When it comes to engineering, the toughest engineering problems aren’t just about code. They’re about leadership and influence. How do you guide architectural change without direct authority? How do you make time for strategic work when the urgent issue always wins?
These are the questions many principal engineers wrestle with every day, and they are unpacked in “Multiplier” — a new free eBook written by engineers for engineers.
Written by Nathan Figueroa, Kerry Hart, Ryan Lohan and Ralph McNeal, each a senior principal technical leader at Zillow, the guide distills years of experience building and evolving systems that support millions of home searches, mortgage applications and rental connections. It’s a practical resource for engineers who want to heighten their impact, navigate complexity and lead through collaboration.
The authors emphasize that technical leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about clarity, influence and the discipline to focus on what truly moves the work forward.
The book grew out of Zillow’s ongoing evolution into a connected housing platform. As the company expanded, engineers had to rethink how to design to scale while maintaining speed and reliability. The knowledge shared in this guide reflects lessons learned through that process and the insights the team gained — and now hopes can help others facing similar challenges.
The eBook covers five practices every principal engineer should master:
This isn’t a theoretical handbook. It reflects real problems, trade-offs and decisions faced by Zillow’s engineering teams. The eBook offers a grounded view of what it means to lead from where you are, staying curious, choosing what matters and helping others succeed.
Whether you’re an experienced engineer sharpening your strategic instincts or an aspiring technical leader ready to grow, you’ll find techniques and insights you can apply right away.
Download “Multiplier” and explore how Zillow’s engineers are shaping technical leadership through clarity, collaboration and strategic focus.
Answers to questions you may have about “Multiplier.”
The idea grew out of conversations among Zillow’s engineering leaders about how to scale influence, not just code. As teams took on larger, more complex systems, they recognized the need to capture the leadership practices that made collaboration and mentorship work in real life.
“Multiplier” is written for engineers who want to expand their impact, whether they are team leaders in a formal capacity or senior individual contributors. It’s especially relevant for principal engineers and those aspiring to that level.
No. While the lessons come from Zillow’s experience, the frameworks — such as steel threads and the Eisenhower Matrix — apply to any large-scale engineering environment.
It highlights Zillow’s belief that leadership is learned through experience and shared through mentorship. Engineers are encouraged to document what works, teach others and help shape a culture in which learning is compounded.
The authors and Zillow’s engineering organization wanted to contribute to the broader tech community. Sharing what’s worked internally is part of how Zillow supports continuous learning both inside and outside the company.
Download the PDF version of “Multiplier” using this link. You can then transfer it to your Kindle, Kobo or preferred e-reader using the device’s file transfer or “Send to Kindle” feature. The PDF format is compatible with most e-reading apps and devices.