{"id":5965,"date":"2026-06-08T16:16:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T10:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/?p=5965"},"modified":"2026-07-15T16:35:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T11:05:27","slug":"sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3-understand-sde-level-differences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3-understand-sde-level-differences\/","title":{"rendered":"SDE-1 vs SDE-2 vs SDE-3: Understand SDE Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In most tech companies, Software Development Engineers (SDEs) are categorized into different levels or tiers based on their skills, experience, and responsibilities. SDE-1, SDE-2, and SDE-3 are the most common divisions across the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SDE-1<\/strong> typically includes university graduates or freshers with 0\u20132 years of experience. They require guidance and structured training before taking on complex projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SDE-2<\/strong> represents intermediate-level engineers with 2\u20135 years of experience. They take ownership of features, lead smaller projects, and mentor juniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SDE-3<\/strong> (also called Senior SDE, Tech Lead, or Staff Engineer) operates at a senior level with 5\u20138+ years of experience. They drive architectural decisions, influence technical strategy, and lead cross-functional teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding these levels isn’t just about knowing your title \u2014 it’s about understanding what companies expect at each stage, how to progress, and how to position yourself for the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"SDE<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nScaler Carousel<\/title>\n\n<!-- Plus Jakarta Sans Font -->\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Plus+Jakarta+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<!-- Swiper CSS -->\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.css\">\n\n<style>\n.scaler-carousel {\n font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n max-width: 900px;\n margin: 24px auto;\n padding: 0;\n box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n.scaler-carousel *,\n.scaler-carousel *::before,\n.scaler-carousel *::after {\n box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n\n\/* Header *\/\n.scaler-header {\n text-align: center;\n margin-bottom: 20px;\n}\n.scaler-header-title {\n font-size: 22px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: #1a1a2e;\n margin: 0 0 6px;\n line-height: 1.2;\n}\n.scaler-header-subtitle {\n font-size: 14px;\n color: #6b7280;\n margin: 0;\n font-weight: 500;\n}\n\n\/* Swiper *\/\n.swiper.scaler-swiper {\n padding-bottom: 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1.35;\n}\n.scaler-desc {\n font-size: 13px;\n color: #6b7280;\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.45;\n}\n\n\/* Stats row *\/\n.scaler-stats {\n display: flex;\n border-top: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n padding: 12px 0;\n}\n.scaler-stat {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 2px;\n flex: 1;\n min-width: 0;\n text-align: center;\n}\n.scaler-stat:not(:last-child) {\n border-right: 1px solid #d1d5db;\n}\n.scaler-stat-value {\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: #111827;\n white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-stat-label {\n font-size: 12px;\n color: #9ca3af;\n}\n\n\/* Company logos *\/\n.scaler-logos {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 12px;\n flex-wrap: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-company-logo {\n height: 20px !important;\n width: auto !important;\n max-width: 70px;\n object-fit: contain;\n display: inline-block;\n}\n.scaler-logo-more {\n font-size: 12px;\n color: #9ca3af;\n white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-logo-strip {\n display: block;\n width: 100% !important;\n max-width: 100%;\n min-width: 0;\n height: auto !important;\n object-fit: contain;\n}\n\n\/* CTA *\/\n.scaler-card-btns {\n margin-top: auto;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n gap: 8px;\n width: 100%;\n padding: 12px 16px;\n border: none;\n border-radius: 10px;\n background-color: #255aad;\n color: #ffffff;\n font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n cursor: pointer;\n text-decoration: none;\n transition: opacity 0.15s ease;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button:hover,\n.scaler-card-btns button:focus {\n opacity: 0.88;\n color: #ffffff;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button svg {\n flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 1000px) {\n .scaler-carousel { max-width: 96vw; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n<div class=\"scaler-carousel\">\n <div class=\"scaler-header\">\n <h2 class=\"scaler-header-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transform-your-career\"><\/span>Transform Your Career<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n <p class=\"scaler-header-subtitle\">Choose from our industry-leading programs designed for career success<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"swiper scaler-swiper\">\n <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\n <!-- CARD 1 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"16 18 22 12 16 6\"\/><polyline points=\"8 6 2 12 8 18\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Modern Software and AI Engineering Program<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Master full-stack development with AI integration<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/academy\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 2 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><ellipse cx=\"12\" cy=\"5\" rx=\"9\" ry=\"3\"\/><path d=\"M3 5v14c0 1.66 4.03 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5\"\/><path d=\"M3 12c0 1.66 4.03 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Modern Data Science and ML with specialisation in AI<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Advanced data science techniques with AI specialization<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/data-science-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 3 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 2L13.5 8.5L20 10L13.5 11.5L12 18L10.5 11.5L4 10L10.5 8.5L12 2Z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Advanced AIML with Specialisation in Agentic AI<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Deep dive into AIML with focus on Agentic systems<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/ai-machine-learning-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 4 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\n <path d=\"M17.5 19H9a7 7 0 1 1 6.71-9h1.79a4.5 4.5 0 1 1 0 9Z\" \/>\n <path d=\"M9.2 15.2a3 3 0 1 0 4.24-4.24\" \/>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">DevOps, Cloud & AI Platform Engineering<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Build and manage AI-powered cloud infrastructure<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/devops-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 5 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\n <line x1=\"3\" y1=\"22\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"22\" \/>\n <line x1=\"6\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"6\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"10\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"10\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"14\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"14\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"18\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"18\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <polygon points=\"12 2 20 7 4 7\" \/>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">AI Engineering Advanced Certification by IIT-Roorkee<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Premier AI engineering certification from IIT-Roorkee<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">3 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-logo-strip\" src=\"https:\/\/scaler-blog-prod-wp-content.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/08135139\/iitr-icons-strip.png\" alt=\"Program highlights\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/iit-roorkee-advanced-ai-engineering-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- Continue for remaining cards (6\u20138) using same pattern -->\n\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Swiper.js -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.js\"><\/script>\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function () {\n const pathParts = window.location.pathname.split(\"\/\").filter(Boolean);\n const slug = pathParts[pathParts.length - 1] || \"\";\n const readableSlug = encodeURIComponent(slug);\n const buttons = document.querySelectorAll(\".scaler-card-btns button\");\n\n buttons.forEach((btn) => {\n const baseURL = btn.getAttribute(\"onclick\").match(\/'(.*?)'\/)[1];\n if (!baseURL.includes(\"utm_source=\")) {\n const separator = baseURL.includes(\"?\") ? \"&\" : \"?\";\n const updatedURL = `${baseURL}${separator}utm_source=blog&utm_medium=program_carousel&utm_content=${readableSlug}`;\n btn.setAttribute(\"onclick\", `window.open('${updatedURL}', '_blank')`);\n }\n });\n\n new Swiper(\".scaler-swiper\", {\n slidesPerView: 1,\n spaceBetween: 28,\n grabCursor: true,\n navigation: { nextEl: \".swiper-button-next\", prevEl: \".swiper-button-prev\" },\n pagination: { el: \".swiper-pagination\", dynamicBullets: true, clickable: true },\n breakpoints: { 1000: { slidesPerView: 2 } },\n keyboard: { enabled: true },\n });\n});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Cross-Company Level Mapping (2026):<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Level Title<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Amazon<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Google<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Microsoft<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Meta<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Apple<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Typical Exp.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Junior \/ SDE-1<\/strong><\/td><td>L4<\/td><td>L3<\/td><td>SDE-1 (Lvl 59\u201361)<\/td><td>E3<\/td><td>ICT2<\/td><td>0\u20132 yrs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Senior \/ SDE-2<\/strong><\/td><td>L5<\/td><td>L4<\/td><td>SDE-2 (Lvl 62\u201363)<\/td><td>E4<\/td><td>ICT3<\/td><td>2\u20135 yrs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Senior SDE \/ SDE-3<\/strong><\/td><td>L6<\/td><td>L5<\/td><td>Principal SDE (Lvl 65)<\/td><td>E5<\/td><td>ICT4<\/td><td>5\u20138 yrs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Staff \/ Principal<\/strong><\/td><td>L7<\/td><td>L6<\/td><td>Partner (Lvl 67+)<\/td><td>E6<\/td><td>ICT5<\/td><td>8+ yrs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Distinguished \/ Fellow<\/strong><\/td><td>L8\/L10<\/td><td>L7\/L8<\/td><td>Distinguished Eng<\/td><td>E7+<\/td><td>ICT6<\/td><td>12+ yrs<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Note: These are approximations. Exact mapping varies by team, interview bar, and company. An Amazon L5 hire may enter at a higher bar than an internal L4\u2192L5 promotion. For the most current total compensation data (base + RSU + bonus), <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.levels.fyi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Levels.fyi<\/em><\/a><em> is the most comprehensive resource.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-a-software-development-engineer-sde\"><\/span><strong>What is a Software Development Engineer (SDE)?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Software Development Engineer (SDE) is a professional responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. SDEs work across the full software development lifecycle \u2014 from requirements gathering and architecture to coding, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDEs collaborate with product managers, designers, QA engineers, and other cross-functional teams to build software that meets user needs and business goals. Strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, system design knowledge, and effective communication are essential for success in this role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"understanding-sde-levels\"><\/span><strong>Understanding SDE Levels<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why do tech companies categorize engineers into levels? It’s not just about years of experience \u2014 it’s about expertise, scope of impact, and the ability to handle increasingly complex responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-1<\/strong> focuses on learning and implementing well-defined tasks under guidance. <strong>SDE-2<\/strong> owns features end-to-end, contributes to architecture, and mentors juniors. <strong>SDE-3<\/strong> drives technical direction, influences product strategy, and leads cross-team initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This tiered structure enables companies to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allocate resources efficiently across projects of varying complexity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide clear career progression paths for engineers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mitigate risk by ensuring experienced engineers handle critical architectural decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer mentorship structures where senior engineers guide junior ones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"912\" src=\"https:\/\/scaler-blog-prod-wp-content.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/12164052\/SDE1-SDE2-and-SDE3-1024x912.webp\" alt=\"SDE1 SDE2 and SDE3\" class=\"wp-image-5969\" style=\"width:500px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Junior engineers (SDE-1s) may focus on learning and implementing basic features, while more experienced engineers (SDE-2s and SDE-3s) take on more complex tasks and leadership roles. The distinction between SDE levels allows for more efficient resource utilization, career development, and risk mitigation in software development projects. <\/p>\n\n\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n\n <!-- Source Sans Pro (topics font) -->\n <link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Source+Sans+3:wght@400;600;700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.css\">\n <script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.js\"><\/script>\n\n <style>\n :root {\n \/* topics design tokens (variables.scss) *\/\n --scaler-primary: #005bb3; \/* primary-color-80 *\/\n --scaler-primary-30: #8acaff; \/* primary-color-30 *\/\n --scaler-brand-blue: #255aad;\n --scaler-live: #ee001d; \/* accent-v5-60 *\/\n --scaler-live-bg: #ffe6e9; \/* accent-v5-10 *\/\n --scaler-card-bg: #ffffff; \/* neutral-scale-0 *\/\n --scaler-surface: #f4f6f9; \/* neutral-scale-2 *\/\n --scaler-text-primary: #1a2c47; \/* neutral-scale-12 *\/\n --scaler-text-secondary: #61738e; \/* neutral-scale-9 *\/\n --scaler-border: #d6dee5; \/* neutral-scale-4 *\/\n --scaler-radius: 16px;\n --scaler-radius-sm: 8px;\n --scaler-shadow: 0 8px 16px 0 rgba(50, 71, 102, 0.16);\n }\n\n .scaler-events-carousel * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n .scaler-events-carousel {\n font-family: \"Source Sans 3\", \"Source Sans Pro\", \"Roboto\", Arial, sans-serif;\n padding: 24px;\n position: relative;\n width: 100%;\n }\n .scaler-events-carousel__inner {\n max-width: 1000px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n position: relative;\n width: 100%;\n }\n\n \/* Header \u2014 calendar icon + \"Live Masterclasses\" *\/\n .scaler-events-header {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 8px;\n margin-bottom: 8px;\n padding: 8px 0;\n }\n .scaler-events-header__icon { display: inline-flex; color: var(--scaler-text-primary); }\n .scaler-events-header__icon svg { width: 24px; height: 24px; }\n .scaler-events-header__title {\n font-size: 18px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n line-height: 1.3;\n margin: 0;\n }\n\n \/* Swiper wrap (holds side arrows) *\/\n .scaler-events-swiper-wrap { position: relative; }\n .scaler-events-carousel .swiper { width: 100%; padding: 4px; }\n .scaler-event-swiper .swiper-slide {\n width: 296px; \/* topics card_container width *\/\n height: auto;\n display: flex;\n }\n\n \/* Event Card \u2014 matches topics EventCard *\/\n .scaler-event-card {\n background: var(--scaler-card-bg);\n border: 1px solid var(--scaler-border);\n border-radius: var(--scaler-radius);\n padding: 16px;\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n height: 100%;\n width: 100%;\n cursor: pointer;\n }\n\n \/* Header row: headshot + title\/name *\/\n .scaler-event-card__header { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; }\n .scaler-event-card__image-wrapper {\n position: relative;\n width: 88px;\n height: 88px;\n min-width: 88px;\n border-radius: var(--scaler-radius-sm);\n overflow: hidden;\n background: var(--scaler-primary-30);\n }\n .scaler-event-card__image {\n position: absolute;\n top: 0; left: 0;\n width: 100%; height: 100%;\n object-fit: cover;\n }\n \/* attendee-count footer (default) *\/\n .scaler-event-card__img-footer {\n position: absolute;\n left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n gap: 4px;\n padding: 1px 8px;\n background: var(--scaler-surface);\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n font-size: 13px;\n line-height: 22px;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__img-footer svg { width: 14px; height: 14px; }\n \/* live chip (shown when status === current) *\/\n .scaler-event-card__live-badge {\n position: absolute;\n left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n gap: 5px;\n padding: 1px 8px;\n background: var(--scaler-live-bg);\n color: var(--scaler-live);\n font-size: 12px;\n line-height: 22px;\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.18em;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__live-badge::before {\n content: \"\";\n width: 6px; height: 6px;\n background: var(--scaler-live);\n border-radius: 