful exceptions. Regular coding can create missed deadlines, blocked dependencies, delayed releases, and damaged credibility. ### Source excerpt Keeping our skills sharp without blocking anyone ## Choosing The Right Team + Company As A Software Engineer DevFeed: [Choosing The Right Team + Company As A Software Engineer]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Rahul Pandey Published: 2022-09-30T19:57:26Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Alex Chiou]() Topics: [Job](), [Learning](), [Software]() Tags: [career](), [career-growth](), [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [team]() ### AI overview A career advice article for software engineers about evaluating companies and choosing teams. It recommends focusing on trends among people joining a company rather than individual interview experiences, and says team choice can affect career growth significantly within large technology companies. ### Source excerpt Hey everyone 👋🏽 Today we'll cover: ## Engineering Manager Forum DevFeed: [Engineering Manager Forum]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Dan Na Published: 2021-12-15T17:23:03Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Squarespace](), [Squarespace Engineering Blog]() Topics: [meetings](), [engineering-culture](), [Processes]() Tags: [collective](), [community](), [culture](), [engineering](), [engineering-culture](), [engineering-manager](), [management](), [meetings](), [organizational]() ### AI overview Squarespace describes how independently organized engineering councils and forums share knowledge, encourage discussion and learning, and foster community across the organization. The article introduces a proposal for an Engineering Manager Forum to address management-specific concerns and provide front-line engineering managers with a collective voice. ### Source excerpt More so than any other level of the management chain, front-line engineering managers are the most attuned to the day to day realities of shipping software. Giving them a collective voice to surface what works and what doesn't is critical to understanding the efficacy of organizational policy and process. ## Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile Standardizes Cox Automotive Mobile App Analytics - Touchlab DevFeed: [Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile Standardizes Cox Automotive Mobile App Analytics - Touchlab]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2021-09-13T02:20:41Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Touchlab | Enterprise Mobile Innovation & Development]() Topics: [Kotlin Multiplatform](), [Mobile](), [Kotlin](), [ci]() Tags: [analytics](), [ci](), [ci-cd](), [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [kotlin](), [kotlin-multiplatform](), [kotlin-multiplatform-mobile](), [manager](), [mobile](), [team-lead](), [touchlabshare]() ### AI overview A Touchlab discussion with Cox Automotive engineering leaders Robert Szabo and Turker Nessa Kucuk about using Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile to standardize analytics in the Provision mobile app, including their production experience and CI/CD priorities. ### Source excerpt We're joined by Robert Szabo and Turker Nessa Kucuk from Cox Automotive to discuss Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile for analytics. ## Why Engineering Managers Should Stop Solving Tactical Coding Problems DevFeed: [Why Engineering Managers Should Stop Solving Tactical Coding Problems]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2021-08-16T11:55:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [engineering-culture](), [Code]() Tags: [code-review](), [coding](), [culture](), [engineering-manager](), [team]() ### AI overview The article argues that engineering managers should act as force multipliers instead of routinely taking over coding tasks. It describes how solving tactical problems personally can reduce time for the team, limit team members' opportunities to learn, and make the manager a blocker. ### Source excerpt On the proper care and feeding of monkeys ## Identifying Parts of your Mobile App for High-Impact Code Sharing - Touchlab DevFeed: [Identifying Parts of your Mobile App for High-Impact Code Sharing - Touchlab]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2020-04-13T18:46:45Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Touchlab | Enterprise Mobile Innovation & Development]() Topics: [Mobile](), [Kotlin Multiplatform](), [multiplatform]() Tags: [code-sharing](), [developers](), [engineering-manager](), [kotlin-multiplatform](), [mobile](), [multiplatform](), [thoughts](), [touchlabshare]() ### AI overview Sam Hill discusses approaches for identifying which parts of a mobile app are suitable for high-impact code sharing, in the context of Kotlin Multiplatform. ### Source excerpt Touchlab engineering manager Sam Hill discusses approaches for selecting which parts of your mobile app are good candidates for code sharing. ## 7 ways to convince your engineering manager to pilot Kotlin Multiplatform - Justin Mancinelli DevFeed: [7 ways to convince your engineering manager to pilot Kotlin Multiplatform - Justin Mancinelli]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2019-11-05T23:45:18Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Touchlab | Enterprise Mobile Innovation & Development]() Topics: [Kotlin Multiplatform](), [multiplatform](), [Kotlin](), [business logic](), [Mobile](), [Android](), [iOS]() Tags: [android](), [code-sharing](), [engineering-manager](), [how-to](), [ios](), [kmp](), [kotlin](), [kotlin-multiplatform](), [manager](), [multiplatform]() ### AI overview A tutorial offering seven talking points for developers who want to propose a Kotlin Multiplatform pilot to their engineering manager. It argues that shared business logic across iOS and Android can reduce duplicated work and that a pilot can be introduced incrementally. ### Source excerpt Engineers are excited about KMP but don't know how to sell a Kotlin Multiplatform pilot internally. Justin providies 7 tips to get the conversation started. ## How Product Managers and Engineering Managers Can Stay Aligned DevFeed: [How Product Managers and Engineering Managers Can Stay Aligned]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Map Published: 2019-06-30T20:55:56Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Craig Kerstiens]() Topics: [Product Management](), [meetings]() Tags: [engineering](), [engineering-manager](), [manager](), [philosophies](), [product-management]() ### AI overview The article argues that product managers and engineering managers should present a unified position to their teams. It recommends explicit communication, regular one-on-ones, advance review of team communications, and resolving disagreements privately rather than in team meetings. ### Source excerpt I've worked as a PM at a number of size companies for a few years now. At a startup and then as a part of a larger company once startups were acquired. I've been the first PM for a team as well as first for a company. I've written at times about product management, and today I'd like to drill into one aspect that doesn't seem to get talked about enough and that is the pairing of product manager and engineering manager. Mom vs. Dad As parents my partner and I have learned very quickly that we need to have a consistent voice and unified view of things. I care that our son watches less power rangers otherwise he's going to use his megazord powers on our TV and we'll be watching a lot more of nothing. My partner cares that when we're visiting family in the south they drink enough water so they don't get dehydrated. Meanwhile my kids are experts at leveraging us to get what they want. My daughter came to me last night asking if she could play on her iPad some. Not knowing if she had or if she'd already given an answer my safest question was have you asked your mom? In the absense of knowing my default isn't a yes or no, it's a "let me learn more." and then potentially discuss it. EM vs. PM As a PM I want us to build a rich and powerful product, but there is a strong balance to doing too little vs. too much. It isn't always a question of doing more, we need to make sure the product is well built. In order to do that we need to say no at times. Saying no, as well as yes, needs to come from a unified front, both engineering and product. If one side is agreeing without being aligned with the other half you're going to wind up with a confused and frustrated team. There are a number of ways engineering managers and product managers can stay aligned. The first starts with being explicit with each other, so if you're struggling with one side communicating things the other don't agree with... sit down and have a conversation about it. From an ongoing perspective you can get to a be