FreshBooks: TeamLead, Developers, QA, Designer, etc.

FreshBooks is hiring a boatload of positions including two enterprise developers, five software developers, a QA analyst, senior designer, web developer and more.  I’ve talked about the pros and cons of working at FreshBooks lots of times, so if you’re a new reader, do feel free to read over some of my past postings.

In this case, I think the sheer volume of open positions is also a strong positive.  Although I doubt the need to hire a lot of people would cause FreshBooks to hire people they don’t really want, it does mean that if you’re one of five worthy candidates, they could hire all of you, instead of just the one they like best, so it’s a good time to be interviewing at FreshBooks.

Disclaimer
Although I’ve found FreshBooks an interesting company for longer than I’ve been doing Toronto Tech Jobs, in the last couple of years, FreshBooks has given me a couple of referral rewards, so you’re welcome to consider my opinion biased.

Polar Mobile Really Really Wants Software Developers

Polar, or someone working on their behalf, is putting out feelers left right and centre. I don’t know how they deal with the volume of leads this would presumably generate:

 

• careerbuilder/teamrecruiter
• ajilon
• workopolis
• craigslist
• workopolis/sapphire
• datalist/monster
• peoplesource
• sapphire
• … and the list goes on

They are apparently looking to grow significantly during the year, but the sheer volume of posts leading back to the same spot is pretty draining if you’re reading a wide array of feeds.  Historically, I’ve viewed this kind of search behavior as a bad sign.

Royal Bank: Sr. Technical Analyst – Enterprise Application & Dependency Mapping

RBC is looking for a Sr. Technical Analyst – Enterprise & Dependency Mapping:

This position will be joining the recently created Application & Dependency Mapping team. Application & Dependency Mapping is a leading edge solution that automates the ability to discover and maintain the relationships between complex applications and their supporting infrastructure components, known as application interdependency mapping. This type of technology can be used for numerous things: improving Disaster Recovery Plans, incident management, change management, configuration management and many others.

- 5 yrs previous technical work/industry experience
- Having experience with this type of solution would be a benefit, however not a requirement as this is a leading edge solution.
- Programming and scripting skills are a requirement; the solution uses Java/Jython/Python.
- In depth knowledge of Windows and Unix computing technologies.
- In depth knowledge of networking technologies.
- Understanding of database architecture.
- SQL knowledge and user skills.
- Good understanding of the different layers of the OSI model.
- Working knowledge of middleware technologies
- Beneficial to have working knowledge of host computing technologies.
- Experience working with vendors and vendor support

The Good
This is a pretty novel area to me – definitely the sort of thing that would mostly be applicable to large enterprises, but possibly the sort of thing where developing expertise in this area will help you out by having skills in a relatively rare area that you can parlay into some kind of consulting in the future.  It might also just be interesting.

It’s also for the Royal Bank, which would normally be a good sign from a stability perspective, although lately Banks haven’t seemed like the best place to be.

And, finally, doing Python, even Jython, in the enterprise is rare enough that some of you are likely to be interested for that reason alone.

The Bad
The banks in Toronto typically don’t pay very well.  And with this position looking for five years of experience, I’d guess that they might be offering something like $60k, which is not enough, particularly to work in a banking environment.  That said, if you’re on the hunt and this sounds interesting, there’s no harm in inquiring, other than possibly wasting your time.  This is probably more appealing if you’ve only got the five years experience they’re looking for.

What’s Missing?
What’s the compensation like on this team?  Where will the job be located?  And, since this is likely to be a new area for many of you, knowing more about the job, what you’d be doing, what the team you’d be on is like and so forth could be valuable.

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to working for/in a big canadian bank.  On the upside, you might be able to keep banker’s hours.  On the downside, you’re likely to have a lot of process and comparatively low pay.

In Summary
Working on Jython/Python to map enterprise applications and their dependencies for a big canadian bank – interesting technology, but possibly sub-standard pay.  Probably mostly interesting to people with the near-minimum required level of experience.

Polar Mobile: Software Developer

Polar mobile is looking for a Software developer:

Polar Mobile is looking for an experienced Software Developer to help architect and extend Polar’s distributed mobile content-delivery, advertising, and analytics platform.

The successful candidate is excited to build web services that enable next-generation content delivery on mobile devices, and thrives on the challenge of overcoming the performance and scalability barriers involved in running cloud-based services for millions of mobile subscribers.

The Good
Polar seems to be an interesting technology niche, combining the mobile platform with cloud-based distributed computing models (using Amazon Web Services).  They also seem to have been moderately successful, based on the number and nature of sites that are powered by Polar.

The Bad
Based on the fact that polar mentions intern positions, entrepreneurial nature, and “young” professionals, it may be true that they’re looking to compensate like a startup — moderate wages with the potential for some kind of equity deal, or at least the promise of interesting work.  That said, until you talk to them, there’s probably no point in making too many up-front assumptions about their compensation.  They’re also only looking for 2+ years experience, another sign that they may not be willing to pay for a really experienced developer. 

What’s Missing?
Some sense of compensation.  A confirmation about the location of the job.   More details about their technology platform – distributed Python on AWS?  Client-side applications?  What are the challenges facing Polar?   What’s the size of the company and team?  How do they manage their cloud-based servers?