50%;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__text { margin-left: 16px; min-width: 0; }\n .scaler-event-card__title {\n font-size: 20px;\n font-weight: 600;\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.4;\n display: -webkit-box;\n -webkit-line-clamp: 2;\n -webkit-box-orient: vertical;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__speaker {\n margin-top: 8px;\n font-size: 14px;\n line-height: 1.4;\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n }\n\n \/* Takeaways *\/\n .scaler-event-card__takeaways {\n margin-top: 12px;\n min-height: 50px;\n max-height: 50px;\n overflow: hidden;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__takeaway-item {\n display: flex;\n align-items: flex-start;\n gap: 6px;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__dot {\n width: 4px; height: 4px;\n min-width: 4px;\n border-radius: 50%;\n background: var(--scaler-text-secondary);\n margin-top: 11px;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__takeaway-text {\n flex: 1;\n min-width: 0;\n font-size: 14px;\n line-height: 24px;\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n white-space: nowrap;\n overflow: hidden;\n text-overflow: ellipsis;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__knowmore,\n .scaler-event-card__knowmore:link,\n .scaler-event-card__knowmore:visited {\n flex-shrink: 0;\n font-size: 14px;\n line-height: 24px;\n color: var(--scaler-primary) !important;\n text-decoration: none;\n white-space: nowrap;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__knowmore:hover { text-decoration: underline; }\n\n \/* Date + duration *\/\n .scaler-event-card__meta {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: space-between;\n margin-top: 20px;\n font-size: 13px;\n line-height: 24px;\n color: var(--scaler-text-primary);\n }\n .scaler-event-card__duration {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 4px;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__duration svg { width: 15px; height: 15px; }\n\n .scaler-event-card__spacer { flex-grow: 1; min-height: 4px; }\n\n \/* CTA \u2014 outlined \"Register with 1-Click\" *\/\n .scaler-event-card__cta,\n .scaler-event-card__cta:link,\n .scaler-event-card__cta:visited {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n width: 100%;\n margin-top: 16px;\n padding: 8px;\n background: transparent;\n color: var(--scaler-primary) !important;\n font-family: inherit;\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 24px;\n text-decoration: none;\n border: 1px solid var(--scaler-primary);\n border-radius: var(--scaler-radius-sm);\n cursor: pointer;\n transition: background 0.2s ease, color 0.2s ease;\n }\n .scaler-event-card__cta:hover,\n .scaler-event-card__cta:focus {\n background: var(--scaler-primary);\n color: #fff !important;\n }\n\n \/* Side navigation arrows *\/\n .scaler-events-nav__btn {\n position: absolute !important;\n top: 50% !important;\n transform: translateY(-50%) !important;\n z-index: 2;\n width: 46px !important;\n height: 46px !important;\n min-width: 46px;\n display: flex !important;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n padding: 0 !important;\n background: var(--scaler-card-bg) !important;\n border: none !important;\n border-radius: var(--scaler-radius-sm) !important;\n box-shadow: var(--scaler-shadow) !important;\n color: var(--scaler-text-secondary) !important;\n cursor: pointer;\n transition: opacity 0.2s ease, visibility 0.2s ease;\n }\n .scaler-nav-prev { left: 8px !important; }\n .scaler-nav-next { right: 8px !important; }\n .scaler-events-nav__btn svg {\n width: 20px !important;\n height: 20px !important;\n fill: var(--scaler-text-secondary) !important;\n }\n .scaler-events-nav__btn.swiper-button-disabled {\n opacity: 0;\n visibility: hidden;\n pointer-events: none;\n }\n\n \/* View All Events *\/\n .scaler-events-viewall,\n .scaler-events-viewall:link,\n .scaler-events-viewall:visited {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n gap: 6px;\n margin-top: 12px;\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n color: var(--scaler-brand-blue) !important;\n text-decoration: none;\n }\n .scaler-events-viewall:hover { text-decoration: underline; }\n .scaler-events-viewall svg { width: 16px; height: 16px; fill: var(--scaler-brand-blue); }\n\n \/* hide swiper defaults *\/\n .scaler-events-pagination { display: none; }\n .scaler-events-carousel .swiper-button-prev,\n .scaler-events-carousel .swiper-button-next { display: none; }\n\n \/* Skeleton & Empty States *\/\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton { pointer-events: none; }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__image-wrapper,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__title,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__speaker,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__takeaways,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__meta,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__cta {\n background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--scaler-border) 25%, var(--scaler-surface) 50%, var(--scaler-border) 75%);\n background-size: 200% 100%;\n animation: shimmer 1.5s infinite;\n color: transparent !important;\n border-color: transparent !important;\n border-radius: 4px;\n }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__title { min-height: 44px; }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__speaker { min-height: 16px; }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__meta { min-height: 24px; }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__cta { min-height: 40px; }\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__image,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__img-footer,\n .scaler-event-card--skeleton .scaler-event-card__live-badge { display: none; }\n\n @keyframes shimmer {\n 0% { background-position: 200% 0; }\n 100% { background-position: -200% 0; }\n }\n\n .scaler-events-empty {\n text-align: center;\n padding: 40px 20px;\n color: var(--scaler-text-secondary);\n font-size: 15px;\n }\n\n @media (max-width: 768px) {\n .scaler-events-carousel { padding: 16px; }\n .scaler-event-swiper .swiper-slide { width: calc(100vw - 52px); }\n .scaler-events-nav__btn { display: none; }\n }\n <\/style>\n\n\n\n <div class=\"scaler-events-carousel js-scaler-carousel\">\n\n <template class=\"js-event-card-template\">\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <article class=\"scaler-event-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__header\">\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__image-wrapper\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" class=\"scaler-event-card__image\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__img-footer\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M11.199 7.957c-3.086 0-5.588 2.502-5.588 5.588s2.502 5.588 5.588 5.588c3.086 0 5.588-2.502 5.588-5.588s-2.502-5.588-5.588-5.588zM3.611 13.545c0-4.191 3.397-7.588 7.588-7.588s7.588 3.397 7.588 7.588c0 4.191-3.397 7.588-7.588 7.588s-7.588-3.397-7.588-7.588z\"\/><path d=\"M21.090 6.369h0.003c1.989 0 3.897 0.79 5.303 2.197s2.197 3.314 2.197 5.303-0.79 3.897-2.197 5.303c-1.406 1.407-3.314 2.197-5.303 2.197-0.552 0-1-0.448-1-1s0.448-1 1-1c1.459 0 2.858-0.579 3.889-1.611s1.611-2.43 1.611-3.889c0-1.459-0.58-2.858-1.611-3.889s-2.429-1.611-3.888-1.611c-0.507 0.002-1.013 0.070-1.502 0.203-0.533 0.145-1.082-0.17-1.227-0.703s0.17-1.082 0.703-1.227c0.659-0.179 1.339-0.27 2.021-0.272z\"\/><path d=\"M10.906 21.364c-1.605 0-3.186 0.386-4.61 1.126s-2.649 1.811-3.572 3.124c-0.318 0.452-0.941 0.561-1.393 0.243s-0.561-0.941-0.243-1.393c1.107-1.576 2.577-2.862 4.286-3.749s3.606-1.351 5.532-1.351 3.823 0.463 5.532 1.351c1.709 0.888 3.179 2.174 4.286 3.749 0.318 0.452 0.209 1.076-0.243 1.393s-1.076 0.209-1.393-0.243c-0.923-1.313-2.148-2.385-3.572-3.124s-3.005-1.126-4.61-1.126z\"\/><\/svg>\n <span class=\"js-event-count\"><\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__live-badge\" style=\"display: none;\">Live<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__text\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-event-card__title\"><\/h3>\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__speaker js-event-speaker\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__takeaways js-event-takeaways\"><\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__spacer\"><\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-event-card__meta\">\n <span class=\"js-event-date\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-event-card__duration\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 6.333c6.443 0 11.667 5.223 11.667 11.667s-5.223 11.667-11.667 11.667c-6.443 0-11.667-5.223-11.667-11.667v0c0.008-6.44 5.226-11.659 11.666-11.667h0.001zM16 28.333c5.707 0 10.333-4.626 10.333-10.333s-4.626-10.333-10.333-10.333c-5.707 0-10.333 4.626-10.333 10.333v0c0.007 5.704 4.629 10.326 10.333 10.333h0.001z\"\/><path d=\"M16 18.667c-0 0-0.001 0-0.001 0-0.184 0-0.35-0.074-0.471-0.195v0c-0.121-0.121-0.195-0.287-0.195-0.471s0.075-0.351 0.195-0.471l4.951-4.952c0.121-0.121 0.287-0.195 0.471-0.195s0.351 0.075 0.471 0.195v0c0.121 0.121 0.195 0.287 0.195 0.471s-0.075 0.351-0.195 0.471l-4.949 4.951c-0.121 0.121-0.288 0.196-0.472 0.196v0z\"\/><path d=\"M19 3.667h-6c-0.368 0-0.667-0.298-0.667-0.667v0c0-0.368 0.298-0.667 0.667-0.667v0h6c0.368 0 0.667 0.298 0.667 0.667v0c0 0.368-0.298 0.667-0.667 0.667v0z\"\/><\/svg>\n <span class=\"js-event-duration\"><\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n\n <a href=\"#\" class=\"scaler-event-card__cta js-event-cta\">Register with 1-Click<\/a>\n <\/article>\n <\/div>\n <\/template>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-events-carousel__inner\">\n <header class=\"scaler-events-header\">\n <span class=\"scaler-events-header__icon\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 33 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M6.406 6.8c-0.11 0-0.2 0.090-0.2 0.2v20c0 0.11 0.090 0.2 0.2 0.2h20c0.11 0 0.2-0.090 0.2-0.2v-20c0-0.11-0.090-0.2-0.2-0.2h-20zM4.606 7c0-0.994 0.806-1.8 1.8-1.8h20c0.994 0 1.8 0.806 1.8 1.8v20c0 0.994-0.806 1.8-1.8 1.8h-20c-0.994 0-1.8-0.806-1.8-1.8v-20z\"\/><path d=\"M22.406 3.2c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8v4c0 0.442-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8s-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8v-4c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8z\"\/><path d=\"M10.406 3.2c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8v4c0 0.442-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8s-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8v-4c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8z\"\/><path d=\"M4.606 12c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h22c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-22c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"\/><path d=\"M21.488 16.451c0.303 0.322 0.288 0.828-0.034 1.131l-5.838 5.5c-0.309 0.291-0.791 0.29-1.099-0.002l-3.162-3c-0.321-0.304-0.334-0.81-0.030-1.131s0.81-0.334 1.131-0.030l2.614 2.48 5.287-4.981c0.322-0.303 0.828-0.288 1.131 0.034z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <h2 class=\"scaler-events-header__title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"live-masterclasses\"><\/span>Live Masterclasses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n <\/header>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-events-swiper-wrap\">\n <div class=\"swiper scaler-event-swiper\">\n <div class=\"swiper-wrapper scaler-events-wrapper\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-pagination scaler-events-pagination\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <button class=\"scaler-events-nav__btn scaler-nav-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous slide\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(-90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <button class=\"scaler-events-nav__btn scaler-nav-next\" aria-label=\"Next slide\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n\n <a class=\"scaler-events-viewall\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/events\/\">\n <span>View All Events<\/span>\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <script>\n document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", () => {\n\n const monthNames = [\"January\",\"February\",\"March\",\"April\",\"May\",\"June\",\"July\",\"August\",\"September\",\"October\",\"November\",\"December\"];\n\n function formatTime(st) {\n const t = new Date(st);\n const date = t.getDate();\n const month = monthNames[t.getMonth()];\n const year = t.getFullYear();\n const h = t.getHours();\n const m = String(t.getMinutes()).padStart(2, \"0\");\n let time;\n if (h === 0) time = `12:${m} AM`;\n else if (h === 12) time = `12:${m} PM`;\n else if (h > 12) time = `${h - 12}:${m} PM`;\n else time = `${h}:${m} AM`;\n return `${date} ${month} ${year} | ${time}`;\n }\n\n const carouselInstances = document.querySelectorAll('.js-scaler-carousel');\n\n carouselInstances.forEach(container => {\n\n if(container.dataset.initialized === \"true\") return;\n container.dataset.initialized = \"true\";\n\n const swiperElement = container.querySelector(\".scaler-event-swiper\");\n const swiperWrapper = container.querySelector(\".scaler-events-wrapper\");\n const template = container.querySelector(\".js-event-card-template\");\n const nextBtn = container.querySelector(\".scaler-nav-next\");\n const prevBtn = container.querySelector(\".scaler-nav-prev\");\n const paginationEl = container.querySelector(\".scaler-events-pagination\");\n\n if (!swiperWrapper || !template) {\n console.error(\"Scaler Carousel: Missing required elements inside container\");\n return;\n }\n\n const swiper = new Swiper(swiperElement, {\n slidesPerView: \"auto\",\n spaceBetween: 16,\n grabCursor: true,\n observer: true,\n observeParents: true,\n pagination: {\n el: paginationEl,\n clickable: true,\n dynamicBullets: true\n },\n navigation: {\n nextEl: nextBtn,\n prevEl: prevBtn\n },\n });\n\n function showSkeletons(count = 4) {\n swiperWrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n for (let i = 0; i < count; i++) {\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n const card = clone.querySelector(\".scaler-event-card\");\n card.classList.add(\"scaler-event-card--skeleton\");\n swiperWrapper.appendChild(clone);\n }\n swiper.update();\n }\n\n function renderEvents(events) {\n swiperWrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n\n if (events.length === 0) {\n swiperWrapper.innerHTML = `<div class=\"scaler-events-empty\">No upcoming masterclasses found.<\/div>`;\n return;\n }\n\n const pathParts = location.pathname.split(\"\/\").filter(Boolean);\n const currentSlug = pathParts.length > 0 ? pathParts[pathParts.length - 1] : \"homepage\";\n\n events.forEach(event => {\n const attr = event.attributes;\n const cd = attr.custom_data || {};\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n const joinUrl = `\/event\/${attr.slug}\/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=master_class&utm_content=${currentSlug}`;\n\n \/\/ Instructor headshot\n const instructor = (cd.instructors && cd.instructors[0]) || {};\n const img = clone.querySelector(\".scaler-event-card__image\");\n img.src = instructor.media_url || attr.image_url ||\n \"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1531891437562-4301cf35b7e4?w=200&h=200&fit=crop\";\n img.alt = instructor.name || attr.instructor_name || attr.title;\n\n \/\/ Title + speaker\n clone.querySelector(\".scaler-event-card__title\").textContent = attr.title;\n clone.querySelector(\".js-event-speaker\").textContent = instructor.name || attr.instructor_name || \"\";\n\n \/\/ Live chip vs attendee count\n const isLive = attr.status === \"current\";\n const footer = clone.querySelector(\".scaler-event-card__img-footer\");\n const liveBadge = clone.querySelector(\".scaler-event-card__live-badge\");\n if (isLive) {\n footer.style.display = \"none\";\n liveBadge.style.display = \"flex\";\n liveBadge.textContent = \"Live\";\n } else if (attr.registration_count) {\n clone.querySelector(\".js-event-count\").textContent = attr.registration_count;\n } else {\n footer.style.display = \"none\";\n }\n\n \/\/ Takeaways (up to 2, Know More on the last)\n const takeaways = (cd.takeaways || []).slice(0, 2);\n const listEl = clone.querySelector(\".js-event-takeaways\");\n listEl.innerHTML = \"\";\n takeaways.forEach((t, idx) => {\n const item = document.createElement(\"div\");\n item.className = \"scaler-event-card__takeaway-item\";\n const dot = document.createElement(\"span\");\n dot.className = \"scaler-event-card__dot\";\n const txt = document.createElement(\"span\");\n txt.className = \"scaler-event-card__takeaway-text\";\n txt.textContent = t;\n item.appendChild(dot);\n item.appendChild(txt);\n if (idx === takeaways.length - 1) {\n const km = document.createElement(\"a\");\n km.className = \"scaler-event-card__knowmore\";\n km.textContent = \"Know More\";\n km.href = joinUrl;\n item.appendChild(km);\n }\n listEl.appendChild(item);\n });\n\n \/\/ Date + duration\n clone.querySelector(\".js-event-date\").textContent = formatTime(attr.start_time);\n let hrs = \"\";\n if (attr.duration) {\n hrs = (attr.duration \/ 60).toFixed(2);\n } else if (attr.end_time) {\n hrs = (Math.abs(new Date(attr.start_time) - new Date(attr.end_time)) \/ 3600000).toFixed(2);\n }\n clone.querySelector(\".js-event-duration\").textContent = hrs ? `${hrs} Hrs` : \"\";\n\n \/\/ CTA\n clone.querySelector(\".js-event-cta\").href = joinUrl;\n\n swiperWrapper.appendChild(clone);\n });\n\n swiper.update();\n swiper.slideTo(0);\n }\n\n async function fetchEvents() {\n try {\n showSkeletons();\n const res = await fetch(\n \"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/api\/v4\/events?event_type[]=company&distributor=scaler&type=upcoming&serializer_mode=L2&limit=8&program[]=software_development&program[]=data_science&program[]=devops&program[]=ai_ml\"\n );\n const json = await res.json();\n const events = json.data || [];\n renderEvents(events);\n } catch (error) {\n console.error(\"Failed to load events:\", error);\n if(swiperWrapper) swiperWrapper.innerHTML = `<div class=\"scaler-events-empty\">Failed to load events.<\/div>`;\n }\n }\n\n fetchEvents();\n });\n });\n <\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let us understand each of these <em>SDE-1, SDE-2, and SDE-3 in detail.