Typically, a $750k engineer designs and builds the software that makes the $100k engineers productive, or can solve Hard Problems that a $100k engineer is unlik

Typically, a $750k engineer designs and builds the software that makes the $100k engineers productive, or can solve Hard Problems that a $100k engineer is unlikely to solve and may not even recognize. They are paid as much as they are not just because of the impact on productivity, but also because the $100k engineers do not have the skills to produce what the $750k engineer produces. One cannot be replaced with the other. Even if you do not have an immediate use for these very expensive engineers, it can be extraordinarily valuable to have them around for when you do need them. Having engineers that are very good at solving Hard Problems is a major asset. They have the potential to save you countless millions of dollars when Hard Problems occur. They may be doing low-value things part of the time, but if they can deliver on the Hard Problems when they occur then they are worth it. Generally speaking, $750k class engineers, and I know many, are extremely capable and have skills far beyond the average engineer. That's why they are paid what they are paid. They have achieved a degree of mastery that few engineers achieve.