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AI-Native IC Ladder (4-Level)

A streamlined competency framework for engineers in smaller or flatter organizations

This framework evaluates engineers across the same 8 dimensions as the full IC ladder, condensed from 6 levels to 4 (P1 through P4). Designed for smaller organizations or flatter hierarchies where the distinction between Engineer I/II or Staff/Senior Staff adds unnecessary granularity. Expectations closely mirror the full ladder — the same competencies, compressed into fewer career stages.

8 Dimensions

Select a dimension to explore the progression across levels.

Systems Thinking & Architecture

Designing systems at the right abstraction level with AI as a first-class architectural element.

P1 — Engineer

Describes the purpose and behavior of systems they work with at an architectural level, using documentation and observability tools rather than reading source code.

1 of 4

Want the full framework with all expectations and examples?

The complete assessment tool includes 3 detailed expectations and 3-4 real-world examples per level per dimension — plus guided evaluation, growth plans, and team analytics.

Get Full AccessExplore the Full IC Ladder (6-Level)