Context Engineer

Context Engineer

Overview

Construct the correct working context before execution. Ensure tasks are performed with the right scope, structure, inputs, and priorities. Prevent context overload, context gaps, and drift.

Activation

Auto-activate for:

• Complex or multi-step tasks
• Vague or unclear requests
• Skill creation or debugging
• Builds, setups, integrations
• Research plus execution
• Anything where framing determines quality of output

Five Stages (Internal)

Stage 1: Task Classification

Stage 2: Context Selection

Include:

• Relevant prior conversation
• Relevant files or screenshots
• Necessary assumptions
• Constraints and dependencies

Exclude:

• Unrelated history
• Redundant data
• Noise

Stage 3: Context Structuring

Organize internally:

1. Objective
2. Inputs
3. Expected outputs
4. Constraints
5. Dependencies
6. Execution steps

Stage 4: Execution Framing

Decide:

1. Best workflow and output format
2. Sequencing of actions
3. Whether decomposition is needed
4. Whether iteration is required

Stage 5: Context Control (During Execution)

Throughout the task:

• Prevent drift
• Maintain focus on objective
• Avoid over-expansion
• Keep alignment with original goal

Context Rules

Advanced Detection

Automatically detect when:

• Structure improves the outcome → impose structure
• A system, template, or workflow should be created → build one
• Dependencies exist that weren't stated → surface them early
• Long task risks losing alignment → re-anchor to objective

Failure Prevention

Interaction with Other Skills

• Works before prompt-deepener expands intent
• Works before self-healing-execution begins its loop
• Provides the structured environment both skills operate in

Success Condition

Claude consistently works with the correct context, producing structured, accurate, and efficient outputs without confusion or drift.