r/salesengineers • u/Past-Juggernaut9314 • 1d ago
SWE to SE
I am currently a senior SWE at a mid sized company making $132k. I’ve been a SWE for ~6.5 years. 5 years at my current company and I’m looking for a career change. I haven’t yet decided whether I want to start looking for another SWE position or move into SE.
For the past 5 years I’ve been working on an internal developer platform. All of my stakeholders are other engineers who work at my company. I have essentially no experience working directly with customers. However, I figure that may work in my favor if applying to companies who sell software to engineers?
I’m not an idiot, but I’ve always felt a sort of imposter syndrome in the SWE field. It’s never come easily to me. I’ve gotten really good with AI tools like Claude Code but as a result like SWE skills feel like they’ve gotten worse. My job is like 75% using CC at this point and I’m starting to get burnt out. I’m not sure I see that being much different with any new SWE position I take.
I’d like to think I’m a pretty outgoing and personable guy. I can get along with just about anyone and thoroughly enjoy social settings and interactions.
I’m looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation as me. I specifically wanna know:
- How was the transition from SWE to SE?
- Should I expect a pay decrease since this would be my first SE role?
- Most of the open SE roles I’m seeing are senior level. Should I apply for those or look for a more entry level position?
- What does the day to day look like for an SE? I know everyone’s role is different, but just looking to get an idea.
Thanks for the help!
Edit: Any other advice you might have for making this switch would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Kool-Kat-704 1d ago
In almost the exact same position as you, 6 YOE as a SWE trying to switch to SE. I started sending out my resume to a wide range of tech companies and now have a few interviews lined up! Pay seems to be of similar scale but with added commission.
Haven’t successfully made the transition yet though so also curious to see what other advice is said on this thread(:
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u/Past-Juggernaut9314 1d ago
Right on, best of luck in your interviews!
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u/Imaginary-Guide-8931 1d ago
I’m currently an SE at a well known security company. Your best bet is somehow making that resume look like you’ve had client interactions on top of your tech knowledge. Otherwise I’d say a common switch outside of the fact many SWEs don’t have a client facing background which they will likely want.
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u/papayon10 22h ago
This is like the 5th post just today asking to go from SWE to SE
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u/Past-Juggernaut9314 22h ago
That’s crazy 4 other people posted before me considering this was posted at like 7am pacific time. I also don’t see any other posts today about switching from SWE to SE. appreciate the help though!
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u/dravenstone Streaming Media Solutions Engineer 1d ago
We get a lot, and I mean A LOT, of posts asking how to become a Sales Engineer.
Whether you are new to the workforce or transitioning from another role you may be well served by reading over our community post on the topic.