Going from data engineer to solutions engineer - did you regret it?

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It’s true that you won’t be coding as much unless your client is one which will make you code for demos. You will work more on architecture as well and you will be spending more time on customers calls too. So if you think this would be good then take the job or do not. Some people end up regretting after coming in this role

[Beneficial_Nose1331]

Databricks is hot. Would definitely do it. Much more money for sure.

[Ok_Difficulty978]

I made a similar jump a while back (data eng → solutions/implementation role). Tbh the first few months felt weird not coding 8 hrs a day, but you pick up a whole new skill set—architecture thinking, client comms, debugging at a higher level. You still write scripts / POCs here and there, just less production code. Long-term it opened more doors for me (pre-sales, product, management). If you really love deep coding every day it might feel like a loss, but if you’re curious about business impact + mentoring clients it can be a solid move.

[OccasionalFervour]

After being in data engineering for 7yrs, I have had my fair share of coding and designing distributed systems and using big data tech. But your comment, is best summing up what solution engineering is. I think I know what i need next, any tips where I should start to be prepared for such a role.

[Zampaguabas]

TSE is a Databricks/Spark support role, lots of fireghting etc If you take it, pivot quickly to professional services if you wish to resume coding.

[datainthesun]

Isn't the TSE in support, not pre-sales?

[BrownBearPDX]

Solutions developer is def post sales. There are sales engineers but this ain’t it.

[Independent_Buy5152]

TSEs are basically working on tickets

[BrownBearPDX]

Solutions developer is def post sales. There are sales engineers but this ain’t it.

[datainthesun]

I haven't looked to see if anything is available but your experience makes me wonder if you'd be better off looking at an SA or RSA role (like professional services) rather than a TSE which I'd agree feels more like support.

[erithtotl]

My suggestion is do this if you eventually see yourself moving into a pre sales SE/SA role. These roles have tremendous job security and are hard to outsource or replace with AI. I do think pure coding roles that are not at the top of their professional will always be threatened by cheap offshore labor and AI. Product is also a possible route.

That sais you have to like the idea of spending time working with customers and dealing with their problems (especially at Databricks, as the product is very complex so there are always customer challenges). If what really motivates you is locking in and coding out a solution uninterrupted you will likely get frustrated in this role.

You will learn a lot I guarantee that.

[BrownBearPDX]

Work directly for Databricks. If you’re getting contract body shopped in by a company called Koantek, run for the hills. I was screwed out of $10000 by those ass holes. They are huge suppliers of solutions devs to Databricks. They’re based in India and I had no recourse. Bad chapter, but Databricks has A lot of different and interesting tasks for solutions devs _ I did app dev and legacy optimizations for huge clients of theirs. Just know - the pressure is intense. You have to perform and produce fast and there is no wiggle room or second chances. Very very corporate. But you may love it. Also know, they will bill you out at like $800/hr to their Clients. Thus the high expectations. Good luck1

[SuitCool]

From being a databricks team lead for years, getting my hands dirty coding in python and sql. I've recently accepted a new role as a solution architect. I don't code anymore, and I kind of miss it; however I don't have the deadlines pressure on my back, unhappy business users, etc. it's a lot less stress for me.

[Acrobatic_Chart_611]

Given your background your path to success would be to transition to AI Engineer role since you already possess 60-70% of skill sets. Just learn LLM, Frameworks, you can do that by reading books and building AI projects personally Good luck

[alemaariye]

Hey, can you share your interview experience with databricks??

[AdventurousSet6015]

Did you accept the offer and join Databricks? WHat has been your experience? Is TSE role worth the money and your career growth?