“You don’t really fit our org chart” — a comment I frequently receive when describing my desired role.
The concept of “Product Engineer” captures something important: engineers who have a thirst for using technologies to leapfrog human/user problems. Those with empathy to reach for magical experiences. That’s Jean-Michel Lemieux (former VP of Engineering at Shopify) describing what these roles look like.
Product engineering sits at the intersection of technical expertise and end-user focus. Not purely a developer, not purely a product manager, not purely a designer — but someone who bridges all three.
I might not fit your org chart, but that’s exactly why you need me.
Originally posted on LinkedIn.