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is SDE-1 (Software Development Engineer-1)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An SDE-1 is typically a recent college graduate or an engineer with 0\u20132 years of industry experience. This is an entry-level position where the primary focus is learning the codebase, mastering development practices, and delivering well-defined tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Skills Required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To succeed as an SDE-1, you need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Strong CS fundamentals:<\/strong> Data Structures, Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming, Databases, Operating Systems, Computer Networks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proficiency in at least one programming language:<\/strong> Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, or similar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Problem-solving ability:<\/strong> Comfortable solving medium-level DSA problems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Communication skills:<\/strong> Clear verbal and written communication for collaborating with teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learning agility:<\/strong> Willingness to pick up new tools, frameworks, and technologies quickly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Code quality awareness:<\/strong> Writing clean, readable, and maintainable code<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day-to-Day Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Implementing well-defined features and bug fixes under senior guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Writing unit tests and participating in code reviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attending design discussions and contributing ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debugging issues and troubleshooting production bugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documenting code and technical decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning the company’s development workflow and tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, or related field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong grasp of DSA (Arrays, Trees, Linked Lists, Graphs, Sorting, Searching, Dynamic Programming)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Core CS knowledge (OS, DBMS, Networks, OOP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At least one internship or personal project demonstrating practical coding ability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Familiarity with Git, version control, and basic development tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> Practice MAANG-level interview questions, focus on DSA patterns, and build 2-3 solid projects before applying. An internship can significantly accelerate your path to SDE-1.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/sde-roadmap\/\">SDE Roadmap<\/a> for Beginners<\/p>\n\n\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n\n <!-- Source Sans Pro (topics font) -->\n <link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Source+Sans+3:wght@400;600;700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n <link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.css\">\n <script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.js\"><\/script>\n\n <style>\n :root {\n --cl-primary: #005bb3;\n --cl-brand-blue: #255aad;\n --cl-card-bg: #ffffff;\n --cl-surface: #f6f7f8;\n --cl-border: #d6dee5;\n --cl-text-primary: #1a2c47; \/* neutral-scale-12 *\/\n --cl-text-secondary: #61738e; \/* neutral-scale-9 *\/\n --cl-radius: 16px;\n --cl-radius-sm: 8px;\n --cl-shadow: 0 8px 16px 0 rgba(50, 71, 102, 0.16);\n }\n\n .scaler-courses * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n .scaler-courses {\n font-family: \"Source Sans 3\", \"Source Sans Pro\", \"Roboto\", Arial, sans-serif;\n padding: 24px;\n width: 100%;\n }\n .scaler-courses__inner {\n max-width: 1000px;\n margin: 0 auto;\n position: relative;\n width: 100%;\n }\n\n \/* Header *\/\n .scaler-courses__header {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 8px;\n margin-bottom: 8px;\n padding: 8px 0;\n }\n .scaler-courses__header-icon { display: inline-flex; color: var(--cl-text-primary); }\n .scaler-courses__header-icon svg { width: 24px; height: 24px; }\n .scaler-courses__title {\n font-size: 18px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: var(--cl-text-primary);\n line-height: 1.3;\n margin: 0;\n }\n\n \/* Swiper *\/\n .scaler-courses__swiper-wrap { position: relative; }\n .scaler-courses .swiper { width: 100%; padding: 4px; }\n .scaler-courses-swiper .swiper-slide {\n width: 296px;\n height: auto;\n display: flex;\n }\n\n \/* Card *\/\n .scaler-course-card {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n width: 100%;\n height: 100%;\n min-height: 336px;\n background: var(--cl-card-bg);\n border: 1px solid var(--cl-border);\n border-radius: var(--cl-radius);\n overflow: hidden;\n text-decoration: none;\n cursor: pointer;\n transition: box-shadow 0.2s ease;\n }\n .scaler-course-card:hover { box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(50, 71, 102, 0.12); }\n\n .scaler-course-card__image {\n width: 100%;\n height: 128px;\n min-height: 128px;\n object-fit: cover;\n background: var(--cl-surface);\n display: block;\n }\n\n .scaler-course-card__detail {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n flex: 1 1 auto;\n padding: 16px 16px 8px;\n }\n .scaler-course-card__heading,\n .scaler-course-card__heading:link,\n .scaler-course-card__heading:visited {\n font-size: 20px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 1.4;\n color: var(--cl-text-primary) !important;\n margin: 0 0 8px;\n 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}\n\n \/* Side arrows *\/\n .scaler-courses__nav {\n position: absolute !important;\n top: 50% !important;\n transform: translateY(-50%) !important;\n z-index: 2;\n width: 46px !important; height: 46px !important; min-width: 46px;\n display: flex !important; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\n padding: 0 !important;\n background: var(--cl-card-bg) !important;\n border: none !important;\n border-radius: var(--cl-radius-sm) !important;\n box-shadow: var(--cl-shadow) !important;\n color: var(--cl-text-secondary) !important;\n cursor: pointer;\n transition: opacity 0.2s ease, visibility 0.2s ease;\n }\n .scaler-courses__nav--prev { left: 8px !important; }\n .scaler-courses__nav--next { right: 8px !important; }\n .scaler-courses__nav svg { width: 20px !important; height: 20px !important; fill: var(--cl-text-secondary) !important; }\n .scaler-courses__nav.swiper-button-disabled { opacity: 0; visibility: hidden; pointer-events: none; }\n\n .scaler-courses .swiper-button-prev,\n .scaler-courses .swiper-button-next,\n .scaler-courses .swiper-pagination { display: none; }\n\n \/* Skeleton *\/\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton { pointer-events: none; }\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__image,\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__heading,\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__instructor,\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__desc,\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__footer {\n background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--cl-border) 25%, var(--cl-surface) 50%, var(--cl-border) 75%);\n background-size: 200% 100%;\n animation: cl-shimmer 1.5s infinite;\n color: transparent !important;\n border-radius: 4px;\n }\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__heading { height: 24px; margin: 0 0 8px; }\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__instructor { height: 16px; }\n .scaler-course-card--skeleton .scaler-course-card__footer { height: 20px; }\n @keyframes cl-shimmer { 0% { background-position: 200% 0; } 100% { background-position: -200% 0; } }\n\n .scaler-courses__empty { display: none; }\n\n @media (max-width: 768px) {\n .scaler-courses { padding: 16px; }\n .scaler-courses-swiper .swiper-slide { width: 260px; }\n .scaler-courses__nav { display: none !important; }\n }\n <\/style>\n\n\n <div class=\"scaler-courses js-scaler-courses\">\n\n <template class=\"js-course-card-template\">\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <a class=\"scaler-course-card js-course-link\" href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-course-card__image js-course-image\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <div class=\"scaler-course-card__detail\">\n <div class=\"scaler-course-card__heading js-course-title\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-course-card__instructor js-course-instructor\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-course-card__desc js-course-desc\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-course-card__footer\">\n <span class=\"scaler-course-card__stat js-course-star\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M14.83 2.868c0.342-0.239 0.75-0.368 1.168-0.368s0.826 0.128 1.168 0.368c0.338 0.236 0.596 0.569 0.741 0.955l2.759 6.936c0.003 0.007 0.007 0.013 0.013 0.017s0.013 0.007 0.020 0.007l7.402 0.476c0.411 0.036 0.802 0.194 1.124 0.452s0.559 0.607 0.683 1 0.127 0.815 0.011 1.211c-0.116 0.396-0.347 0.748-0.664 1.013l-5.655 4.714c-0.013 0.011-0.022 0.025-0.028 0.040s-0.006 0.032-0.002 0.047l1.821 7.163c0.107 0.395 0.094 0.812-0.037 1.2-0.133 0.391-0.38 0.734-0.71 0.983s-0.727 0.393-1.14 0.413c-0.413 0.020-0.822-0.084-1.175-0.3l-0.015-0.009-6.307-4.005c-0.004-0.003-0.009-0.004-0.014-0.004s-0.009 0.001-0.013 0.004l-5.876 3.721c-0.389 0.235-0.839 0.347-1.292 0.323s-0.889-0.184-1.251-0.459c-0.361-0.275-0.632-0.652-0.777-1.082-0.143-0.426-0.157-0.885-0.038-1.319l1.684-6.629c0.004-0.016 0.003-0.033-0.002-0.049s-0.015-0.030-0.027-0.040l-5.653-4.714c-0.317-0.264-0.548-0.617-0.664-1.013s-0.112-0.817 0.011-1.211c0.124-0.394 0.361-0.742 0.683-1s0.713-0.416 1.124-0.452l0.023-0.002 7.38-0.476c0.007-0 0.014-0.003 0.020-0.007s0.010-0.010 0.013-0.017l0.008-0.020 2.746-6.913c0.145-0.386 0.403-0.719 0.741-0.956z\"\/><\/svg>\n <span class=\"js-course-star-val\"><\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-course-card__stat\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/user-check-dark.svg\" alt=\"Enrolled\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"js-course-reg\"><\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/template>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-courses__inner\">\n <div class=\"scaler-courses__header\">\n <span class=\"scaler-courses__header-icon\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M26.259 23.289h-20.518c-1.193 0-2.16-0.967-2.16-2.16v0-14.588c0-1.193 0.967-2.16 2.16-2.16v0h20.518c1.193 0 2.16 0.967 2.16 2.16v0 14.588c0 1.193-0.967 2.16-2.16 2.16v0zM5.741 5.501c-0.574 0-1.040 0.466-1.040 1.040v0 14.588c0 0.574 0.466 1.040 1.040 1.040v0h20.518c0.574 0 1.040-0.466 1.040-1.040v0-14.588c0-0.574-0.466-1.040-1.040-1.040v0z\"\/><path d=\"M19.764 27.619h-7.53c-0.309 0-0.56-0.251-0.56-0.56v0c0-0.309 0.251-0.56 0.56-0.56h7.53c0.309 0 0.56 0.251 0.56 0.56v0c0 0.309-0.251 0.56-0.56 0.56v0z\"\/><path d=\"M14.023 9.322c0.116 0 0.223 0.035 0.312 0.096l-0.002-0.001 5.93 3.953c0.151 0.102 0.249 0.272 0.249 0.466s-0.098 0.364-0.247 0.465l-0.002 0.001-5.93 3.953c-0.087 0.059-0.195 0.094-0.31 0.094-0.309 0-0.56-0.25-0.56-0.559v-7.906c0-0.309 0.251-0.56 0.56-0.56v0zM18.943 13.835l-4.36-2.906v5.813z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/span>\n <h2 class=\"scaler-courses__title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"free-courses-by-top-scaler-instructors\"><\/span>Free Courses by top Scaler instructors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-courses__swiper-wrap\">\n <div class=\"swiper scaler-courses-swiper\">\n <div class=\"swiper-wrapper js-courses-wrapper\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <button class=\"scaler-courses__nav scaler-courses__nav--prev js-courses-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(-90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <button class=\"scaler-courses__nav scaler-courses__nav--next js-courses-next\" aria-label=\"Next\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <script>\n document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", () => {\n const EXTRA_COUNT_ADDED = 1000;\n\n \/\/ Mirrors getInstructorStar(): first token of the headline.\n function getInstructorStar(headline) {\n return (headline || \"\").toString().split(\" \")[0] || \"\";\n }\n\n document.querySelectorAll(\".js-scaler-courses\").forEach(container => {\n if (container.dataset.initialized === \"true\") return;\n container.dataset.initialized = \"true\";\n\n const swiperElement = container.querySelector(\".scaler-courses-swiper\");\n const wrapper = container.querySelector(\".js-courses-wrapper\");\n const template = container.querySelector(\".js-course-card-template\");\n const nextBtn = container.querySelector(\".js-courses-next\");\n const prevBtn = container.querySelector(\".js-courses-prev\");\n\n if (!wrapper || !template) return;\n\n const swiper = new Swiper(swiperElement, {\n slidesPerView: \"auto\",\n spaceBetween: 16,\n grabCursor: true,\n observer: true,\n observeParents: true,\n navigation: { nextEl: nextBtn, prevEl: prevBtn },\n });\n\n const pathParts = location.pathname.split(\"\/\").filter(Boolean);\n const currentSlug = pathParts.length > 0 ? pathParts[pathParts.length - 1] : \"homepage\";\n\n function showSkeletons(count = 4) {\n wrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n for (let i = 0; i < count; i++) {\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n clone.querySelector(\".scaler-course-card\").classList.add(\"scaler-course-card--skeleton\");\n wrapper.appendChild(clone);\n }\n swiper.update();\n }\n\n function renderCourses(courses) {\n wrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n if (!courses.length) { container.style.display = \"none\"; return; }\n\n courses.forEach(item => {\n const a = item.attributes || {};\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n const instructor = (a.instructors_data && a.instructors_data[0]) || {};\n\n clone.querySelector(\".js-course-link\").href =\n `https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/topics\/course\/${a.slug}\/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=free_courses&utm_content=${currentSlug}`;\n\n const img = clone.querySelector(\".js-course-image\");\n img.src = a.cover_image_thumbnail || a.featured_image || \"\";\n img.alt = a.title || \"\";\n\n clone.querySelector(\".js-course-title\").textContent = a.title || \"\";\n\n const instrEl = clone.querySelector(\".js-course-instructor\");\n if (instructor.name) {\n instrEl.innerHTML = \"A Course by <b><\/b>\";\n instrEl.querySelector(\"b\").textContent = instructor.name;\n } else {\n instrEl.style.display = \"none\";\n }\n\n clone.querySelector(\".js-course-desc\").textContent = a.description || \"\";\n\n \/\/ Star\n const star = getInstructorStar(instructor.star_headline);\n const starWrap = clone.querySelector(\".js-course-star\");\n if (star && star !== \"0\") clone.querySelector(\".js-course-star-val\").textContent = star;\n else starWrap.style.display = \"none\";\n\n \/\/ Enrolled count (+1000 like topics)\n clone.querySelector(\".js-course-reg\").textContent =\n ((a.user_registration_count || 0) + EXTRA_COUNT_ADDED).toLocaleString(\"en-US\");\n\n wrapper.appendChild(clone);\n });\n\n swiper.update();\n swiper.slideTo(0);\n }\n\n async function fetchCourses() {\n try {\n showSkeletons();\n \/\/ Public same-origin endpoint (topics course search). Returns 6 free courses.\n const res = await fetch(\"\/topics\/api\/v1\/search\/courses\", {\n method: \"POST\",\n headers: {\n \"Content-Type\": \"application\/json\",\n \"Accept\": \"application\/json\",\n \"X-Requested-With\": \"XMLHttpRequest\",\n },\n body: JSON.stringify({\n filters: {\n q: \"\",\n page: { limit: 6, current_page: 1 },\n sort: { key: \"user_registration_count\", order: \"desc\" },\n filter_type: null,\n tags: [],\n program: [],\n level: [],\n category_type: [],\n },\n }),\n });\n const json = await res.json();\n const courses = (json && json.data) || [];\n renderCourses(courses);\n } catch (error) {\n console.error(\"Failed to load courses:\", error);\n container.style.display = \"none\";\n }\n }\n\n fetchCourses();\n });\n });\n <\/script>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is SDE-2 (Software Development Engineer-2)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An SDE-2 is a mid-to-senior level engineer with 2\u20135 years of experience. At this level, you’re expected to own features end-to-end, contribute to system design, mentor juniors, and make independent technical decisions with minimal supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Skills Required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To advance to SDE-2, you should demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>System design fundamentals:<\/strong> Ability to design scalable, maintainable systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced problem-solving:<\/strong> Solving medium-to-hard DSA problems efficiently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Code ownership:<\/strong> Taking full responsibility for features from design to deployment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentorship:<\/strong> Guiding SDE-1s and reviewing code effectively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-functional collaboration:<\/strong> Working with PMs, designers, QA, and other engineering teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical communication:<\/strong> Articulating complex technical decisions clearly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time management:<\/strong> Prioritizing tasks, managing dependencies, and meeting deadlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day-to-Day Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Designing and implementing complex features independently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leading small to medium-sized projects with multiple stakeholders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conducting code reviews and providing constructive feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participating in architecture discussions and technical planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mentoring SDE-1 engineers and onboarding new team members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Troubleshooting production issues and driving post-mortems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborating with product managers on requirement scoping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education & Experience Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u20135 years of professional software development experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrated ownership of at least 2-3 major features or projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience with system design, databases, APIs, and cloud services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong coding skills with multiple languages\/frameworks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"text-align:center; margin:24px 0;\">\n <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/neovarsity\/v2\/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=neovarsity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/scaler-blog-prod-wp-content.