Hands-on experience with modern web systems (server/client development, cloud, RESTful APIs, React, MVC, security fundamentals, TDD) Strong computer science fundamentals (data structures, Big-O, composition vs. inheritance, tradeoffs) Deep comfort with data and persistence layers (SQL/non-relational databases, indexing, CRUD, query optimization) Experience leading distributed teams across geographies, cultures, and time zones Passion for developing people (coaching, feedback, career growth)