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💼 Individual Contributor (IC) Frameworks

Career paths, compensation bands, and growth roadmaps

Clear frameworks for every IC role — from entry-level to principal — with transparent compensation formulas and skill expectations at each level.

🎯 What Are IC Frameworks?

IC Frameworks define the career progression, skill expectations, and compensation bands for individual contributors across all domains at Brax. Whether you're an engineer, designer, analyst, or specialist, these frameworks show you how to grow and what you'll earn at each stage.

📚 Framework Structure

📊 Levels & Steps

Each domain has 5-6 levels (Junior → Senior → Staff → Principal). Within each level are steps representing incremental skill and impact growth.

🎓 Skill Expectations

For each level, we define the technical skills, collaboration abilities, and ownership mindset expected. Clear benchmarks guide your development.

💰 Compensation Bands

Each level and step corresponds to a salary range calculated using our LMV vs. IMV formula. Adjustments are automatic when market rates change.

🚀 Career Roadmaps

Progression isn't about time served — it's about demonstrated impact. Frameworks show what unlocks the next level: projects, scope, mentorship.

🔧 Domains and compensations

Career domains and tier-based compensations for 2026 will be shared soon.

💰 How IC Compensation Is Calculated

All IC roles use the same transparent formula, adjusted for local market and cost of living:

text path=null start=null Compensation = max(LMV, Adjusted IMV) where Adjusted IMV = IMV × (1 - tax_rate) × COL_multiplier

Key Terms:
  • LMV (Local Market Value): Highest trusted local benchmark + 10% buffer
  • IMV (International Market Value): Global benchmark (PayScale, Glassdoor, etc.)
  • Tax rate: Standard deduction (e.g., 38% for U.S. benchmarks)
  • COL multiplier: Cost-of-living adjustment (e.g., 0.75 for Sofia, Bulgaria)

🚀 How to Progress

1. Understand Your Current Level

Review your level's skill expectations. Where are you strong? Where can you grow?

2. Demonstrate Impact at the Next Level

Progression happens when you consistently deliver work at the next level. Take on projects with broader scope, mentor others, solve ambiguous problems.

3. Document Your Achievements

Use performance reviews, project retrospectives, and 1:1s to capture your growth. Evidence matters.

4. Discuss with Your Manager

Promotions are a conversation, not a surprise. Work with your manager to create a growth plan and timeline.

🏁 Summary

IC Frameworks at Brax provide clear paths, transparent pay, and fair expectations. You know where you stand, what's next, and how to get there. Growth is about impact, not tenure — and compensation reflects that.