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/14131216\/Frame-13-1-scaled.webp\"\n alt=\"Scaler Neovarsity - Skip the GRE, Earn an Accredited US Master's While You Work\"\n style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto; display:block; margin:0 auto; border-radius:8px;\">\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is SDE-3 (Software Development Engineer-3)?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDE-3 (also called Senior SDE, Tech Lead, or Staff Engineer) sits just below Principal\/Architect roles. Engineers at this level have 5\u20138+ years of experience and are responsible for technical direction, architectural decisions, and leading cross-team initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Skills Required<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To reach SDE-3, you need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Architectural thinking:<\/strong> Ability to design large-scale, distributed systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical leadership:<\/strong> Guiding teams, making high-impact technical decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-domain expertise:<\/strong> Deep knowledge across frontend, backend, databases, infrastructure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic thinking:<\/strong> Aligning technical solutions with business objectives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Influence without authority:<\/strong> Driving change across teams without formal management power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Advanced problem-solving:<\/strong> Tackling ambiguous, complex, multi-system challenges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Roles and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Defining technical architecture for new products and major features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leading cross-functional engineering teams and driving delivery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making high-stakes technical decisions with long-term impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mentoring SDE-1 and SDE-2 engineers; conducting technical interviews<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Optimizing system performance, scalability, and reliability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establishing engineering best practices and coding standards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborating with product leadership on roadmap planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Representing engineering in business-level discussions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Education & Experience Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5\u20138+ years of professional experience with demonstrated technical leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proven track record of shipping complex, large-scale systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experience with system design at scale (distributed systems, microservices, cloud architecture)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong communication and leadership skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Ready to advance your career?<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/academy\/?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=in_content_middle&utm_content=sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3\"><em>Scaler’s Software Development Course<\/em><\/a><em> offers comprehensive training in system design, advanced DSA, and interview preparation \u2014 designed to help you level up from SDE-1 to SDE-2 or SDE-3.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is SDE-2 (Software Development Engineer-2)?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Senior Software Engineers, or SDE2, are in charge of planning, developing, constructing, maintaining, and upgrading software applications, in addition to writing well-designed code. Often, 3 or more years of experience are required for the position of SDE2. SDE2 candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as a keen eye for accuracy and detail, as well as sound, imaginative, and logical thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills Required<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following are the requirements to be fulfilled to become an SDE2:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Should have prior experience in delivering high-quality software design and architecture. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proficient in finding bugs and debugging code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Should be able to guide junior engineers and lead a team of junior developers in building efficient software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proficient in programming along with other computer science topics such as databases, data structures, algorithms, compiler design, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ability to work both independently and in a team, along with strong communication abilities, is a must. Working with clients and junior staff requires these. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leadership traits are not the only important requirements; time management and problem-solving abilities are also critical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lastly, having familiarity with multiple operating systems is always a plus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to take the next step in your software engineering career and transition into a leadership role as an SDE2? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/academy\/?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=in_content_middle&utm_content=sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3-understand-sde-level-differences\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scaler’s Software Development Course<\/a> can provide you with the expertise and guidance needed to excel in this demanding position.<\/p>\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n<style>\n :root {\n --sp-brand: #255aad; \/* brand blue *\/\n --sp-brand-hover: #19468c;\n --sp-card-bg: #ffffff; \/* neutral-scale-0 *\/\n --sp-surface: #f4f6f9; \/* neutral-scale-2 *\/\n --sp-pill-bg: #f8fafc;\n --sp-border: #d6dee5; \/* neutral-scale-4 *\/\n --sp-text-primary: #1a2c47; \/* neutral-scale-12 *\/\n --sp-text-secondary: #61738e; \/* neutral-scale-9 *\/\n }\n\n .scaler-placement * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n .scaler-placement {\n font-family: \"Source Sans 3\", \"Source Sans Pro\", \"Roboto\", Arial, sans-serif;\n width: 100%;\n max-width: 100%;\n margin: 24px auto;\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n }\n\n \/* ---- Placement report (OnlineCallout) ---- *\/\n .scaler-placement__title {\n font-size: 24px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 1.3;\n color: var(--sp-text-primary);\n margin: 0 0 16px;\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__card {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n width: 100%;\n background: var(--sp-card-bg);\n border: 1px solid var(--sp-border);\n border-radius: 20px;\n padding: 16px;\n box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(37, 90, 173, 0.04);\n overflow: hidden;\n gap: 5px;\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__top {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n align-items: center;\n width: 100%;\n gap: 18px;\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__stat-block {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n justify-content: center;\n align-items: center;\n width: 30%;\n min-width: 200px;\n flex-shrink: 0;\n background: var(--sp-surface);\n border: 1px solid var(--sp-border);\n border-radius: 16px;\n padding: 16px 10px;\n gap: 8px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-number {\n font-size: 48px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 1;\n color: var(--sp-brand);\n text-align: center;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-label {\n font-size: 13px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 14px;\n color: rgba(37, 90, 173, 0.85);\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 0.8px;\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__info {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n justify-content: center;\n flex: 1;\n gap: 10px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__proof-header {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 8px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__proof-header svg { width: 18px; height: 18px; flex-shrink: 0; }\n .scaler-placement__proof-label {\n font-size: 12px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 16px;\n color: var(--sp-brand);\n text-transform: uppercase;\n letter-spacing: 1px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__body-text {\n font-size: 16px;\n font-weight: 400;\n line-height: 24px;\n color: var(--sp-text-primary);\n margin: 0;\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__bottom {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n align-items: flex-start;\n margin-left: calc(30% + 18px);\n width: calc(70% - 18px);\n gap: 12px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stats-row {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 24px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-item {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 8px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-item > svg {\n color: var(--sp-brand);\n width: 18px;\n height: 18px;\n flex-shrink: 0;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-text {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: row;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 4px;\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-value {\n font-size: 16px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 24px;\n color: var(--sp-text-primary);\n }\n .scaler-placement__stat-desc {\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 400;\n line-height: 20px;\n color: var(--sp-text-secondary);\n }\n\n .scaler-placement__cta,\n .scaler-placement__cta:link,\n .scaler-placement__cta:visited {\n display: inline-flex;\n align-items: center;\n align-self: flex-start;\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n line-height: 20px;\n color: var(--sp-brand) !important;\n gap: 6px;\n text-decoration: none;\n cursor: pointer;\n margin-top: 2px;\n transition: color 0.25s ease;\n }\n .scaler-placement__cta:hover,\n .scaler-placement__cta:focus { color: var(--sp-brand-hover) !important; }\n .scaler-placement__cta svg {\n width: 14px;\n height: 14px;\n fill: currentColor;\n transition: transform 0.25s ease;\n }\n .scaler-placement__cta:hover svg { transform: translateX(3px); }\n\n \/* ---- Hiring Partners ---- *\/\n .scaler-hiring {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n flex-wrap: wrap;\n gap: 8px 12px;\n margin: 24px 0 8px;\n padding-top: 16px;\n border-top: 1px solid var(--sp-border);\n }\n .scaler-hiring__label {\n font-size: 14px;\n color: var(--sp-text-secondary);\n white-space: nowrap;\n }\n .scaler-hiring__pills {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n flex-wrap: wrap;\n gap: 8px;\n }\n .scaler-hiring__pill {\n display: inline-flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 6px;\n padding: 5px 12px 5px 5px;\n background: var(--sp-pill-bg);\n border-radius: 999px;\n }\n .scaler-hiring__badge {\n display: inline-flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n flex-shrink: 0;\n width: 24px;\n height: 24px;\n border-radius: 50%;\n background: #ffffff;\n }\n .scaler-hiring__logo {\n width: 16px !important;\n height: 16px !important;\n object-fit: contain;\n margin: 0 !important;\n display: block;\n }\n .scaler-hiring__name {\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n color: var(--sp-text-primary);\n }\n .scaler-hiring__more {\n font-size: 14px;\n color: var(--sp-text-secondary);\n }\n\n @media (max-width: 768px) {\n .scaler-placement__title { font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 12px; }\n .scaler-placement__card { gap: 16px; border-radius: 16px; }\n .scaler-placement__top { gap: 12px; }\n .scaler-placement__stat-block { width: 35%; min-width: 110px; padding: 12px 8px; gap: 4px; }\n .scaler-placement__stat-number { font-size: 24px; }\n .scaler-placement__stat-label { font-size: 10px; }\n .scaler-placement__body-text { font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; }\n .scaler-placement__bottom { margin-left: 0; width: 100%; gap: 16px; }\n .scaler-placement__stats-row { flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 10px 16px; }\n .scaler-placement__stat-value { font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; }\n .scaler-placement__stat-desc { font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; }\n }\n<\/style>\n\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n\n <!-- Source Sans Pro (topics font) -->\n <link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Source+Sans+3:wght@400;600;700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n\n<div class=\"scaler-placement\">\n <h2 class=\"scaler-placement__title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"scaler-placement-report-and-statistics\"><\/span>Scaler Placement Report and Statistics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-block\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-number\">\u20b923L<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-label\">AVG CTC<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__info\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__proof-header\">\n <svg viewBox=\"0 0 21 21\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M8.64 0 0 8.683V21h12.257l8.64-8.683V0H8.64zm-.11 17.257H3.725v-4.828H8.53v4.828zm7.901-1.88-4.174 4.194V8.684H1.447l4.076-4.14h10.914l-.006 10.83v.004z\" fill=\"#255aad\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__proof-label\">SCALER PLACEMENT PROOF<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <p class=\"scaler-placement__body-text\">\n Scaler learners achieved 2.5x salary growth with average post-Scaler CTC reaching \u20b923L.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__bottom\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stats-row\">\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-item\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M11.199 7.957c-3.086 0-5.588 2.502-5.588 5.588s2.502 5.588 5.588 5.588c3.086 0 5.588-2.502 5.588-5.588s-2.502-5.588-5.588-5.588zM3.611 13.545c0-4.191 3.397-7.588 7.588-7.588s7.588 3.397 7.588 7.588c0 4.191-3.397 7.588-7.588 7.588s-7.588-3.397-7.588-7.588z\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.090 6.369h0.003c1.989 0 3.897 0.79 5.303 2.197s2.197 3.314 2.197 5.303-0.79 3.897-2.197 5.303c-1.406 1.407-3.314 2.197-5.303 2.197-0.552 0-1-0.448-1-1s0.448-1 1-1c1.459 0 2.858-0.579 3.889-1.611s1.611-2.43 1.611-3.889c0-1.459-0.58-2.858-1.611-3.889s-2.429-1.611-3.888-1.611c-0.507 0.002-1.013 0.070-1.502 0.203-0.533 0.145-1.082-0.17-1.227-0.703s0.17-1.082 0.703-1.227c0.659-0.179 1.339-0.27 2.021-0.272z\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.906 21.364c-1.605 0-3.186 0.386-4.61 1.126s-2.649 1.811-3.572 3.124c-0.318 0.452-0.941 0.561-1.393 0.243s-0.561-0.941-0.243-1.393c1.107-1.576 2.577-2.862 4.286-3.749s3.606-1.351 5.532-1.351 3.823 0.463 5.532 1.351c1.709 0.888 3.179 2.174 4.286 3.749 0.318 0.452 0.209 1.076-0.243 1.393s-1.076 0.209-1.393-0.243c-0.923-1.313-2.148-2.385-3.572-3.124s-3.005-1.126-4.61-1.126z\"><\/path><path d=\"M25.704 22.493c-1.424-0.74-3.005-1.125-4.61-1.124-0.552 0-1-0.447-1.001-0.999s0.447-1 0.999-1.001c1.926-0.001 3.824 0.462 5.533 1.349s3.179 2.174 4.286 3.751c0.317 0.452 0.208 1.076-0.244 1.393s-1.076 0.208-1.393-0.244c-0.922-1.313-2.147-2.385-3.571-3.125z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-text\">\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__stat-value\">11,000+<\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__stat-desc\">placements<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-item\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M1.2 27.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h28c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-28c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M3.727 4.227c0.338-0.338 0.795-0.527 1.273-0.527h12c0.477 0 0.935 0.19 1.273 0.527s0.527 0.795 0.527 1.273v22c0 0.442-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8s-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8v-22c0-0.053-0.021-0.104-0.059-0.141s-0.088-0.059-0.141-0.059h-12c-0.053 0-0.104 0.021-0.141 0.059s-0.059 0.088-0.059 0.141v22c0 0.442-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8s-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8v-22c0-0.477 0.19-0.935 0.527-1.273z\"><\/path><path d=\"M17.2 12.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h9c0.477 0 0.935 0.19 1.273 0.527s0.527 0.795 0.527 1.273v14c0 0.442-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8s-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8v-14c0-0.053-0.021-0.104-0.059-0.141s-0.088-0.059-0.141-0.059h-9c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M7.2 9.