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tability.ioWhat are Software Engineer OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Software Engineer to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Software Engineer OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Software Engineer. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to secure a software engineer job in the US
ObjectiveSecure a software engineer job in the US
KRComplete ten coding challenges per week to improve technical skills
Review and tweak solutions for efficiency- Choose ten different coding challenges each week
- Allocate specific hours daily to practice coding challenges
- KRIncrease LinkedIn networking efforts to reach two new contacts per week in target industry
- Engage in industry-related discussions to improve visibility
- Dedicate 1 hour daily to researching and connecting with industry professionals
- Personalize connection requests to increase acceptance rates
- KRApply to at least five software engineer positions per week
- Submit applications to selected companies each week
- Update and proofread resume for software engineer positions
- Research five potential companies to apply to weekly
OKRs to implement a new CI/CD platform for seamless software deployment and delivery
- ObjectiveImplement a new CI/CD platform for seamless software deployment and delivery
- KRConfigure and successfully integrate the chosen CI/CD platform with the existing development toolchain
- Integrate the CI/CD platform with version control systems and build automation tools
- Test the integration to ensure a seamless workflow within the existing development toolchain
- Set up and configure the chosen CI/CD platform to align with the development toolchain
- Research and select an appropriate CI/CD platform for the existing development toolchain
- KRIdentify and evaluate at least three potential CI/CD platforms based on specific criteria
- KRImprove the average deployment time by 30% through automation and optimization efforts
- Optimize server and network configurations to speed up deployment and improve efficiency
- Automate manual tasks during deployment process to reduce time and human errors
- Implement continuous integration system to streamline software deployment process
- Identify and remove bottlenecks in the current deployment workflow
- KRIncrease deployment frequency by 50% compared to the previous quarter, with zero critical production incidents
OKRs to enhance data engineering capabilities to drive software innovation
- ObjectiveEnhance data engineering capabilities to drive software innovation
- KRImprove data quality by implementing automated data validation and monitoring processes
- Implement chosen data validation tool
- Research various automated data validation tools
- Regularly monitor and assess data quality
- KREnhance software scalability by optimizing data storage and retrieval mechanisms for large datasets
- Optimize SQL queries for faster data retrieval
- Adopt a scalable distributed storage system
- Implement a more efficient database indexing system
- KRIncrease data processing efficiency by optimizing data ingestion pipelines and reducing processing time
- Develop optimization strategies for lagging pipelines
- Implement solutions to reduce data processing time
- Analyze current data ingestion pipelines for efficiency gaps
OKRs to mitigate the risk associated with software maintenance
- ObjectiveMitigate the risk associated with software maintenance
- KRImplement efficient risk management model for 90% of maintenance projects
- Develop a comprehensive risk management model for maintenance projects
- Apply the model to current maintenance projects for evaluation
- Train project managers in risk management implementation
- KRAchieve zero unresolved critical issues for all maintained software
- Train staff in proactive problem identification and resolution
- Implement regular system checks for software performance
- Establish efficient issue reporting and resolution procedures
- KRProvide tailored training for all software engineers on identified critical areas
- Schedule and conduct tailored training sessions for engineers
- Develop customized training programs focusing on these critical areas
- Identify critical areas needing tailored training for software engineers
OKRs to enhance the efficiency of our software testing suite
- ObjectiveEnhance the efficiency of our software testing suite
- KRIncrease the speed of test execution by 25%
- Optimize code base to reduce unnecessary testing steps
- Utilize faster test automation tools and frameworks
- Implement parallel testing to distribute tests across different machines
- KRReduce software test suite setup time by 15%
- Implement automated test setup protocols
- Optimize code for greater setup efficiency
- Reduce redundant or unnecessary tests
- KRDecrease bug identification time by 20%
- Implement automated testing tools for routine bug discovery
- Use dedicated bug tracking systems to report issues
- Conduct regular training for staff in debugging techniques
OKRs to achieve promotion to software engineer 3
- ObjectiveAchieve promotion to software engineer 3
- KRComplete advanced software development certification
- KRMentor and provide guidance to junior software engineers
- Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and career goals
- Offer constructive feedback and actionable suggestions for improvement on their code
- Actively involve them in meaningful projects to gain real-world experience and build confidence
- Provide resources and recommend learning opportunities to enhance their technical skills
- KRReceive positive performance reviews from team members and supervisors
