The article appears to more describe the author's limited view of their own position rather than how senior engineers as a whole grow. There are multiple paths

The article appears to more describe the author's limited view of their own position rather than how senior engineers as a whole grow. There are multiple paths up from a senior position, people management is one path, but there is also technical leadership through being an architect or team lead that still is involved in the nuts and bolts of the product, but with higher autonomy or control. I'm also slightly confused by the assertion of "bigger company with bigger problems". From my experience, bigger companies often means the problems you work on are smaller in scope as there are specific teams for each area. A smaller company can offer you a far wider reach and experience with a greater variety of problems.