I've come through software development. I juked the Management track and stayed on the IC track. Senior, Team Lead, Principal. But I don't want to strictly do software engineering anymore. I'd like to do systems engineering, or business engineering, or something.
I'd like to make the lives of customers and employees better, through making possible what was not possible before, or reducing burden.
I'd like to do that by helping businesses build systems _beyond just software_ that, having both internal and external effects. This could be having a hand in the product offering, business organisation and operation, commissioning software teams or shaping organisational culture. I'd also like to help coach the software engineering teams that build the software, because that's where I've come from.
I feel like I'm looking for something between a principal engineer, a product manager and an engineering director. I want to keep my boots on the ground, but help shape what is going on above.
I'm applying for principal engineer roles, however the companys I've interviewed for are looking for this role to be primarily focussed on moving tickets across a JIRA board, which isn't really what I'm shooting for. I want to help businesses and teams move the appropriate tickets across JIRA boards. I'm getting really great feedback, but they just aren't hiring for _that_ role.
Is there another role I could consider in my position?
Any and all advice is appreciated.
The other way to help speed that up is to go join one of the management consulting firms. A couple years doing that will build up your network to know who needs the help and teach you how they find and sell themselves into organizations. I suspect you won't love that work, but it is a valid stepping stone.
You have to be careful with that title. Most solutions engineering roles are client-facing. Client services isn’t really my cup of tea, but it may be for you.
That isn't what a principal is for. Avoid that place like the plague.