The term “10x engineer” has been floating around tech circles for years, sparking debates about what it really means. Is it someone who writes ten times more code than their peers? Not exactly.

This overly simplistic definition has made the concept divisive—but the reality is that 10x engineers do exist. However, their value isn’t measured by raw output alone; it’s about the impact they create, the way they think, and how they elevate their teams.

At Mandarix, we’ve worked with thousands of engineers and startup founders, helping companies hire high-impact developers who make a real difference. Through this experience, we’ve identified five core traits that define exceptional engineers—traits that any developer can learn and apply to amplify their effectiveness.

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1. Extreme Ownership: They Take Full Responsibility

🚀 A 10x engineer doesn’t just complete tasks—they own them.

When they take on a responsibility, you can expect:
✔ Full commitment—they ensure the job gets done right and on time.
✔ No excuses—they take responsibility when things go wrong.
✔ A team-first mentality—they make sure their work integrates seamlessly into the bigger picture.

They don’t just focus on "my work" vs. "your work"—they take ownership of "our work" as a team.

💡 Real-World Example:
Kaustumbh Jaiswal, a Freelance Software Engineer at Thimblerr, describes this as the "go figure" mentality:

“If you don’t know how to solve a problem, your mindset should be: ‘How do I fix this on my own?’ You should be able to leverage resources—watch videos, Google, use AI—anything to get the job done.”

✔ The best engineers don’t wait for instructions—they proactively find solutions.

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2. Deep Curiosity: They Never Stop Learning

🔎 10x engineers aren’t just problem-solvers—they are relentless learners.

They don’t settle for surface-level knowledge. Instead, they:
✔ Dive deep into how systems work instead of just following tutorials.
✔ Explore multiple solutions instead of sticking with the first idea.
✔ Always ask "Why?"—not just "How?"

💡 Why This Matters:
By deeply understanding architecture and underlying mechanics, they spot inefficiencies and optimize processes faster than their peers.

💡 Real-World Example:
Anjalica Suman, a Software Engineer at Thimblerr, emphasizes that:

“The best engineers don’t wait for opportunities to learn—they take the initiative. They explore new technologies, experiment on their own, and stay ahead of the curve.”

✔ Mindset Shift: A 10x engineer sees every problem as an opportunity to expand their knowledge.

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3. Big Picture Thinking: They Connect Code to Business Impact

💡 10x engineers don’t just write code—they understand the "why" behind it.

Before they build, they ask:
✔ How does this feature impact the user experience?
✔ Does it align with business goals?
✔ Will this solution scale effectively?

Instead of coding in isolation, they think like product managers—considering how each technical decision affects customers, business growth, and long-term maintainability.

💡 Real-World Example:
Shivam Mathur, a Freelance Software Engineer, highlights that:

“Exceptional engineers don’t build for themselves—they build for the user. They ask questions, figure out pain points, and start by understanding the problem, not just jumping to a solution.”

✔ Why This Matters: The best engineers don’t just ship features—they build solutions that drive real impact.

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4. Excellent Communication: They Make Complex Ideas Simple

💬 Being a great engineer isn’t just about writing code—it’s also about clarity in communication.

10x engineers know how to:
✔ Translate technical details into clear explanations for non-technical stakeholders.
✔ Write clean, well-documented code that other developers can understand.
✔ Communicate updates proactively, keeping projects on track.

💡 Real-World Example:
Zara Ahmed, a Senior Software Engineer at Amazon, notes:

“The best engineers tailor their communication to their audience. In meetings, I’ve seen how senior engineers present their ideas clearly—whether they’re talking to other engineers or executives.”

🚀 Key Skill to Master:
Great engineers recognize that communication is about timing—sharing the right information, in the right format, at the right moment.

✔ A quick Slack update can be more effective than a long email chain.
✔ A short, focused meeting is better than a drawn-out discussion.

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5. Team Multipliers: They Make Everyone Around Them Better

🛠 A 10x engineer doesn’t just improve their own performance—they elevate their entire team.

They do this by:
✔ Mentoring junior developers, sharing knowledge generously.
✔ Bringing positive energy to projects, keeping teams motivated.
✔ Balancing tough challenges with the right level of support.

💡 Real-World Example:
Shivam Mathur explains:

“The best engineers don’t see themselves as ‘above’ or ‘below’ anyone. They believe insights can come from anyone, regardless of seniority.”

🚀 Key Takeaway:
The real impact of a 10x engineer isn’t just about their individual contribution—it’s about how much they amplify the team’s effectiveness.

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Moving Beyond the Hype: What 10x Engineers Really Are

The term “10x engineer” might be controversial, but the traits that define high-impact engineers are undeniable.

Breaking the Myth of 10x Engineers

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What Startups Need vs What Google Hires For

How to Develop 10x Engineer Traits

If you’re an engineer looking to level up, or a company searching for top-tier talent, focus on these five core skills:

✅ Take extreme ownership—go beyond just delivering tasks.
✅ Stay curious—never stop learning new technologies.
✅ Think big-picture—connect code to business impact.
✅ Communicate clearly—make complex ideas easy to understand.
✅ Multiply team success—help others grow and succeed.

At Mandarix, we specialize in hiring high-impact engineers who drive real results for startups and scale-ups.

🚀 Looking to hire exceptional engineers who go beyond just writing code? Contact Mandarix today!

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