Definition & Meaning of "ghost engineer"in English

What does "ghost engineer" mean in tech slang?

This term originated within software engineering and startup culture, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, Blind, and tech Twitter, where stories emerged of employees quietly collecting paychecks while doing little to no actual work. It is used to describe a developer or engineer who remains employed and appears on team rosters but contributes minimally or not at all, often flying under the radar during remote work. The structure combines "ghost" (something unseen or present in name only) with "engineer" (a technical professional), forming a compound noun that implies a hollow or deceptive form of employment.