Source

Tech Lead

  • Focus on partnering with a small amount of Engineering Managers (1-3 generally)
  • Guides approach and execution of technical bits, generally in a focused area
  • Tech Lead Manager may also exists, but is on the Engineering Manager track (not Staff-plus)

Architect

  • Combines technical prowess and organizational leadership knowledge to guide direction, quality, and execution in critical paths

Solver

  • Digs very deep into arbitrarily difficult or complex problem areas
  • Very strong technical skills are necessary
  • Can focus on a specific area for an extended amount of time, or can jump between “hotspots”

Right Hand

  • Generally only present in very large organizations
  • Acts as an extension to an executive, providing additional processing/bandwidth
  • Generally acts on the scope and authority of whom they’re assisting