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What It Takes to Be a Successful Platform Engineer: Insights from an Industry Veteran

Working as an iOS or Android engineer on a platform team is no walk in the park. It’s a unique role that comes with its own set of challenges and demands a particular mindset. Recently, a seasoned platform engineer shared candid insights about what it truly takes to thrive in such a position—and why, despite the difficulties, it’s an incredibly rewarding career path.

Why Platform Engineering Is Tough (But Worth It)

The first thing to understand is that platform engineering can be stressful and hard. The engineer humorously admits they stumbled into the role themselves and wonders why anyone would voluntarily choose it. Yet, they also emphasize that given the choice, they wouldn’t want to do anything else.

The core challenge lies in the nature of the work: it’s not just about writing code and moving on. It’s about owning the long-term health and stability of systems that often live in the codebase for years—sometimes five years or more. Unlike feature development, where you ship and move on, platform engineers must "sit in the consequences" of their decisions for a long time.

The Importance of Long-Term Ownership

One of the standout pieces of advice is that aspiring platform engineers need to gain experience working at a tech company for at least a year or two before jumping into platform work. This time allows engineers to see firsthand what happens after they ship a system: assumptions change, requirements evolve, and the job becomes about maintaining and adapting the system over time.

This long-term ownership builds invaluable software design intuition. Platform engineers constantly re-evaluate their assumptions to keep systems running smoothly despite shifting demands. It’s a mindset that requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn from the ongoing impact of your work.

How to Prepare for a Role on a Platform Team

If you’re an engineer looking to move into platform engineering, the advice is clear: take your time and don’t rush into it. Avoid burnout by gradually building the necessary experience and mental models.

One practical tip is to “befriend your platform team.” If your company has one, engage with them during hackathons, seek mentorship, or collaborate on side projects. These interactions provide insight into the nature of platform work and demonstrate your interest and capability.

Moreover, platform teams highly value strong partnerships with feature teams. Feature engineers who communicate honestly about their real problems become critical allies, helping platform engineers understand where to focus their efforts.

Final Thoughts

Platform engineering isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands a blend of technical skill, long-term thinking, and collaboration. But for those willing to embrace the challenge, it offers a unique opportunity to shape the foundational systems that support entire organizations.

If you’re considering this path, remember: gain solid experience first, nurture relationships with platform engineers, and prepare to own the consequences of your work for years to come. The journey is tough, but the rewards—both personal and professional—can be immense.