Build Relationships
As engineers it can be tempting to think that our work should speak for itself. If you ship good code and solve good problems you will be recognized, right?
Maybe. But doing the work without building relationships can put you at a serious disadvantage.
Don't use the stereotype of the socially awkward programmer to justify working in isolation. Don't fall into the outdated trope of the surly engineer who works "brilliantly" as a lone wolf. In order to know the right things to be working on, you need to keep your head up. In order to get people to recognize and advocate for you, it's important to get to know and care about other people. Listen to them, understand their work and challenges. Be helpful when you can. Be supportive when you can.
Building relationships is not political posturing. It's not an unsavory way to get special treatment. It's a fundamental part of human collaboration.
Do not underestimate the power of caring about others in a way that makes them care about you.