In the org I work in "Distinguished" is simply a level of seniority (and pay grade). For engineers we have; grad -> engineer -> senior -> specialist -> principa

In the org I work in "Distinguished" is simply a level of seniority (and pay grade). For engineers we have; grad -> engineer -> senior -> specialist -> principal -> chief -> distinguished. The further/higher you get you usually do less "programming" and more design/architectural, plus line management.