- Regularly check in with team members and supervisors to receive feedback and updates
- Actively listen to team members and supervisors, and address any concerns or suggestions
- Set clear and measurable goals with team members and supervisors
- Continuously improve skills and knowledge through training and professional development opportunities
- KRDeliver three high-impact software projects successfully
- Implement effective project management methodologies to ensure efficient coordination and communication
- Define clear project goals, timelines, and deliverables for each software project
- Assemble a skilled and dedicated team with the necessary expertise for each project
- Regularly monitor and evaluate progress, making adjustments as needed to meet project objectives
OKRs to implement efficient test automation processes
- ObjectiveImplement efficient test automation processes
- KRReduce manual testing work by 40% through customized automated scripts
- Implement and monitor the automated scripts’ efficacy regularly
- Develop customized automated scripts for these processes
- Identify repeated manual testing processes suitable for automation
- KRSuccessfully automate 70% of all repetitive tests while maintaining accuracy
- Research suitable automation tools or software
- Implement, monitor, and adjust automated processes accordingly
- Identify and catalog all existing repetitive tests
- KRAchieve a 30% decrease in software bugs and glitches through automated testing enhancement
- Regularly evaluate and refine our testing processes
- Train developers in advanced automated testing
- Implement enhanced and rigorous automated testing protocols
OKRs to improve software system design and logging framework expertise
- ObjectiveImprove software system design and logging framework expertise
- KRCollaborate with senior engineers on at least two software design reviews and provide valuable insights
- Prepare for software design reviews by doing research and gathering relevant information
- Actively participate in software design reviews by asking questions and offering suggestions
- Schedule meetings with senior engineers to discuss software design reviews
- Document and share valuable insights and suggestions with senior engineers after the reviews
- KRConduct research on best practices and emerging trends in software system design
- Engage in discussions with industry experts and peers to gather insights on software system design best practices
- Review industry publications and online resources for current best practices in software system design
- Attend relevant conferences and webinars to stay updated on emerging trends in software system design
- Set up alerts and notifications for research papers and articles on software system design
- KRImplement logging framework in one project and analyze its effectiveness
- Define and implement the desired log messages and their respective levels
- Integrate the chosen logging framework into the project's codebase
- Research and choose a suitable logging framework for the project
- Analyze and measure the impact of the logging framework on project performance and debugging processes
- KRSuccessfully complete online course on software system design with a passing grade
OKRs to enhance Quality Assurance automation capacity
- ObjectiveEnhance Quality Assurance automation capacity
- KRImplement automation for at least 70% of previously manually tested scenarios
- Identify primary scenarios for automated testing
- Evaluate automation coverage and effectiveness
- Develop and implement automation scripts
- KRAchieve 80% pass rate for all new automated test scripts
- Implement rigorous script debugging and revision process
- Develop comprehensive and effective automated test scripts
- Train team members on standard script writing
- KRIncrease automation coverage by 30% across all project modules
- Develop and implement automation scripts for these areas
- Monitor and assess the increase in automation coverage
- Identify areas with low automation within project modules
OKRs to enhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process
- ObjectiveEnhance knowledge and skills in unit test learning process
- KRObtain a professional certification in unit testing from an established tech organization
- Research established tech organizations that offer unit testing certifications
- Enroll in the selected professional certification program
- Study for and pass the certification examination
- KRComplete three comprehensive online courses on unit testing methodologies and practices
- Enroll and start the online courses
- Complete all coursework and assessments on time
- Select three thorough online courses about unit testing methodologies
- KRDevelop and execute unit tests for ten distinct functions in current project
- Run and analyze results of tests
- Develop unit tests for the functions
- Identify ten key functions within the project
How to write your own Software Engineer OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Software Engineer OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Software Engineer OKRs
Quarterly OKRs should have weekly updates to get all the benefits from the framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Software Engineer OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to increase revenue through add-ons and seamless integrations
- OKRs to successfully migrate on-prem applications to cloud setup
- OKRs to streamline and optimize company's resource management
- OKRs to optimize ManageEngine for efficient patching and software deployment
- OKRs to successfully launch two unique activities this year
- OKRs to enhance compliance adherence across all levels