14 OKR examples for Engineering

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. Take a look at the templates below for inspiration and guidance.

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

Best practices for OKR

Your objectives should be ambitious, but achievable. Your key results should be measurable and time-bound. It can also be helfpul to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.

Building your own OKRs with AI

While we have some examples below, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. There are 2 options available to you.

- Use our free OKRs generator
- Use Tability, a complete platform to set and track OKRs and initiatives – including a GPT-4 powered goal generator

How to track OKRs

OKRs without regular progress updates are just KPIs. You'll need to update progress on your OKRs every week to get the full benefits from the framework.

Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.

We recommend Tability for an easy way to set and track OKRs with your team.

Check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.

Engineering OKRs templates

The examples have Engineering Objectives and Key Results, but they may also include the tasks that can help you get there.

OKRs to improve engineering performance and reliability

  • ObjectiveBuild a world-class infrastructure
  • Key ResultIncrease Apdex above 0.95
  • TaskCache requests wherever possible
  • TaskIdentify and resolve to 5 application bottlenecks
  • Key ResultReduce build time to be under 5 minutes
  • TaskAudit test suite to reduce duplicates
  • TaskSwitch to a more performing build infrastructure
  • Key ResultOur stress tests show that we can support 10,000 concurrent users
Turn OKRs into a Strategy Map

OKRs to improve the quality of the data

  • ObjectiveSignificantly improve the quality of the data
  • Key ResultReduce the number of data capture errors by 30%
  • Key ResultReduce delay for data availability from 24h to 4h
  • Key ResultClose top 10 issues relating to data accuracy

OKRs to reduce the cost of integrating data sources

  • ObjectiveReduce the cost of data integration
  • Key ResultDecrease the time to integrate new data sources from 2 days to 4h
  • TaskMigrate data sources to Segment
  • TaskCreate a shared library to streamline integrations
  • Key ResultReduce the time to create new dashboards from 4 days to <1h
  • TaskAdopt BI tool to allow users to create their own dashboards
  • Key Result10 teams have used successfully a self-serve dashboard creation system

OKRs to allocate resources to refactor high-priority tech debt

  • ObjectiveReduce technical debt by allocating resources effectively
  • Key ResultImplement best practices to avoid future high-priority tech debt accumulation
  • Key ResultAchieve a reduction in high-priority tech debt items by 25%
  • Key ResultEstablish a clear plan for refactoring high-priority tech debt items
  • Key ResultPrioritize high-priority tech debt items for resource allocation

OKRs to improve engineering release cycles

  • ObjectiveSignificantly increase the speed of our development cycle
  • Key ResultImprove developer NPS from 20 to 60
  • Key ResultReduce build times from 25 to under 5 mins
  • Key ResultReduce cycle time from 28 days to 6 days
  • TaskImplement CD pipeline for the staging environment
  • TaskAutomate all deployment steps

OKRs 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

OKRs 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

OKRs to reduce critical tech debt by 50% in six months

  • ObjectiveMinimize tech debt
  • Key ResultDevelop a plan of action to address targeted tech debt items
  • Key ResultPrioritize critical tech debt items
  • Key ResultConduct a thorough tech debt analysis
  • Key ResultImplement new development standards to prevent tech debt accumulation

OKRs 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

OKRs to eliminate high-risk tech debt over the next year

  • ObjectiveReduce high-risk tech debt to improve system stability
  • Key ResultConduct a thorough analysis to measure the impact of eliminating each high-risk tech debt item
  • Key ResultOutline and prioritize initiatives to eliminate each high-risk tech debt item
  • Key ResultComplete the elimination of at least 50% of high-risk tech debt items
  • Key ResultIdentify top 10 high-risk tech debt items

OKRs to reduce technical debt

  • ObjectiveReduce significantly the technical debt in our platform
  • Key ResultDedicated 20% of our sprint effort to tackling technical debt
  • Key ResultClose 40 issues tagged as technical debt
  • Key ResultBoost application performance by 40% as a result of the debt culling

OKRs to enforce coding standards to prevent new tech debt

  • ObjectiveStandardize coding practices for debt reduction
  • Key ResultConduct training sessions to educate all team members
  • Key ResultReduce tech debt backlog by 50% through enforcement of standards
  • Key ResultDevelop and implement updated coding standards
  • Key ResultConduct quarterly reviews to ensure adherence to standards

OKRs to improve system availability to achieve 999% uptime

  • ObjectiveIncrease system uptime
  • Key ResultImprove system redundancy and failover capabilities
  • TaskUse load balancing to distribute traffic across multiple servers
  • TaskCreate backup systems in different geographic locations
  • TaskRegularly test failover and recovery processes
  • TaskImplement automated failover mechanisms
  • Key ResultImplement proactive system monitoring
  • TaskRegularly review system metrics and identify areas for improvement
  • TaskDefine and create alerts for critical system events
  • TaskDevelop a process for reviewing and responding to alerts
  • TaskSet up monitoring tools for infrastructure
  • Key ResultIncrease system performance by 25%
  • TaskUpgrade hardware and software components as per audit recommendations
  • TaskConduct a system audit to identify bottlenecks and inefficient processes
  • TaskOptimize system settings and configurations to reduce resource consumption
  • TaskImplement a system monitoring and alert system to minimize downtime
  • Key ResultDecrease unplanned downtime by 50%
  • TaskConduct regular equipment inspections
  • TaskIncrease spare parts inventory
  • TaskImprove operator training on equipment maintenance
  • TaskImplement predictive maintenance program

OKRs 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

More 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.