Engineering competencies v2: a new suite of competencies are now available, view them here or read the FAQ to understand more about this change.

Senior Engineer 2 (Individual Contributor)

The competencies for Senior Engineer 2 (Individual Contributor) in Engineering are outlined below. Before reviewing them, it is helpful to review how to use these competencies.

Planning and Organising

Effectively manages activities within the available people, resources and keeps to expected or communicated timelines. Includes contributing to task break-down and estimating.

Translates complex business requirements into detailed technical plans. Makes pragmatic trade-offs that balance delivery speed and technical debt, aligning with the FT’s strategic priorities.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Independent Working

Works independently as an individual at each level, showing self-reliance and initiative, and takes responsibility for completing tasks and seeing them through to completion.

Manages projects independently and demonstrates autonomy by proactively addressing risks and ensuring stakeholder and team alignment​.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Makes well-judged and timely decisions, identifies problems, and creates effective solutions.

Resolves complex technical issues, evaluates the feasibility of new features, and makes technical decisions that impact performance.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Business Impact

Recognises the broader business context and strategically aligns actions to support organisational goals.

Suggests opportunities to optimise the use of people and resources (e.g. funds, technology solutions) and improve efficiency.

Proficiency: Foundational

Communication

Effectively listens, understands, and conveys messages in a way that is appropriate to the audience - including verbal, written, use of diagrammes. Uses a range of techniques to influence and make persuasive arguments. Adopts a patient, empathic style, avoids jargon, and checks for understanding in others.

Effectively presents technical decisions and updates to the wider business, listens actively, manages crucial conversations, and provides quality feedback.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Team Work

Collaborates effectively across the organisation.

Leads by example in fostering a collaborative culture across teams. Coordinates efforts and builds consensus to drive project success. Contributes to wider FT initiatives aimed at improving the Technology team.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Curiosity & Learning

Continuously seeks and creates opportunities for learning and growth.

Demonstrates continuous learning and continuous improvement in their own work, and encourages the same as part of the team’s work.

Proficiency: Working knowledge

Leadership of Self and Others

Guides oneself and inspires & develops others to achieve common goals. Reflects on their personal growth to identify areas to enhance their performance and for further development.

Guides and influences the team through expertise, and balances mentorship with project leadership. Oversees multiple projects, ensures progress, and intervenes when necessary to keep work on track.

Proficiency: Foundational

Technical

Demonstrates and shares technical and domain expertise, and develops high-quality, secure and reliable software solutions following industry standards.

  1. Is regularly recognised in their team and group for highly impactful technical contributions of the highest quality.
  2. Provides architectural guidance on projects
  3. Hands-on technical implementation, as well as leading on delivery to keep projects on track.
  4. Has good comprehension of technologies and is able to compare & contrast them to make choices which balance functional and non-functional requirements

Proficiency: Working knowledge