10 customisable OKR examples for Engineering Team

What are Engineering Team OKRs?

The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.

OKRs are quickly gaining popularity as a goal-setting framework. But, it's not always easy to know how to write your goals, especially if it's your first time using OKRs.

To aid you in setting your goals, we have compiled a collection of OKR examples customized for Engineering Team. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.

Building your own Engineering Team OKRs with AI

While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.

Feel free to explore our tools:

Our customisable Engineering Team OKRs examples

We've added many examples of Engineering Team Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.

Hope you'll find this helpful!

1OKRs to foster continuous improvement on Engineering metrics

  • ObjectiveFoster continuous improvement on Engineering metrics
  • Key ResultAchieve a 10% increase in team's average productivity metrics
  • TaskIntroduce incentives for meeting or surpassing productivity goals
  • TaskImplement training sessions to improve skills and efficiency
  • TaskOptimize workflow by eliminating unnecessary procedures
  • Key ResultImplement weekly trend analysis reports for every team member
  • TaskSchedule and distribute weekly trend analysis to each team member
  • TaskEstablish report templates to track weekly trends for each team
  • TaskAutomate data collection and trend analysis processes
  • Key ResultReduce error rates in engineering processes by 15%
  • TaskEnhance quality control and testing procedures
  • TaskRegularly review and improve existing engineering processes
  • TaskImplement training programs to update engineering knowledge and skills

2OKRs to improve interoperability between data engineering teams

  • ObjectiveImprove interoperability between data engineering teams
  • Key ResultOffer biweekly data interoperability training to 90% of data engineering teams
  • TaskIdentify 90% of data engineering teams for training
  • TaskDevelop a biweekly interoperability training schedule
  • TaskImplement and monitor the data interoperability training
  • Key ResultReduce cross-team data discrepancies by 50%, ensuring increased data consistency
  • TaskRegularly audit and correct data discrepancies across all teams
  • TaskImplement a standardized data entry and management process for all teams
  • TaskUtilize data synchronization tools for seamless data integration
  • Key ResultImplement standardized data protocols across all teams increasing cross-collaboration by 30%
  • TaskTrain teams on new standardized protocols
  • TaskIdentify current data protocols in each team
  • TaskDraft and propose unified data protocols

3OKRs to enhance workflow efficiency and productivity

  • ObjectiveEnhance workflow efficiency and productivity
  • Key ResultImplement at least 3 significant improvements identified from the workflow analysis
  • TaskDevelop strategies to implement these improvements efficiently
  • TaskEvaluate success of implemented improvements periodically
  • TaskPrioritize the 3 top improvements identified from workflow analysis
  • Key ResultReduce workflow steps or stages by 10% to streamline operations
  • TaskImplement new workflow and analyze for efficiency improvement
  • TaskReview and analyze current processes for unnecessary stages
  • TaskDevelop a revised workflow eliminating redundant steps
  • Key ResultIncrease process efficiency by 20% through process re-engineering
  • TaskIdentify bottlenecks in the current process
  • TaskTrain staff on newly engineered process
  • TaskDevelop a streamlined process blueprint

4OKRs to implement a robust chaos testing system in our production environment

  • ObjectiveImplement a robust chaos testing system in our production environment
  • Key ResultAchieve 90% system resilience score post chaos testing and fixing identified vulnerabilities
  • TaskDevelop resolutions for identified system weaknesses
  • TaskMeasure system resilience post-fix, aiming for 90% score
  • TaskImplement chaos testing to identify system vulnerabilities
  • Key ResultIdentify and document 10 potential points of system failure by month-end
  • TaskCompile findings into comprehensive document
  • TaskReview system for possible vulnerabilities or weaknesses
  • TaskRecord 10 potential failure points
  • Key ResultDevelop and deploy chaos experiments to simulate 50% of identified points of failure
  • TaskImplement and execute the chaos experiments
  • TaskDesign chaos experiments to simulate these failures
  • TaskIdentify the key potential failure points in the system

5OKRs to deploy robust reporting platform

  • ObjectiveDeploy robust reporting platform
  • Key ResultIdentify and integrate relevant data sources into the platform by 50%
  • TaskMonitor and adjust integration to achieve 50% completion
  • TaskImplement data integration strategies for identified sources
  • TaskIdentify relevant sources of data for platform integration
  • Key ResultEnsure 95% of platform uptime with efficient maintenance and quick bug resolution
  • TaskDevelop fast and effective bug resolution processes
  • TaskImplement regular system checks and predictive maintenance
  • TaskMonitor platform uptime continuously for efficiency
  • Key ResultAchieve user satisfaction rate of 85% through user-friendly design
  • TaskCollect user feedback for necessary improvements
  • TaskImplement intuitive site navigation and user interface
  • TaskRegularly update design based on user feedback

