Servers
Develops expertise in server side engineering, using technologies such as Go, NodeJS, or Scala
Level 1
Works effectively within established server side frameworks, following current best practices
Adds NodeJS endpoints using layers architecture
Adds golang endpoints using Gotham architecture
Makes minor server changes to support client needs
E.g. Added IFTTT trigger for new bookmark to medium2
E.g. Added delete audio route to Buggle
E.g. Queried a Dynamo LSI appropriately
Level 2
Develops new instances of existing architecture, or minor improvements to existing architecture
Assesses correctness and utility of existing code and avoids blind copy-pasting
Generalizes code when appropriate
Determines data needs from product requirements
E.g. Identified need for new index on Dynamo
E.g. Acted as caretaker for routes protos
E.g. Updated Facebook API version and codebase dependencies
Level 3
Designs standalone systems of moderate complexity, or major new features in existing systems
Acts as primary maintainer for existing critical systems
Integrates third party services effectively
Writes playbooks for new service maintenance
E.g. Implemented Google Auth login to Medium
E.g. Implemented payments integration with Stripe
E.g. Built Textshots server
Level 4
Builds complex, reusable architectures that pioneer best practices for other engineers, or multi-system services
Delivers complex systems that achieve their goals
Avoids subtle architectural mistakes when considering new systems
Makes appropriate buy vs build choices
E.g. Designed Medium's ranked feed architecture
E.g. Designed custom domains architecture
E.g. Created Gotham framework for creating Go services
Level 5
Is an industry-leading expert in server side engineering or sets strategic server side direction for an eng team
Designs transformational projects of significant complexity and scope
Makes decisions that have positive, long term, wide ranging consequences
Identifies and solves systemic problems with current architecture
E.g. Researched, vetted, and selected Go as Medium's statically typed language
E.g. Defined microservices architecture and medium2 migration plan
E.g. Defined and implemented proprietary IP core to the company's success