The Risks of Single-Focus Platform TeamsToo Much Systems Focus Too Much Development FocusThe Different Roles of Platform EngineersSoftware EngineersSystems EngineersReliability EngineersSystems SpecialistsHiring and Recognizing Engineers in All RolesAllow Role-Specific TitlesAvoid Creating a New Software Engineer Level MatrixHave, at Most, One Level Matrix for the Systems RolesIf Needed, Create a New Software Engineer Interview ProcessVary the Interview Only Slightly for Systems RolesInterview for Customer EmpathyWhat Makes a Great Platform Engineering Manager?Experience Operating PlatformsExperience on Big, Long-Running ProjectsAttention to DetailOther Roles on a Platform TeamProduct ManagersProduct OwnersProject Managers/Technical Program ManagersDeveloper Advocates, Technical Writers, and Support EngineersCreating a Platform Engineering Team CultureA Platform Split Between a Development and an SRE TeamStrengths and Weaknesses of the Development TeamMerging the Teams and Adding Product ManagementInstilling a Platform Engineering CultureWrapping Up