I’ve changed jobs a few times and achieved great compensation. But each hop required arduous months of networking, study, and interviewing, all on top of a full time job. I know other engineers who are more talented than me, older, and get paid half as much, because they don’t have the personality type to go through that gauntlet. Some of these people work at companies that pay very well, but their managers have successfully cowed them from demanding promotions they deserve. Their employers are getting an amazing value. Why would they rock the boat?
In short, the software engineering interview (and leveling) process is designed to discriminate between employees with different levels of competence signaling and negotiation skill, so each employee can be paid as little as possible.
In short, the software engineering interview (and leveling) process is designed to discriminate between employees with different levels of competence signaling and negotiation skill, so each employee can be paid as little as possible.