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h4c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-4c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M9.2 17.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h4c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-4c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M7.2 22.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h4c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-4c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.2 22.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h2c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-2c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><path d=\"M21.2 17.5c0-0.442 0.358-0.8 0.8-0.8h2c0.442 0 0.8 0.358 0.8 0.8s-0.358 0.8-0.8 0.8h-2c-0.442 0-0.8-0.358-0.8-0.8z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-text\">\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__stat-value\">650+<\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__stat-desc\">companies<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-placement__stat-item\">\n <svg viewBox=\"0 0 25 24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M5.60938 18.8906C4.74688 18.0281 5.31875 16.2188 4.87813 15.1594C4.4375 14.1 2.75 13.1719 2.75 12C2.75 10.8281 4.41875 9.9375 4.87813 8.84063C5.3375 7.74375 4.74688 5.97187 5.60938 5.10938C6.47187 4.24688 8.28125 4.81875 9.34063 4.37813C10.4 3.9375 11.3281 2.25 12.5 2.25C13.6719 2.25 14.5625 3.91875 15.6594 4.37813C16.7562 4.8375 18.5281 4.24688 19.3906 5.10938C20.2531 5.97187 19.6812 7.78125 20.1219 8.84063C20.5625 9.9 22.25 10.8281 22.25 12C22.25 13.1719 20.5813 14.0625 20.1219 15.1594C19.6625 16.2562 20.2531 18.0281 19.3906 18.8906C18.5281 19.7531 16.7188 19.1812 15.6594 19.6219C14.6 20.0625 13.6719 21.75 12.5 21.75C11.3281 21.75 10.4375 20.0813 9.34063 19.6219C8.24375 19.1625 6.47187 19.7531 5.60938 18.8906Z\" fill=\"#ffffff\" stroke=\"#255aad\" stroke-width=\"1.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><path d=\"M16.625 9.75L11.1219 15L8.375 12.375\" stroke=\"#255aad\" stroke-width=\"1.4\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <span class=\"scaler-placement__stat-desc\">Verified data<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <a class=\"scaler-placement__cta\" href=\"https:\/\/d2beiqkhq929f0.cloudfront.net\/public_assets\/assets\/000\/195\/869\/original\/Scaler_Career_Report.pdf?1778499863\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n See full placement report\n <svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-hiring\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__label\">Hiring Partners:<\/span>\n <div class=\"scaler-hiring__pills\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__pill\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__badge\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-hiring__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/googleicon_.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__name\">Google<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__pill\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__badge\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-hiring__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/amazonicon_.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__name\">Amazon<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__pill\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__badge\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-hiring__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/microsoft.svg\" alt=\"Microsoft\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__name\">Microsoft<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__pill\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__badge\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-hiring__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/flipkarticon_.svg\" alt=\"Flipkart\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__name\">Flipkart<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__pill\">\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__badge\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-hiring__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/d19zaobb0foqu6.cloudfront.net\/topics\/images\/adobeicon_.svg\" alt=\"Adobe\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__name\">Adobe<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <span class=\"scaler-hiring__more\">1200+ more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Responsibilities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we advance in roles, there are fewer coding tasks and more responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As an SDE2, you are responsible for understanding the overall business requirements and planning and developing the software accordingly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building and managing tools, conferring with users, and studying the system flow, data flow, work processes, etc. of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/software-development-life-cycle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">software development lifecycle<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify and prioritize tasks, and perform validation and verification testing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborate with internal teams, vendors, etc. to add functionalities and improve products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n<title>Scaler Carousel<\/title>\n\n<!-- Plus Jakarta Sans Font -->\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Plus+Jakarta+Sans:wght@400;500;600;700&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<!-- Swiper CSS -->\n<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.css\">\n\n<style>\n.scaler-carousel {\n font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n max-width: 900px;\n margin: 24px auto;\n padding: 0;\n box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n.scaler-carousel *,\n.scaler-carousel *::before,\n.scaler-carousel *::after {\n box-sizing: border-box;\n}\n\n\/* Header *\/\n.scaler-header {\n text-align: center;\n margin-bottom: 20px;\n}\n.scaler-header-title {\n font-size: 22px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: #1a1a2e;\n margin: 0 0 6px;\n line-height: 1.2;\n}\n.scaler-header-subtitle {\n font-size: 14px;\n color: #6b7280;\n margin: 0;\n font-weight: 500;\n}\n\n\/* Swiper *\/\n.swiper.scaler-swiper {\n padding-bottom: 48px;\n}\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-slide {\n height: auto;\n display: flex;\n align-items: stretch;\n}\n\/* Navigation arrows \u2014 styled to match the topics HorizontalScroll controls *\/\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-next,\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-prev {\n width: 46px;\n height: 46px;\n border-radius: 8px;\n background: #ffffff;\n box-shadow: 0 8px 16px 0 rgba(50, 71, 102, 0.16);\n top: calc(50% - 24px); \/* centre on the cards, ignoring the pagination space below *\/\n transform: translateY(-50%);\n margin-top: 0;\n}\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-prev { left: 10px; }\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-next { right: 10px; }\n\/* hide Swiper's default font-icon arrow and draw the topics chevron via a mask *\/\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-next::after,\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-prev::after {\n content: \"\";\n width: 20px;\n height: 20px;\n background-color: #61738e;\n -webkit-mask: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 32 32'%3E%3Cpath d='M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") no-repeat center \/ contain;\n mask: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' viewBox='0 0 32 32'%3E%3Cpath d='M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") no-repeat center \/ contain;\n}\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-prev::after { transform: rotate(-90deg); }\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-next::after { transform: rotate(90deg); }\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-button-disabled {\n opacity: 0.35;\n pointer-events: none;\n}\n.scaler-swiper .swiper-pagination-bullet-active {\n background: #255aad;\n}\n\n\/* Card *\/\n.scaler-card {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n gap: 14px;\n width: 100%;\n background: #ffffff;\n border: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n border-radius: 16px;\n padding: 24px;\n box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);\n transition: box-shadow 0.2s ease;\n}\n.scaler-card:hover {\n box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.10);\n}\n\n\/* NSDC badge *\/\n.scaler-badge {\n display: inline-flex;\n align-items: center;\n align-self: flex-start;\n background: #f3f4f6;\n color: #111827;\n font-size: 12px;\n font-weight: 600;\n padding: 4px 10px;\n border-radius: 20px;\n white-space: nowrap;\n letter-spacing: 0.1px;\n}\n\n\/* Top: icon + title + description *\/\n.scaler-card-top {\n display: flex;\n align-items: flex-start;\n gap: 12px;\n min-height: 100px;\n}\n.scaler-icon-wrap {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n width: 64px;\n height: 64px;\n border-radius: 12px;\n background: #f3f4f6;\n color: #374151;\n flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n.scaler-icon-wrap svg {\n width: 26px;\n height: 26px;\n}\n.scaler-card-top-content {\n flex: 1;\n min-width: 0;\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n gap: 5px;\n}\n.scaler-title {\n font-size: 16px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: #111827;\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.35;\n}\n.scaler-desc {\n font-size: 13px;\n color: #6b7280;\n margin: 0;\n line-height: 1.45;\n}\n\n\/* Stats row *\/\n.scaler-stats {\n display: flex;\n border-top: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n border-bottom: 1px solid #e5e7eb;\n padding: 12px 0;\n}\n.scaler-stat {\n display: flex;\n flex-direction: column;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 2px;\n flex: 1;\n min-width: 0;\n text-align: center;\n}\n.scaler-stat:not(:last-child) {\n border-right: 1px solid #d1d5db;\n}\n.scaler-stat-value {\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 700;\n color: #111827;\n white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-stat-label {\n font-size: 12px;\n color: #9ca3af;\n}\n\n\/* Company logos *\/\n.scaler-logos {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n gap: 12px;\n flex-wrap: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-company-logo {\n height: 20px !important;\n width: auto !important;\n max-width: 70px;\n object-fit: contain;\n display: inline-block;\n}\n.scaler-logo-more {\n font-size: 12px;\n color: #9ca3af;\n white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.scaler-logo-strip {\n display: block;\n width: 100% !important;\n max-width: 100%;\n min-width: 0;\n height: auto !important;\n object-fit: contain;\n}\n\n\/* CTA *\/\n.scaler-card-btns {\n margin-top: auto;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button {\n display: flex;\n align-items: center;\n justify-content: center;\n gap: 8px;\n width: 100%;\n padding: 12px 16px;\n border: none;\n border-radius: 10px;\n background-color: #255aad;\n color: #ffffff;\n font-family: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', sans-serif;\n font-size: 14px;\n font-weight: 600;\n cursor: pointer;\n text-decoration: none;\n transition: opacity 0.15s ease;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button:hover,\n.scaler-card-btns button:focus {\n opacity: 0.88;\n color: #ffffff;\n}\n.scaler-card-btns button svg {\n flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 1000px) {\n .scaler-carousel { max-width: 96vw; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n<div class=\"scaler-carousel\">\n <div class=\"scaler-header\">\n <h2 class=\"scaler-header-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"transform-your-career-2\"><\/span>Transform Your Career<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n <p class=\"scaler-header-subtitle\">Choose from our industry-leading programs designed for career success<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"swiper scaler-swiper\">\n <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\n <!-- CARD 1 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"16 18 22 12 16 6\"\/><polyline points=\"8 6 2 12 8 18\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Modern Software and AI Engineering Program<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Master full-stack development with AI integration<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/academy\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 2 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><ellipse cx=\"12\" cy=\"5\" rx=\"9\" ry=\"3\"\/><path d=\"M3 5v14c0 1.66 4.03 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3V5\"\/><path d=\"M3 12c0 1.66 4.03 3 9 3s9-1.34 9-3\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Modern Data Science and ML with specialisation in AI<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Advanced data science techniques with AI specialization<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/data-science-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 3 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><path d=\"M12 2L13.5 8.5L20 10L13.5 11.5L12 18L10.5 11.5L4 10L10.5 8.5L12 2Z\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">Advanced AIML with Specialisation in Agentic AI<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Deep dive into AIML with focus on Agentic systems<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/ai-machine-learning-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 4 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\n <path d=\"M17.5 19H9a7 7 0 1 1 6.71-9h1.79a4.5 4.5 0 1 1 0 9Z\" \/>\n <path d=\"M9.2 15.2a3 3 0 1 0 4.24-4.24\" \/>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">DevOps, Cloud & AI Platform Engineering<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Build and manage AI-powered cloud infrastructure<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">12 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/2\/2f\/Google_2015_logo.svg\" alt=\"Google\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/a\/a9\/Amazon_logo.svg\" alt=\"Amazon\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-company-logo\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/4\/42\/Paytm_logo.png\" alt=\"Paytm\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <span class=\"scaler-logo-more\">+1000 more<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/devops-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- CARD 5 -->\n <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n <div class=\"scaler-card\">\n <div class=\"scaler-badge\">NSDC Certified<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top\">\n <div class=\"scaler-icon-wrap\">\n <svg width=\"26\" height=\"26\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\">\n <line x1=\"3\" y1=\"22\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"22\" \/>\n <line x1=\"6\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"6\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"10\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"10\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"14\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"14\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <line x1=\"18\" y1=\"18\" x2=\"18\" y2=\"11\" \/>\n <polygon points=\"12 2 20 7 4 7\" \/>\n <\/svg>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-top-content\">\n <h3 class=\"scaler-title\">AI Engineering Advanced Certification by IIT-Roorkee<\/h3>\n <p class=\"scaler-desc\">Premier AI engineering certification from IIT-Roorkee<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stats\">\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">3 Months<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Duration<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">AI-Led<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Curriculum<\/span><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-stat\"><span class=\"scaler-stat-value\">Career Support<\/span><span class=\"scaler-stat-label\">Support<\/span><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-logos\">\n <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-logo-strip\" src=\"https:\/\/scaler-blog-prod-wp-content.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/08135139\/iitr-icons-strip.png\" alt=\"Program highlights\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-card-btns\">\n <button onclick=\"window.open('https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/iit-roorkee-advanced-ai-engineering-course\/', '_blank')\">\n Go to Program\n <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M3 8H13M13 8L9 4M13 8L9 12\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <!-- Continue for remaining cards (6\u20138) using same pattern -->\n\n <\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Swiper.js -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/cdn.jsdelivr.net\/npm\/swiper@11\/swiper-bundle.min.js\"><\/script>\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function () {\n const pathParts = window.location.pathname.split(\"\/\").filter(Boolean);\n const slug = pathParts[pathParts.length - 1] || \"\";\n const readableSlug = encodeURIComponent(slug);\n const buttons = document.querySelectorAll(\".scaler-card-btns button\");\n\n buttons.forEach((btn) => {\n const baseURL = btn.getAttribute(\"onclick\").match(\/'(.*?)'\/)[1];\n if (!baseURL.includes(\"utm_source=\")) {\n const separator = baseURL.includes(\"?\") ? \"&\" : \"?\";\n const updatedURL = `${baseURL}${separator}utm_source=blog&utm_medium=program_carousel&utm_content=${readableSlug}`;\n btn.setAttribute(\"onclick\", `window.open('${updatedURL}', '_blank')`);\n }\n });\n\n new Swiper(\".scaler-swiper\", {\n slidesPerView: 1,\n spaceBetween: 28,\n grabCursor: true,\n navigation: { nextEl: \".swiper-button-next\", prevEl: \".swiper-button-prev\" },\n pagination: { el: \".swiper-pagination\", dynamicBullets: true, clickable: true },\n breakpoints: { 1000: { slidesPerView: 2 } },\n keyboard: { enabled: true },\n });\n});\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education and Experience Requirements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A bachelor\u2019s degree in computer science or related field. