[2squirrels]

I feel like that is the norm for small companies. It has certainly been my experience albeit outside of any engineering or development roles so far. They don’t have the resources (their own time, especially a start up, or money to hire) to use on career planning like bigger companies do. Could he have given you some more friendly advice? Probably. Is it his job to: no.

That being said if you don’t feel like your skills are being acknowledged, you’re not learning new skills while on the job (unlikely in a start up but possible) or that the leap to the next step seems to great at your current job, you could just leave when you do feel ready and have learned enough, seeking your next job at the next level above your current. In the interim try to work with your engineering manager As much as possible to learn from them.