The world of software development is constantly changing. New technologies are emerging, methodologies are evolving and customer needs are becoming more complex.

A true conductor, the Tech Lead also called Lead Developer, guides and coaches a team of developers, while ensuring the consistency and quality of the product code. Its strategic vision and its technical expertise make it a key player in the development of efficient and innovative software.

Let's discover together the missions, the skills required and the prospects for the evolution of this exciting profession.

A Strategist essential to the success of software projects

The Tech Lead is more than just a team leader. He is a true strategist and an indispensable part of the development team.

1. Close collaboration with the Product Owner and stakeholders:

• The Tech Lead works in close collaboration with Product Owners to understand the customer's needs and translate them into a clear and concise technical vision.
• He makes sure to involve stakeholders throughout the development process, collecting their comments and suggestions to ensure a final product that meets their expectations.

2. Definition of the technical vision and choice of technologies:

• The Tech Lead is responsible for defining the software architecture of the project. It analyzes the needs and chooses the most suitable technologies taking into account budgetary and time constraints.
• His in-depth knowledge of programming languages, of frameworks And T'sWeb technologies allows him to make informed decisions and to guarantee the feasibility of the project.

3. A guarantor of quality and performance:

• The Tech Lead ensures the quality of the product code by ensuring compliance with good development practices and quality standards.
• He ensures that rigorous testing and validation processes are in place to ensure the performance and reliability of the software.

4. An inspiring leader and a mentor for the team:

• The Tech Lead motivates and guides the developer team by sharing their knowledge and know-how.
• It encourages a team spirit strong, promoting collaboration and communication between members to create a positive and productive work environment.
• His role as a mentor is essential for junior developers, whom he guides and supports in their learning and professional development.

5. A valuable asset for the company:

• The Tech Lead is a real asset for the company because it allows you to:
  • Reducing development costs.
  • Improve the quality of software produced.
  • Accelerate the launch of products on the market.
  • Gain competitiveness in a constantly changing market.

In summary, the Tech Lead is an essential strategist for the success of software projects. His technical expertise, his ability to collaborate and his leadership make him a true conductor who guides the team towards the achievement of ambitious goals.

Quality and respect of deadlines: the key words

The Tech Lead ensures that the code produced by his team meets the most stringent quality requirements. It performs regular code reviews to identify and correct potential errors. Its participation in quality assurance tests allows it to guarantee the reliability and performance of the final software. At the same time, he manages the project schedule meticulously in order to respect the deadlines and not to exceed the initially defined budget.

Communicate to federate

The Tech Lead is the preferred point of contact between the development team and the other stakeholders in the project. He communicates clearly and effectively with customers, project managers, and other technically competent teams. It regularly reports on the progress of the work, anticipates possible problems, and proposes solutions to remove obstacles. His ability to popularize technical aspects and to federate energies is essential for the success of the project.

Remuneration and studies to become a Tech Lead

The salary of a Tech Lead varies according to several factors including the type of contract (CDI or freelance).

CDI:

• Experiment: A beginner Tech Lead can claim a salary between €3,500 and €4,500 gross monthly. With years of experience, this salary can evolve to reach €6,000 and more for senior Tech Leads.
• Skills: Rare and specific skills can increase earnings, as can mastery of advanced technology.
• Business size: Large companies and fast-growing startups tend to offer more attractive salaries.
• Location: The salary may be higher in larger cities and regions where there is a high demand for Tech Leads.

On average, a Tech Lead in France receives a gross monthly salary of €5,000.

Freelance:

• Daily rate:
  • The daily rate for a freelance Tech Lead generally varies between €450 and €950.
  • This rate depends on the experience of the freelancer, his skills, the complexity of the project and the sector of activity.
• Number of days worked:
  • Freelancers are not guaranteed to work every day of the year.
  • The number of days worked may vary depending on demand and the freelancer's ability to find customers.
• Annual revenue:
  • The annual earnings of a freelance Tech Lead can be very variable.
  • They depend on the daily rate, the number of days worked and the freelancer's expenses.

In summary, the remuneration of a Tech Lead depends on many factors. It is important to take all these elements into account when determining your salary or daily rate.

Studies

The study path to become a Tech Lead is not necessarily linear. However, the following courses provide a solid foundation:

• Bac+5 in computer science: Professional license, Master, Engineer
• Specialized software development courses: Engineering School, Computer School
• Specific technology certifications: Cloud, DevOps, etc.

Skills you need to become a Tech Lead

General skills:

• Programming languages: Proficiency in one or more popular programming languages Front-end (JavaScript, TypeScript, React, React, Vue.js, Angular, etc.) and Backend (Java, Python, PHP, PHP, Ruby, Ruby, Node.js, etc.).
• Databases: Knowledge of NoSQL and SQL databases
• Cloud computing: Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).
• DevOps: Understanding of DevOps principles and practices.
• Software architecture: Ability to design and implement a robust software architecture.
• Quality assurance: Knowledge of quality assurance and testing processes.
• Debugging and problem solving: Ability to identify and resolve technical problems.

Specific skills:

• Leadership: Know how to lead and motivate a team of developers by showing leadership qualities.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management: Ability to plan, organize and monitor a project.
• Mentoring: Ability to coach and train team members.
• Negotiation: Ability to negotiate with customers and stakeholders.
• Technical English: Ability to understand and communicate in technical English.

Additional skills:

• Domain knowledge: Understanding of the company's field of activity.
• Curiosity and adaptability: Ability to stay at the forefront of technology and adapt to new environments.
• Ability to work in a team: Ability to collaborate effectively with other team members.

To excel in this demanding role, the Tech Lead must therefore combine technical and human skills. Also, in the face of constant technological evolution, technological monitoring is becoming a new pillar of its activity. Artificial intelligence, in particular, opens up new perspectives that it must explore in order to remain at the forefront and continue to offer innovative solutions.

A promising future

The job of Tech Lead is a job with a future that offers many prospects for long-term development. With experience and a constant thirst for learning, the Tech Lead may evolve into positions of increased responsibility, such as technical manager, software architect or project manager. His technical expertise combined with his managerial skills make him a sought-after and valued profile in the world of software development.

In conclusion, the Tech Lead is much more than just a developer. He is a visionary technical leader and an outstanding conductor who guides his team to the success of the most complex IT projects. If you are passionate about software development, have advanced technical skills and natural leadership, then being a Tech Lead could be the way to go for a stimulating and challenging career!

Are you looking for a new challenge in the field of software development? IT Link is looking for talented Tech Leads to join its teams and participate in innovative and stimulating projects. Discover our job offers and apply today!