From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
Job titles fade as tech staff emerges
AI companies drop specific titles for 'member of technical staff' to signal focus on work over rank.
In brief
AI companies drop specific titles for 'member of technical staff' to signal focus on work over rank. AI firms use 'member of technical staff' to avoid rank distinctions and emphasize technical work over money. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
AI firms replace job titles
Employees at leading AI companies trade specific titles like chief technical officer for a vague 'member of technical staff' role.
LinkedIn data shows trend
39% of Anthropic employees, 31% of OpenAI and 26% of xAI listed 'member of technical staff' on LinkedIn as of last December.
Title boosts technical focus
The title keeps competitors in the dark and gives technical employees insider status while implying a focus on work rather than rank.
Industry leaders support shift
Former OpenAI executive Bob McGrew said the title created a 'much more level playing field' for technical work.
Historical roots in tech
Bell Labs used the term in its early decades, and some IBM and Texas Instruments employees held the title in the 1960s.
AI job disruption
The title rise coincides with ai technology remaking software engineering jobs and replacing engineer skills with tools.
Industry adoption accelerates
Google DeepMind employees officially gave up 'product manager' titles to become 'members of technical staff'.
What matters most
AI firms use 'member of technical staff' to avoid rank distinctions and emphasize technical work over money.