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A minimum of 3 years experience developing application software.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Knowledge and experience in web architecture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong coding and problem-solving skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Roles and Responsibilities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we come to SDE 3, you are in charge of almost everything going around with the software. You must know every single detail of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have complete control over the platforms and modules that SDEs will develop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assist the product in refining the vision and influencing the technology roadmap.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deliver excellent software on time while working in an agile environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Must know and be able to work with a wide range of technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focus on optimizing the software, and make sure it is built with best practices and is scalable for future requirements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Function with other internal teams to design, prototype, integrate, and implement modules and products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide the service boundaries and develop the end-to-end architecture of the new product. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take the leap from learning to doing. Attend a free masterclass today.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3-key-differences\"><\/span><strong>SDE-1 vs SDE-2 vs SDE-3: Key Differences<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Dimension<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-1 (Junior)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-2 (Senior)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-3 (Staff\/Lead)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Years of experience<\/strong><\/td><td>0\u20132 years<\/td><td>2\u20135 years<\/td><td>5\u20138+ years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Primary focus<\/strong><\/td><td>Implementing well-defined tasks<\/td><td>Owning features end-to-end<\/td><td>Defining technical direction<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Who assigns work<\/strong><\/td><td>Senior engineer\/manager<\/td><td>Self-initiated with guidance<\/td><td>Sets own agenda<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coding expectation<\/strong><\/td><td>High \u2014 primary day-to-day activity<\/td><td>High \u2014 plus architecture input<\/td><td>Moderate \u2014 more design than coding<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Problem scope<\/strong><\/td><td>Well-defined, scoped problems<\/td><td>Complex, ambiguous problems<\/td><td>Org-wide, multi-system problems<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>System design role<\/strong><\/td><td>Learns and participates<\/td><td>Contributes to design discussions<\/td><td>Leads and drives architecture<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mentoring<\/strong><\/td><td>Receives mentoring<\/td><td>Mentors SDE-1s<\/td><td>Mentors entire team<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Business context<\/strong><\/td><td>Needs explicit context<\/td><td>Understands business impact<\/td><td>Drives tech-business alignment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Salary range India (2026)<\/strong><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.co.in\/Salaries\/sde-1-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u20b98\u201318 LPA (base)<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.co.in\/Salaries\/sde-2-salary-SRCH_KO0,5.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u20b917\u201334 LPA (base)<\/a><\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.co.in\/Salaries\/software-development-engineer-sde-iii-salary-SRCH_KO0,37.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u20b923\u201344+ LPA (base, MAANG)<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Common promotion blocker<\/strong><\/td><td>Not demonstrating scope beyond assigned tasks<\/td><td>Not stepping into architecture\/leadership<\/td><td>Not influencing org-level decisions<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Myths About SDE Levels (Debunked)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> SDE-2 means you've been coding for 3 years.<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong> Years of experience is a guideline, not a rule. Strong SDE-1s can get promoted in 18 months; others may take 5+ years. Impact matters more than tenure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> SDE-3 is just a more experienced SDE-2.<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong> SDE-3 is a qualitative shift \u2014 from \"does the right things\" to \"defines what the right things are.\" It requires strategic thinking, architectural leadership, and cross-team influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> FAANG SDE-1 is harder to get than startup SDE-3.<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong> FAANG SDE-1 interviews test coding depth heavily, but startup SDE-3 roles often carry significantly more actual responsibility \u2014 including architecture, hiring, and business alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> High performance reviews guarantee promotion.<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong> Performance makes you eligible; promotion depends on level vacancies, business needs, team structure, and having a manager who actively advocates for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Myth:<\/strong> You need a CS degree to become an SDE.<br><strong>Reality:<\/strong> While a CS degree helps with fundamentals, many successful SDEs come from bootcamps, self-study, or non-traditional backgrounds. What matters is demonstrable skill, project experience, and problem-solving ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SDE Levels Salary Comparison (2026)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox, Levels.fyi \u2014 2026 estimates. Figures represent base salary ranges for product-based companies; total compensation including RSUs and bonuses can be 30\u2013100% higher at top firms.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-1 Salary (India)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Company<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Base Salary<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Total Comp (TC) Range<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Amazon<\/td><td>\u20b918\u201322 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b928\u201340 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google<\/td><td>\u20b920\u201325 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b932\u201345 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Microsoft<\/td><td>\u20b918\u201322 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b928\u201340 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meta<\/td><td>\u20b922\u201328 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201355 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flipkart<\/td><td>\u20b916\u201320 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b922\u201330 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Uber<\/td><td>\u20b924\u201330 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201350 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlassian<\/td><td>\u20b928\u201335 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b938\u201348 LPA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-2 Salary (India)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Company<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Base Salary<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Total Comp (TC) Range<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Amazon<\/td><td>\u20b928\u201340 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201370 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google<\/td><td>\u20b932\u201345 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b950\u201380 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Microsoft<\/td><td>\u20b930\u201342 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201365 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meta<\/td><td>\u20b938\u201355 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b960\u2013100 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flipkart<\/td><td>\u20b922\u201332 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b930\u201345 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Uber<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201350 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b950\u201380 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlassian<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201348 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201360 LPA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-3 Salary (India)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Company<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Average Base Salary<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Total Comp (TC) Range<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Amazon<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201365 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b970\u2013120+ LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Google<\/td><td>\u20b950\u201370 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b975\u2013130+ LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Microsoft<\/td><td>\u20b942\u201360 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b960\u2013100+ LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Meta<\/td><td>\u20b955\u201380 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b985\u2013150+ LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flipkart<\/td><td>\u20b930\u201345 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b940\u201365 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Uber<\/td><td>\u20b950\u201375 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b970\u2013120+ LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Atlassian<\/td><td>\u20b948\u201365 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b960\u201385 LPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ola<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201350 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201365 LPA<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>India City-Wise Salary Breakdown (2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>City<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-1 Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-2 Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-3 Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bangalore<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b912\u201322 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b920\u201355 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b945\u201385+ LPA<\/td><td>Highest in India \u2014 FAANG, unicorns, MNCs concentrated here<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hyderabad<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b910\u201318 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b916\u201345 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b935\u201370 LPA<\/td><td>Strong Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs presence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mumbai<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b910\u201318 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b915\u201340 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b930\u201360 LPA<\/td><td>Finance-heavy tech roles; JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pune<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b98\u201316 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b914\u201335 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b928\u201355 LPA<\/td><td>Strong services + mid-tier product companies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Delhi NCR<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b99\u201316 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b915\u201338 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b930\u201358 LPA<\/td><td>Mix of services and product; remote-friendly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chennai<\/strong><\/td><td>\u20b98\u201314 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b912\u201332 LPA<\/td><td>\u20b925\u201350 LPA<\/td><td>Services-heavy; Amazon, Zoho, Freshworks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Remote \/ International<\/strong><\/td><td>$60K\u2013$120K<\/td><td>$100K\u2013$180K<\/td><td>$150K\u2013$250K+<\/td><td>US\/EU companies hiring remotely in India; growing segment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Note: Service-based companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL) typically pay 20\u201340% lower than the ranges above. Figures are for product-based companies and startups. Total Compensation (TC) includes base salary + RSUs\/stock + bonus + joining bonus.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-1 to SDE-2: Realistic Promotion Timelines<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Microsoft's Nate Waddoups summarized the progression well:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SDE-1:<\/strong> Creates complex solutions to simple problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SDE-2:<\/strong> Creates simple solutions to simple problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>SDE-3:<\/strong> Creates simple solutions to complex problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Principal SDE:<\/strong> Makes complex problems disappear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Typical Promotion Timelines by Company<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Company<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-1 \u2192 SDE-2<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>SDE-2 \u2192 SDE-3<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Amazon<\/strong><\/td><td>18\u201336 months<\/td><td>3\u20135 years<\/td><td>L5 promotion bar is notoriously high; requires strong \"bar raiser\" endorsement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Google<\/strong><\/td><td>12\u201324 months<\/td><td>3\u20135 years<\/td><td>L4 promotion is faster for strong performers; requires hiring committee approval<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Microsoft<\/strong><\/td><td>12\u201318 months<\/td><td>2\u20134 years<\/td><td>Level 59\u219262 is relatively straightforward with strong performance<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Meta<\/strong><\/td><td>12\u201318 months<\/td><td>2\u20133 years<\/td><td>E4 promotion is performance-driven; E5 requires demonstrated leadership<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Startups<\/strong><\/td><td>6\u201318 months<\/td><td>18\u201336 months<\/td><td>Faster progression but less structured evaluation criteria<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Managers Actually Evaluate for Promotion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Promotions aren't just about \"getting better at coding.\" Here's what actually matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scope increase:<\/strong> Moving from task-taker to feature owner to project driver<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Proactive communication:<\/strong> Flagging blockers before they become crises, surfacing risks early<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentorship:<\/strong> Guiding 1\u20132 junior colleagues without being asked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System design contributions:<\/strong> Participating in architecture discussions, not just implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-functional impact:<\/strong> Working with PMs, design, QA, and other teams effectively<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business alignment:<\/strong> Understanding how your work impacts company goals and metrics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common Promotion Blockers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Blocker<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Only doing assigned work well<\/strong><\/td><td>Being seen as reliable but not a self-starter<\/td><td>Proactively pick up undefined problems. Ask \"what's not being done?\" and own it.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Avoiding system design conversations<\/strong><\/td><td>SDE-2 bar requires design input<\/td><td>Prepare 1\u20132 design ideas before every meeting. Speak up even if imperfectly.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Not mentoring or reviewing junior work<\/strong><\/td><td>SDE-2 should multiply team output<\/td><td>Volunteer to review code from interns\/SDE-1s. Write documentation that helps others.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>No visibility with skip-level manager<\/strong><\/td><td>Promotion decisions need broader endorsement<\/td><td>Present work in team meetings. Send monthly updates to your manager's manager.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Solving problems in isolation<\/strong><\/td><td>SDE-2 requires cross-functional collaboration<\/td><td>Proactively sync with PM, design, QA. Don't wait to be pulled into discussions.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Key insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> Technically strong SDE-1s often get overlooked because they solve problems quietly. Promotion requires being seen as SDE-2 caliber before the promotion, not after.