In recent years, an increasing number of tech companies have been moving away from traditional engineering titles like "Software Engineer" or "Senior Engineer" and instead adopting the designation "Member of Technical Staff" (MTS). The rise of this title reflects a shift in how organizations structure their engineering teams and the influence of research-driven and AI-first companies.
Where Did 'Member of Technical Staff' Originate?
The term "Member of Technical Staff" (MTS) dates back to Bell Labs, one of the most prestigious research institutions in the 20th century. Rather than using hierarchical titles like "Junior Engineer" or "Principal Engineer," Bell Labs applied the MTS designation broadly across their technical team. The idea was to emphasize the collective expertise of their engineers and researchers rather than create rigid status distinctions.
This tradition was later adopted by other research institutions and deep-tech companies, especially those that focused on innovation, AI, and infrastructure. Today, companies such as OpenAI, NVIDIA, Snowflake, and enterprise SaaS firms have revived and modernized the MTS role.
Why Are Companies Using MTS Instead of 'Software Engineer'?
The shift toward MTS as a job title is driven by several factors:
- A Broad and Flexible Role
MTS is a deliberately open-ended title that allows engineers to contribute across different areas. Instead of being boxed into frontend, backend, or specific software engineering levels, an MTS can work fluidly across different domains and even switch teams without needing a title change.
- Flattening Engineering Hierarchies
Many modern tech companies prefer flatter organizational structures where engineers contribute based on their expertise rather than their title. Using MTS reduces the perception of rigid ranking (e.g., "Senior" vs. "Staff"), creating an environment where merit and impact define an engineer’s influence.
- Inspired by AI & Research-Driven Companies
AI-first and research-driven companies—such as OpenAI and Anthropic—often use MTS because it reflects the culture of innovation and problem-solving rather than strict engineering role definitions. These companies value versatility, deep technical expertise, and the ability to work on cutting-edge problems without confining employees to traditional software engineering titles.
- Simplifies Internal Leveling
Some companies create internal levels within the MTS title, such as:
- MTS-1 (Entry-Level)
- MTS-2 (Mid-Level)
- MTS-3 (Senior-Level or Principal-Level Equivalent)
This approach helps companies streamline promotions and pay structures without needing to redefine public-facing job titles.
- Attracting High-Caliber Engineers
MTS has a prestigious connotation, especially among engineers familiar with its origins at Bell Labs. Many elite engineers see MTS as a title that focuses on technical contribution and problem-solving rather than corporate hierarchy, making it attractive to highly skilled candidates.
Is MTS the Future of Engineering Titles?
While MTS is growing in popularity, it’s unlikely to fully replace traditional engineering titles across the industry. Many companies still use conventional software engineering roles to maintain clarity in career progression and hiring expectations. However, in research-driven fields, AI, and infrastructure-heavy organizations, the MTS designation will likely continue gaining traction.
For companies looking to attract versatile, highly skilled engineers while keeping their team structures flexible, the Member of Technical Staff title offers a compelling alternative to traditional engineering labels.