[rokob]

Google has a title called TLM which is tech lead + manager which is meant to straddle the divide. In practice you have twice the expectations which are themselves conflicting with only the one salary. It is often used for ICs to try out management before making the decision which ladder to stay on. Most TLMs are at the staff level so kind of fits that staff engineer who is a junior manager that you describe.

[OJFord]

Yeah I see that now on the site you linked, as well as in his book I think & Tanya Reilly's 'The SE Path' linked from its intro (that's all I can read before it arrives). Both seem helpful texts (I've ordered & have access to ebook resp.) so really appreciate the link, thanks.