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Plan Your Journey from SDE-1 to SDE-2 to SDE-3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-1 \u2192 SDE-2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Master the Fundamentals:<\/strong> Deepen your understanding of core programming languages, data structures, and algorithms. Practice problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Own Features End-to-End:<\/strong> Don't just write code \u2014 take responsibility for the full lifecycle: design, implementation, testing, deployment, and monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Build System Design Skills:<\/strong> Start participating in architecture discussions. Learn design patterns, understand scalability trade-offs, and think about how components interact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sharpen Communication:<\/strong> Explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Practice writing design documents and RFCs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentor Others:<\/strong> Guide SDE-1s, review code thoughtfully, and contribute to team knowledge sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Track Your Impact:<\/strong> Document your contributions, measure outcomes, and build a case for promotion during review cycles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-2 \u2192 SDE-3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Expand Technical Breadth:<\/strong> Go beyond your core stack. Understand distributed systems, microservices, cloud infrastructure, and database optimization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drive Technical Direction:<\/strong> Don't wait to be told what to build \u2014 identify problems, propose solutions, and lead the implementation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lead Projects:<\/strong> Take ownership of medium-to-large projects with multiple stakeholders, dependencies, and risk factors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Influence Without Authority:<\/strong> Build consensus across teams, navigate trade-offs, and drive decisions even when you're not the formal manager.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Develop Leadership Skills:<\/strong> Mentor multiple engineers, conduct technical interviews, and represent your team in cross-functional meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Align with Business Goals:<\/strong> Understand how technical decisions impact revenue, customer experience, and company strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE Interview 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decoding=\"async\" class=\"scaler-ss-card__avatar js-ss-avatar\" src=\"\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\">\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__person-text\">\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__name js-ss-name\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__city js-ss-city\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__transition\">\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col\">\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col-label\">BEFORE:<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col-role js-ss-before-role\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col-company js-ss-before-company\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <svg class=\"scaler-ss-card__arrow\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 8\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M31.3882 4.35355C31.5835 4.15829 31.5835 3.84171 31.3882 3.64645L28.2062 0.464466C28.011 0.269204 27.6944 0.269204 27.4991 0.464466C27.3039 0.659728 27.3039 0.976311 27.4991 1.17157L30.3276 4L27.4991 6.82843C27.3039 7.02369 27.3039 7.34027 27.4991 7.53553C27.6944 7.7308 28.011 7.7308 28.2062 7.53553L31.3882 4.35355ZM0.034668 4.5H31.0347V3.5H0.034668V4.5Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col\">\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col-label\">NOW:<\/div>\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__col-role js-ss-now-role\"><\/div>\n <div class=\"js-ss-now-company\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-ss-card__quote js-ss-quote\"><\/div>\n\n <a class=\"scaler-ss-card__cta js-ss-cta\" href=\"#\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View Profile<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/article>\n <\/div>\n <\/template>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-ss__inner\">\n <h2 class=\"scaler-ss__heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"scaler-alumni-and-their-success-stories\"><\/span>Scaler Alumni and Their Success Stories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n <div class=\"scaler-ss__swiper-wrap\">\n <div class=\"swiper scaler-ss-swiper\">\n <div class=\"swiper-wrapper js-ss-wrapper\"><\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <button class=\"scaler-ss__nav scaler-ss__nav--prev js-ss-prev\" aria-label=\"Previous\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(-90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <button class=\"scaler-ss__nav scaler-ss__nav--next js-ss-next\" aria-label=\"Next\">\n <svg fill=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" style=\"transform: rotate(90deg);\"><path d=\"M5.313 16l10.688-10.688 10.688 10.688-1.938 1.875-7.438-7.438v16.25h-2.625v-16.25l-7.5 7.438z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <script>\n document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", () => {\n\n const ASSET_CDN = \"https:\/\/d2beiqkhq929f0.cloudfront.net\/public_assets\/assets\";\n const AVATAR_FALLBACK =\n \"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg' width='44' height='44' viewBox='0 0 44 44'%3E%3Ccircle cx='22' cy='22' r='22' fill='%23e6e6e6'\/%3E%3Ccircle cx='22' cy='17' r='7' fill='%23b9b9b9'\/%3E%3Cpath d='M8 40c0-8 6.3-13 14-13s14 5 14 13' fill='%23b9b9b9'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\";\n\n \/\/ Mirrors buildAssetUrl(): pass through absolute urls, else build the CDN url.\n function buildAssetUrl(raw) {\n if (!raw) return \"\";\n if (String(raw).startsWith(\"http\")) return raw;\n return `${ASSET_CDN}\/${raw}\/original`;\n }\n\n const instances = document.querySelectorAll(\".js-scaler-ss\");\n\n instances.forEach(container => {\n if (container.dataset.initialized === \"true\") return;\n container.dataset.initialized = \"true\";\n\n const swiperElement = container.querySelector(\".scaler-ss-swiper\");\n const wrapper = container.querySelector(\".js-ss-wrapper\");\n const template = container.querySelector(\".js-ss-card-template\");\n const nextBtn = container.querySelector(\".js-ss-next\");\n const prevBtn = container.querySelector(\".js-ss-prev\");\n\n if (!wrapper || !template) {\n console.error(\"Scaler Success Stories: missing required elements\");\n return;\n }\n\n const swiper = new Swiper(swiperElement, {\n slidesPerView: \"auto\",\n spaceBetween: 16,\n grabCursor: true,\n observer: true,\n observeParents: true,\n navigation: { nextEl: nextBtn, prevEl: prevBtn },\n });\n\n const pathParts = location.pathname.split(\"\/\").filter(Boolean);\n const currentSlug = pathParts.length > 0 ? pathParts[pathParts.length - 1] : \"homepage\";\n const profileUrl =\n `https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/review\/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=success_stories&utm_content=${currentSlug}`;\n\n function showSkeletons(count = 4) {\n wrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n for (let i = 0; i < count; i++) {\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n clone.querySelector(\".scaler-ss-card\").classList.add(\"scaler-ss-card--skeleton\");\n wrapper.appendChild(clone);\n }\n swiper.update();\n }\n\n function renderStories(stories) {\n wrapper.innerHTML = \"\";\n if (!stories.length) {\n container.style.display = \"none\"; \/\/ match topics: render nothing when empty\n return;\n }\n\n stories.forEach(story => {\n const a = story.attributes || {};\n const clone = template.content.cloneNode(true);\n\n const hike = String(a.growth || \"\").replace(\"%\", \"\").trim() || \"150\";\n clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-hike\").textContent = `${hike}% HIKE`;\n\n \/\/ Avatar\n const avatar = buildAssetUrl(a.image_url) || a.generated_thumbnail_url || \"\";\n const img = clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-avatar\");\n img.src = avatar || AVATAR_FALLBACK;\n img.alt = a.name || \"Scaler alumnus\";\n img.onerror = function () { this.onerror = null; this.src = AVATAR_FALLBACK; };\n\n clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-name\").textContent = a.name || \"\";\n const cityEl = clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-city\");\n if (a.city) cityEl.textContent = a.city; else cityEl.style.display = \"none\";\n\n \/\/ BEFORE\n clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-before-role\").textContent = a.pre_scaler_role || a.pre_academy_company || \"\";\n const beforeCompany = clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-before-company\");\n if (a.pre_academy_company) beforeCompany.textContent = a.pre_academy_company;\n else beforeCompany.style.display = \"none\";\n\n \/\/ NOW\n clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-now-role\").textContent = a.role || \"\";\n const nowCompanyBox = clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-now-company\");\n const companyLogo = buildAssetUrl(a.company_logo_url);\n if (companyLogo) {\n const logo = document.createElement(\"img\");\n logo.className = \"scaler-ss-card__company-logo\";\n logo.src = companyLogo;\n logo.alt = a.post_academy_company || \"company\";\n logo.loading = \"lazy\";\n logo.onerror = function () {\n this.onerror = null;\n this.replaceWith(Object.assign(document.createElement(\"div\"), {\n className: \"scaler-ss-card__col-company\",\n textContent: a.post_academy_company || \"\",\n }));\n };\n nowCompanyBox.appendChild(logo);\n } else if (a.post_academy_company) {\n nowCompanyBox.className = \"scaler-ss-card__col-company\";\n nowCompanyBox.textContent = a.post_academy_company;\n }\n\n \/\/ Quote (clip to 110 chars like topics)\n const quoteEl = clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-quote\");\n quoteEl.textContent = `\u201c${String(a.content).slice(0, 110)}\u2026\u201d`;\n\n \/\/ View Profile\n clone.querySelector(\".js-ss-cta\").href = profileUrl;\n\n wrapper.appendChild(clone);\n });\n\n swiper.update();\n swiper.slideTo(0);\n }\n\n async function fetchStories() {\n try {\n showSkeletons();\n \/\/ Same-origin POST on www.scaler.com (the blog canonical host).\n \/\/ The endpoint only returns JSON when the Referer is a \/topics\/ page\n \/\/ (a soft anti-hotlinking gate); a \/blog\/ referer gets a Turbolinks\n \/\/ redirect. Since blog + topics are the same origin, we set the\n \/\/ fetch referrer to a topics URL so the server serves the data.\n const res = await fetch(\"\/success-stories\/testimonials\", {\n method: \"POST\",\n credentials: \"include\",\n referrer: \"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/topics\/\",\n referrerPolicy: \"unsafe-url\",\n headers: {\n \"Content-Type\": \"application\/json\",\n \"Accept\": \"application\/json\",\n \"X-Requested-With\": \"XMLHttpRequest\",\n },\n \/\/ q:{} => all programs (no program filter)\n body: JSON.stringify({\n page_number: 1,\n per_page: 12,\n sort_by: \"eligible_for_qna\",\n new_quick_filters: true,\n quick_filter: [],\n q: {},\n }),\n });\n const json = await res.json();\n const all = (json && json.data && json.data.data) || [];\n \/\/ Only show stories that carry a testimonial quote (matches topics).\n const withQuote = all.filter(s => s.attributes && s.attributes.content);\n renderStories(withQuote);\n } catch (error) {\n console.error(\"Failed to load success stories:\", error);\n container.style.display = \"none\";\n }\n }\n\n fetchStories();\n });\n });\n <\/script>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-1 Interview Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDE-1 interviews focus heavily on DSA fundamentals, problem-solving ability, and basic CS concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Two Sum \/ Three Sum \/ Four Sum<\/strong> \u2014 Tests array manipulation, hashing, and two-pointer techniques.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Merge Intervals<\/strong> \u2014 Tests sorting, interval logic, and edge case handling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Valid Parentheses \/ Balanced Brackets<\/strong> \u2014 Classic stack problem testing data structure understanding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reverse Linked List \/ Detect Cycle<\/strong> \u2014 Core linked list manipulation, pointer arithmetic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Binary Tree Traversals \/ LCA<\/strong> \u2014 Tree traversal patterns, recursive thinking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implement LRU Cache<\/strong> \u2014 Tests hash map + doubly linked list combination; O(1) operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kth Largest Element<\/strong> \u2014 Heap\/priority queue understanding; quickselect optimization.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Approach tip:<\/em> Practice 100\u2013150 LeetCode problems covering arrays, strings, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting, searching, and basic DP. Focus on pattern recognition, not memorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-2 Interview Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDE-2 interviews add system design, low-level design, and behavioral components alongside advanced DSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design a URL Shortener<\/strong> \u2014 Tests scalability thinking, database choice, hashing strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design a Rate Limiter<\/strong> \u2014 Tests token bucket\/leaky bucket algorithms, distributed systems knowledge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design a Parking Lot (OOP)<\/strong> \u2014 Tests class design, inheritance, encapsulation, real-world modeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Implement Trie for Autocomplete<\/strong> \u2014 Tests tree data structure, prefix matching, space-time tradeoffs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design an Elevator System<\/strong> \u2014 Tests state management, scheduling algorithms, concurrency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Find Median from Data Stream<\/strong> \u2014 Tests two-heap approach, dynamic data structures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clone a Graph<\/strong> \u2014 Tests graph traversal, deep copy, visited tracking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Approach tip:<\/em> Be prepared to discuss trade-offs (SQL vs NoSQL, caching strategies, consistency vs availability). Practice STAR-format behavioral questions: Situation, Task, Action, Result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SDE-3 Interview Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDE-3 interviews focus on high-level architecture, leadership scenarios, and strategic technical decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Design YouTube \/ Netflix<\/strong> \u2014 Tests CDN strategy, video encoding, recommendation systems, scalability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design a Distributed Cache<\/strong> \u2014 Tests consistency models, eviction policies, partitioning, replication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design a Messaging App (WhatsApp)<\/strong> \u2014 Tests real-time protocols, message queuing, end-to-end encryption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How would you migrate a monolith to microservices?<\/strong> \u2014 Tests architectural thinking, migration strategy, risk management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design a Real-Time Analytics Dashboard<\/strong> \u2014 Tests data pipelines, stream processing, aggregation strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How do you handle technical debt while shipping features?<\/strong> \u2014 Tests prioritization, stakeholder management, engineering leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Approach tip:<\/em> Focus on \"why\" not just \"how.\" Explain trade-offs, failure modes, scaling limits, and operational concerns. Demonstrate that you can think across the full stack \u2014 from frontend UX to database sharding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Become an SDE at MAANG Companies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MAANG (Meta, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) and other top tech firms (Uber, Microsoft, Flipkart, Atlassian) set the highest bar for SDE hiring. Here's what differentiates their interview process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Makes MAANG Different<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Higher DSA bar:<\/strong> Expect hard-level problems, not just medium. Amazon frequently asks optimization-heavy questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral frameworks matter:<\/strong> Amazon uses its 16 Leadership Principles; Google emphasizes \"Googleyness\" and structured problem-solving; Meta focuses on impact and execution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System design is non-negotiable:<\/strong> Even for SDE-1, basic system design awareness is expected. SDE-2+ interviews dive deep into distributed systems, scalability, and trade-offs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple rounds, higher stakes:<\/strong> 4\u20136 rounds including coding, system design, behavioral, and sometimes a \"bar raiser\" round (Amazon-specific).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>MAANG Interview Process Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Online Assessment (1\u20132 hours):<\/strong> 2\u20133 coding problems, MCQs on CS fundamentals, sometimes a system design question.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical Rounds (2\u20134):<\/strong> DSA problem-solving, system design discussion, low-level design for SDE-2+.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral \/ Hiring Manager Round:<\/strong> STAR-format questions, leadership assessment, culture fit evaluation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bar Raiser (Amazon-specific):<\/strong> An interviewer from a different team evaluates whether you meet the company's hiring bar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hiring Committee (Google-specific):<\/strong> A panel reviews your interview feedback and makes the final decision \u2014 not your hiring manager.