“The Coding Machine” at Meta – with Michael Novati

This interview podcast features Gergely Orosz interviewing Michael Novati, a former Meta engineer known for his exceptional coding skills and high impact. The conversation centers on Novati's unique "coding machine" archetype at Meta, a designation created to recognize his prolific and impactful code contributions, exceeding typical expectations for senior engineers. Novati details his rapid career progression at Meta, highlighting the importance of strong manager relationships and meticulous documentation of accomplishments. He also discusses Meta's unique engineering culture, including its extensive use of custom internal tools and its open-door hiring committee process. Listeners gain insights into Meta's engineering practices, interview processes, and career progression for individual contributors, along with practical advice on navigating the tech job market.