u/Fair-Delivery6

Is it a red flag or a bad look if a candidate hasn't achieved a senior position/title after say 7, 8 or 9 years experience?

I understand its not just years of experience to reach that level, and each company has their own individual guidelines. Still, at what point does it start to raise questions? Or, am I being too cynical and employers do care more about achievements/responsibilities/range of experience vs titles?

It just feels like salary is more easily tied or leveraged with title vs anything else, least in some recruiters eyes. Keen on your thoughts, especially in the engineering industry.