Insights from My Interview with Trevor: What Sets Senior Developers Apart

In my recent chat with Trevor, a Senior Staff Engineer at WeaveGrid, I got to dig into his experiences, perspectives, and some fantastic advice for developers at all levels. Trevor’s career path and his thoughts on problem-solving, mentorship, and team dynamics are packed with lessons for anyone navigating the tech world. Here’s what stood out from our conversation.

What Makes a Senior Developer?

He shared an eye-opening take on what sets senior developers apart from juniors and mid-level developers. He described a tough problem he once gave a candidate in an interview. While junior and mid-level developers tried every possible solution to crack it, the senior developer approached it differently. They quickly assessed the problem, realized its complexity, and escalated it to the right people for advice on how to proceed. That shows the essence of a senior developer — knowing you’re part of a team and using that team wisely.

He also highlighted the importance of understanding the software development process, as it provides a clear structure to tackle problems effectively and collaboratively.

Problem-Solving and Taking Ownership

He is a big believer in truly understanding a problem before diving into solutions. He shared a personal story about reverse-engineering a system to control his lights with Siri when the technology didn’t work out of the box. This hands-on problem-solving approach even influenced his career trajectory.

He also advised developers to tackle real-world challenges instead of creating simple projects like notepad apps. Working on impactful problems not only sharpens your skills but also makes your work stand out.

The Joy of Contribution

His passion for contributing to his team and projects is a recurring theme in his career. Whether it’s mentoring, coding, or solving real-world problems, he’s always looking for ways to add value.

Now, as a Staff Engineer at WeaveGrid, he feels a deep sense of fulfillment. The company’s mission — to reduce the cost of electric vehicles and create a cleaner, more sustainable future — aligns perfectly with his values and provides a rewarding sense of purpose.

Why Diverse Teams Matter

He is a big believer in the power of diverse teams. He’s always said that working with developers at different levels of experience is essential for growth. “If you’re not learning from others in your team,” he said, “it’s time to change the room.” For him, diversity in skills and experience leads to creativity, better solutions, and a stronger team overall.

He talked about less experienced developers who weren’t afraid to ask questions that others might overlook. While senior developers sometimes assume certain things about a project, this junior developer’s questions helped uncover gaps in understanding and exposed areas for improvement. It’s a great example of why having a mix of junior and senior developers is so important — everyone has something to contribute, and those fresh perspectives can be game-changing.

How Senior Developers Can Help Teams Without Getting Distracted

When it comes to helping team members without getting distracted or overwhelmed by context switching, he emphasized balance. He suggested that junior developers should first try to solve problems on their own. If they still need help, they can approach senior developers but should find the right time to do so. To make this process smoother, he recommended setting clear expectations during one-on-ones, such as scheduling specific times for questions or blocking out focus hours for uninterrupted work. This approach not only minimizes disruptions but also ensures that team members feel supported.

The Challenge of Balancing Management and Coding

He opened up about the difficulties of balancing managerial tasks and development work. He was once advised to split his time evenly between managing and coding, but he found it nearly impossible to strike the right balance. The result? Overworking and burnout. It taught him the importance of setting boundaries and being realistic about what you can achieve.

Advice for Developers at All Levels

His advice for developers depends on where they are in their journey:

• For Junior Developers: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity is your superpower.
• For Mid-Level Developers: Learn the processes, take initiative, and don’t wait for tasks to be handed to you — own them.
• For Senior Developers: Focus on enabling others. Help your team grow and encourage questions to keep the learning loop going.

Final Thoughts

His journey highlights the importance of learning, mentorship, and solving real-world problems. His advice — from encouraging questions to taking ownership — resonates across all levels of experience.

At WeaveGrid, He has found a role that lets him give back, both to his team and to the broader mission of environmental sustainability. His story reminds us that the most rewarding careers often combine technical expertise with a meaningful cause.

So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Trevor’s insights offer a simple roadmap: stay curious, take initiative, and always strive to make an impact — within your team and beyond.