6OKRs to improve software system design and logging framework expertise

  • ObjectiveImprove software system design and logging framework expertise
  • Key ResultCollaborate with senior engineers on at least two software design reviews and provide valuable insights
  • TaskPrepare for software design reviews by doing research and gathering relevant information
  • TaskActively participate in software design reviews by asking questions and offering suggestions
  • TaskSchedule meetings with senior engineers to discuss software design reviews
  • TaskDocument and share valuable insights and suggestions with senior engineers after the reviews
  • Key ResultConduct research on best practices and emerging trends in software system design
  • TaskEngage in discussions with industry experts and peers to gather insights on software system design best practices
  • TaskReview industry publications and online resources for current best practices in software system design
  • TaskAttend relevant conferences and webinars to stay updated on emerging trends in software system design
  • TaskSet up alerts and notifications for research papers and articles on software system design
  • Key ResultImplement logging framework in one project and analyze its effectiveness
  • TaskDefine and implement the desired log messages and their respective levels
  • TaskIntegrate the chosen logging framework into the project's codebase
  • TaskResearch and choose a suitable logging framework for the project
  • TaskAnalyze and measure the impact of the logging framework on project performance and debugging processes
  • Key ResultSuccessfully complete online course on software system design with a passing grade

7OKRs to build a robust data pipeline utilizing existing tools

  • ObjectiveBuild a robust data pipeline utilizing existing tools
  • Key ResultSuccessfully test and deploy the data pipeline with zero critical defects by the end of week 10
  • TaskDeploy the final pipeline by week 10
  • TaskThoroughly debug and test the data pipeline
  • TaskFix identified issues before end of week 9
  • Key ResultIdentify and document 100% of necessary features and tools by the end of week 2
  • TaskReview product requirements and existing toolsets
  • TaskConduct brainstorming sessions for necessary features
  • TaskDocument all identified features and tools
  • Key ResultAchieve 75% completion of the data pipeline design and construction by week 6
  • TaskContinually review and improve design stages for efficiency
  • TaskAllocate resources for swift pipeline design and construction
  • TaskEstablish milestones and monitor progress each week

8OKRs to achieve optimal efficiency in engineering operations

  • ObjectiveAchieve optimal efficiency in engineering operations
  • Key ResultLower engineering error rates by 10% through enhanced quality control measures
  • TaskRegularly monitor and review error reports
  • TaskConduct regular training for quality control measures
  • TaskImplement rigorous testing protocols for every engineering process
  • Key ResultReduce operation downtime by 20% through improved preventative maintenance procedures
  • TaskImplement strict equipment servicing and inspection schedules
  • TaskDevelop detailed preventative maintenance protocols
  • TaskTrain personnel in efficient troubleshooting techniques
  • Key ResultIncrease operational efficiency by 15% via process improvement initiatives
  • TaskImplement new strategies to streamline processes
  • TaskRegularly assess and adjust improvements for optimal efficiency
  • TaskIdentify inefficiencies in current operational procedures

9OKRs to enhance data engineering capabilities to drive software innovation

  • ObjectiveEnhance data engineering capabilities to drive software innovation
  • Key ResultImprove data quality by implementing automated data validation and monitoring processes
  • TaskImplement chosen data validation tool
  • TaskResearch various automated data validation tools
  • TaskRegularly monitor and assess data quality
  • Key ResultEnhance software scalability by optimizing data storage and retrieval mechanisms for large datasets
  • TaskOptimize SQL queries for faster data retrieval
  • TaskAdopt a scalable distributed storage system
  • TaskImplement a more efficient database indexing system
  • Key ResultIncrease data processing efficiency by optimizing data ingestion pipelines and reducing processing time
  • TaskDevelop optimization strategies for lagging pipelines
  • TaskImplement solutions to reduce data processing time
  • TaskAnalyze current data ingestion pipelines for efficiency gaps

10OKRs to improve software engineering skills through effective time management

  • ObjectiveImprove software engineering skills through effective time management
  • Key ResultIncrease the number of completed coding tasks by 20% each week
  • TaskIdentify and address any obstacles or challenges that may hinder coding task completion
  • TaskEnhance collaboration and communication among team members for efficient task completion
  • TaskProvide regular feedback and support to assist in completing coding tasks
  • TaskSet clear and achievable coding task goals for each team member
  • Key ResultImprove adherence to project deadlines by delivering work on time in 90% of cases
  • TaskImplement effective communication strategies to address obstacles and ensure timely completion
  • TaskSet clear and realistic deadlines for each project task
  • TaskPrioritize tasks and create a detailed schedule to ensure timely delivery
  • TaskRegularly track progress and provide updates to stakeholders to maintain accountability
  • Key ResultReduce time spent on non-essential activities by 15% during work hours
  • TaskSet specific time limits for non-essential tasks to ensure efficient completion
  • TaskPrioritize and eliminate non-essential activities based on their impact and importance
  • TaskIdentify non-essential activities taking up significant time during work hours
  • TaskRegularly assess and adjust the allocation of time to non-essential activities as needed
  • Key ResultAttend and actively participate in at least 2 time management workshops or webinars
  • TaskResearch and identify 2 time management workshops or webinars
  • TaskApply the learned time management techniques in daily activities for improved efficiency
  • TaskTake thorough notes during the workshops or webinars for future reference
  • TaskRegister for the selected workshops or webinars to secure a spot

Engineering Team OKR best practices to boost success

Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇

Tip #1: Limit the number of key results

Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.

We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRs

Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins

Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.

Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.

Tability Insights DashboardTability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparency

Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row

Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.

As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.

Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.

How to turn your Engineering Team OKRs in a strategy map

Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:

  • It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
  • It will highlight poorly set OKRs
  • It will surface execution risks
  • It improves transparency and accountability

Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.

A strategy map in TabilityTability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRs

If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

More Engineering Team OKR templates

We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.

OKRs resources

Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.

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You can use Tability to create OKRs with AI – and keep yourself accountable 👀

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