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Preparation Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DSA:<\/strong> Solve 150\u2013200 problems across all major patterns. Focus on arrays, trees, graphs, DP, and system design fundamentals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System Design:<\/strong> Study scalable architectures (caching, load balancing, sharding, microservices). Use resources like <a href=\"https:\/\/github.com\/donnemartin\/system-design-primer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">System Design Primer<\/a> and Grokking System Design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral:<\/strong> Prepare STAR stories for leadership principles, conflict resolution, and failure handling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mock Interviews:<\/strong> Practice with peers or on platforms like Pramp. Real interview simulation is irreplaceable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Ready to crack the MAANG interview?<\/em><\/strong><em> <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/academy\/?utm_source=organic_blog&utm_medium=in_content_footer&utm_content=sde-1-vs-sde-2-vs-sde-3\"><em>Scaler's Software Development Course<\/em><\/a><em> provides structured preparation, mentorship from industry experts, and mock interview practice designed specifically for top-tier company interviews.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What Comes After SDE-3? The Path to Principal Engineer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The SDE-3 level isn't the end \u2014 it's a milestone. For engineers who want to keep growing technically (rather than moving into management), several paths exist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principal Engineer (Amazon L7, Google L6, Microsoft L67+)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scope:<\/strong> Org-wide or company-wide technical influence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Responsibilities:<\/strong> Define technical strategy, set engineering standards, represent engineering in executive decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Typical timeline:<\/strong> 2\u20134 years at SDE-3 before promotion consideration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key differentiator:<\/strong> \"Multiplier\" effect \u2014 your work amplifies the output of entire teams, not just your own<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion rate:<\/strong> Fewer than 5% of software engineers reach this level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Staff Engineer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> Deep technical expertise in a specific domain (e.g., databases, distributed systems, infrastructure)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Role:<\/strong> Individual contributor with high technical influence; no direct reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Companies:<\/strong> Stripe, Shopify, Netflix, and many startups prefer Staff over Principal titles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When to choose:<\/strong> You love solving hard technical problems but don't want management responsibilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Engineering Manager<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Focus:<\/strong> People leadership, team building, delivery management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Role:<\/strong> Manages 5\u201310 engineers; responsible for hiring, performance reviews, and team health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When to choose:<\/strong> You enjoy mentoring, building teams, and aligning technical work with business goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trade-off:<\/strong> Less hands-on coding; more meetings, planning, and people management<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Distinguished Engineer \/ Fellow<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scope:<\/strong> Industry-recognized technical leader<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Companies:<\/strong> IBM, Microsoft, Google, Apple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What it takes:<\/strong> Decades of impact, published research, patents, or open-source contributions recognized globally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion rate:<\/strong> Less than 1% of engineers reach this level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>IC Track vs Management Track: How to Decide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Factor<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>IC Track (Principal\/Staff)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Management Track (EM\/Director)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Primary focus<\/strong><\/td><td>Technical depth and innovation<\/td><td>Team health and delivery<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day-to-day<\/strong><\/td><td>Coding, architecture, code reviews<\/td><td>1:1s, planning, stakeholder meetings<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Impact<\/strong><\/td><td>Multiplies engineering output across teams<\/td><td>Multiplies through people development<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Career ceiling<\/strong><\/td><td>Distinguished Engineer \/ Fellow<\/td><td>VP Engineering \/ CTO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Best for<\/strong><\/td><td>Engineers who love solving hard technical problems<\/td><td>Engineers who enjoy mentoring and building teams<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SDE levels measure impact, not just tenure.<\/strong> SDE-1 executes tasks; SDE-2 owns features; SDE-3 defines architecture and drives technical strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion timelines vary significantly.<\/strong> Amazon: 18\u201336 months (SDE-1\u2192SDE-2). Google: 12\u201324 months. Microsoft: 12\u201318 months. Startups can promote faster but with less structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Salary differences reflect scope and location.<\/strong> Bangalore commands 30\u201340% premiums over other Indian cities. Total Compensation (base + RSUs + bonus) at MAANG can be 2\u20133x base salary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The biggest promotion blockers are behavioral, not technical.<\/strong> Only doing assigned work, avoiding design discussions, and lacking visibility with skip-level managers stall more careers than coding skill gaps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-company level mapping is approximate but useful.<\/strong> Google L3 \u2248 Amazon L4 \u2248 Microsoft Level 59 \u2248 Meta E3 \u2248 Apple ICT2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>After SDE-3, choose IC or management.<\/strong> Principal\/Staff engineers multiply through technical influence; Engineering Managers multiply through people leadership.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MAANG interviews test depth, not breadth.<\/strong> 150\u2013200 well-understood DSA problems + system design fundamentals + behavioral preparation is more effective than random problem-solving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read These Important Roadmaps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Roadmap<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Focus<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Link<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>SDE Roadmap<\/td><td>Complete SDE career path<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/sde-roadmap\/\">Read More<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>DSA Roadmap<\/td><td>Data Structures & Algorithms<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/dsa-roadmap\/\">Read More<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Backend Developer Roadmap<\/td><td>Server-side development<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/backend-developer-roadmap\/\">Read More<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>System Design Roadmap<\/td><td>Architecture & scaling<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/system-design-roadmap\/\">Read More<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Which company pays the highest for SDE-1?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It's challenging to pinpoint a single company because compensation varies significantly by location, experience, specific skills, interview bar, and negotiation. However, tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon generally offer the highest total compensation packages for SDE-1 roles in India. Meta SDE-1 (E3) typically starts at \u20b922\u201328 LPA base with TC reaching \u20b935\u201355 LPA including RSUs and bonuses. Atlassian and Uber also compete aggressively on compensation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is eligible for SDE roles?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SDE eligibility typically requires a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, or a related field, along with strong programming proficiency in at least one language (Java, C++, Python, JavaScript, etc.), solid understanding of data structures and algorithms, and familiarity with software development practices (Git, testing, code reviews). Many companies also accept candidates from bootcamps or self-taught backgrounds if they demonstrate equivalent skills through projects, open-source contributions, or competitive programming achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is eligible for Google SDE-2?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Google's SDE-2 level (L4) typically seeks candidates with 2\u20135 years of professional software development experience, strong proficiency in data structures and algorithms, demonstrated ability to design and implement complex features independently, and experience with system design and distributed systems concepts. Google evaluates candidates through multiple coding rounds, a system design discussion, and behavioral assessments focused on \"Googleyness\" (collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving mindset). A strong track record of shipping impactful projects is valued more than the specific number of years of experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What level is SDE-2 at Amazon?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Amazon, SDE-2 is equivalent to Level 5 (L5) on their career ladder. Amazon L5 engineers are expected to own features end-to-end, mentor SDE-1s (L4), contribute to system design discussions, and demonstrate Amazon's Leadership Principles in their daily work. The L5 promotion bar is notably high \u2014 many engineers take 18\u201336 months to move from L4 to L5, and the evaluation includes a \"bar raiser\" round where an interviewer from a different team assesses whether you meet Amazon's hiring standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the minimum experience required for SDE-2 roles?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The minimum experience for SDE-2 roles generally ranges from 2 to 4 years, though this varies significantly by company, role complexity, and individual performance. At startups, exceptional SDE-1s can be promoted in 12\u201318 months. At FAANG companies, the timeline is typically 18\u201336 months with two consecutive strong performance review cycles. More important than years of experience is demonstrated scope increase: moving from task execution to feature ownership, contributing to architecture, and mentoring junior engineers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Software Development Engineer (SDE) a good career choice in 2026?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, SDE remains one of the most promising and highest-paying career paths in 2026 and beyond. The demand for skilled software engineers continues to grow across all industries, with AI\/ML integration, cloud computing, and distributed systems creating new specializations and opportunities. While AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor are changing how developers work, they're augmenting rather than replacing human engineers \u2014 the need for architectural thinking, system design, debugging, and problem-solving depth is only increasing. Salaries at the SDE-2 and SDE-3 levels continue to rise, and remote\/international opportunities are expanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is SDE and software engineering the same?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, \"SDE\" (Software Development Engineer) and \"software engineer\" are essentially synonymous terms used interchangeably across the industry. Both refer to professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. The term \"SDE\" is more commonly used at companies like Amazon and Microsoft, while \"Software Engineer\" (SWE) is preferred at Google, Meta, and most startups. The core responsibilities, required skills, and career progression are identical regardless of title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the difference between SWE and SDE roles?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terms \"SWE\" (Software Engineer) and \"SDE\" (Software Development Engineer) are functionally equivalent. In some companies, SWE might imply a slightly broader scope including architecture, testing, and DevOps responsibilities, while SDE might emphasize development and implementation tasks. However, this distinction is not universal and varies significantly by company. Both roles require the same core competencies: programming proficiency, system design knowledge, problem-solving ability, and collaboration skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How long does it take to get promoted from SDE-1 to SDE-2?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical range: 12\u201336 months depending on company, performance, and role scope. Amazon: 18\u201336 months (L4\u2192L5 bar is high and requires bar raiser endorsement). Google: 12\u201324 months (L3\u2192L4 is faster for strong performers with hiring committee approval). Microsoft: 12\u201318 months (Level 59\u219262 is relatively straightforward with strong performance). Meta: 12\u201318 months (E3\u2192E4 is performance-driven). Startups: 6\u201318 months possible with aggressive ownership and demonstrated impact. Switching companies at the SDE-2 level often results in a faster title progression and larger salary increase than waiting for internal promotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the most common reasons SDE-1s don't get promoted?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Four primary blockers: (1) Only completing assigned tasks well without showing initiative \u2014 managers need to see self-directed problem-solving. (2) Avoiding system design and architecture discussions \u2014 SDE-2 bar requires design input, not just implementation. (3) Not mentoring or reviewing junior work \u2014 promotion requires demonstrating a \"multiplier\" effect on team output. (4) Low visibility with skip-level managers \u2014 promotion decisions often involve your manager's manager, and if they don't know your contributions, you'll be passed over. The key insight: being technically strong isn't enough; you need to be <em>visible<\/em> and <em>proactive<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it better to switch companies at SDE-2 or wait for internal promotion to SDE-3?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both paths have merits, but switching companies often results in a bigger salary jump and faster title progression. Internal SDE-3 promotions at FAANG companies are extremely competitive and can take 3\u20135 years even for strong performers. Switching to a competing company where you interview at SDE-3 level often moves faster and comes with a significant compensation increase. However, factor in unvested RSUs before leaving \u2014 Amazon's standard 4-year vesting schedule means leaving before year 4 can sacrifice substantial stock value. Also consider learning continuity, relationships, and institutional knowledge before deciding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a principal engineer and how is it different from SDE-3?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Principal Engineer (equivalent to Amazon L7, Google L6, Microsoft L67+) operates at an org-wide or company-wide technical scope \u2014 compared to SDE-3 which typically influences a single team, service, or product. Principal engineers define technical strategy across multiple teams, set engineering standards, represent the engineering org in executive business decisions, and act as \"multipliers\" whose work amplifies the output of entire organizations. Fewer than 5% of software engineers reach this level, and it typically requires 8\u201312+ years of experience with demonstrated technical leadership, architectural vision, and cross-functional influence.<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In most tech companies, Software Development Engineers (SDEs) are categorized into different levels or tiers based on their skills, experience, and responsibilities. SDE-1, SDE-2, and SDE-3 are the most common divisions across the industry. SDE-1 typically includes university graduates or freshers with 0\u20132 years of experience. They require guidance and structured training before taking on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":241,"featured_media":5967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[248],"class_list":["post-5965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-software-development","tag-software-development"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/241"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5965"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13419,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5965\/revisions\/13419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scaler.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}