YMMV
Although the combination of mobile and cloud is interesting from a technology perspective,  I’m less sure that their business model will thrive in the long term, simply because both the content publishers and the carriers and platform providers will increasingly encroach on their business model.  Those companies are going to see mobile content delivery as a key element in their technology platform, and may want to take it in-house.   Your mileage may vary.  Then again, perhaps Polar will have diversified sufficiently by the time the market catches up.

The Location
Near as I can tell, they’re located at front and university, well-positioned for Go Transit, Via Rail, and Subway access. There are a reasonable number of shopping and restaurant options around.

View Larger Map

In Summary
The combination of distributed/cloud-based and mobile technology sounds like it could be an interesting one, and Polar is well-located.  It might be worth inquiring further to find out how much they’re willing to offer.

Scali / Platform Computing: Open Cluster 1st Line Support

Scali, or Platform Computing, is looking for someone to fill a role they call Open Cluster Solution, 1st Line Support:

Troubleshooting Linux, and cluster related technologies
Strong technical knowledge of major Linux operating systems, including administration and networking
Experience with Python and Shell programming
Knowledge of HPC cluster benchmarking (Linpack) and network like Infiniband. 
Experience working with parallel programming environments (MPICH, Intel MPI, OpenMPI, LAMMPI)
Ability to setup and administer a High Performance Computing (HPC) cluster
Ability to document in an accurate fashion, including procedures, processes
Establishing, nurturing relationships with end customers
Good communication (written, verbal) and customer management skills

The Good
High-performance cluster computing in Linux is definitely an interesting sector; this kind of system has essentially replaced mainframes, so experience in this area is a valuable skill for jobs that require serious computing power.

Although this is listed as support, it’s important to distinguish that it’s not support in the “Let me check the knowledgebase” sort of way, it’s support that involves actively working through problems, as evidenced by the required skills.  This kind of support has a significant operational role and is probably more appealing.

The Bad
They’re looking for people who already have some experience with high-performance computing and ideally distributed computing already.  I’m thinking that cuts down the applicant pool heavily, so that may be enough to reduce your interest. 

What’s Missing
I’ve worked out the location from the website, but that still leaves quite a bit.  What’s the compensation for this kind of role?  What’s a typical day like in this role — there’s a mix of responsibilities and it would be interesting to understand how they break down.    What’s the process like?  Is there a whole team of support at Scali that you’d be part of, and if so, what’s the size and composition of the team, and where would you fit in relative to the rest of the team?  Are there growth opportunities in this role that you might want to consider?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to a support role, even one with a strong operational side.  

It might also vary when it comes to working in Markham at Warden/407. , which basically means you already live nearby or you’re ok with commuting by car.

In Summary
This is most interesting if:

• You’ve already got some experience with high-performance computing, and you’re interested to get more.
• You’re ok with a support role even with a strong operational side.
• You’re willing to work in Markham.

Givex: Programmer / Senior Application Developer

Givex is looking for a Programmer / Senior Application Developer:

You will join a team of competent and experienced Developers; 6-8 individuals. Daily responsibilities include programming, analysis and design. You will work on new development projects and existing systems in a 24/7 transaction-processing environment.

 

• Development in UNIX environment on significant projects
• Strong Database Design Skills; Database applications development and relational database management systems; Fluent in SQL
• Programming languages: Python, C, C++, Java (some) and additional experience in other programming languages
• Experience in writing client / server database applications using Object Oriented languages
• UNIX networking experience with solid understanding of virtual memory, filesystems, job control and Strong knowledge of NetBSD, PostgreSQL and Linux
• Application development experience in the financial industry, including: POS systems programming, debit and credit card terminals, POS devices, and communication protocols
• Understanding of Extreme Programming practices and rules

 

The Good
Most development jobs are narrowly focused on a single platform.  It sounds like Givex development is a little more varied.  Python is also first on their list, although I’m not certain that list is in priority order.  It also sonds like they’re looking for people with a good understanding of Unix development – perhaps not kernel coding, but stil lower-level than your average enterprisey application. 

I believe their location is Adelaide and Charlotte — that’s not a bad area to work, good food and shops around, not too far off the main subway lines.

The Bad
I’m not certain why their application process asks some of the questions that it does, like whether or not you’re a smoker, and the question about filling out quizzes.  I suspect they’re a little security-concerned, but it’s a bit of an irritant.

What’s Missing
It’s not very clear what the team structure and composition is like.  What’s the compensation like?  What would you be working on in particular?  Is the team you’re working on the only software team?  How big is the company?  What’s the culture really like?  How does the mix of technologies actually play out in practice?  Why is the application process so unusual?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to the whole ‘time and commitment’ angle they mention in the application process; it might just be a culture that emphasizes getting the work done, or it might be a culture of overwork; you’d have to try and tease some of that out in the interview process.

In Summary
If you want to do Python, C and C++ in pursuit of transaction-processing and card solutions, you might want to consider Givex.

Unspecified: Python Developer

An unspecified company is looking for a Python Developer:

We are currently seeking a Developer with recent Python experience, either in a business or an educational environment. You may be a recent university grad with open source experience you can point to, or a seasoned developer. In addition to Python you will be working with Zope, Twisted, HTTP, Ajax and SQL and any experience in those areas would be helpful.

As part of our team you will have significant opportunities to contribute to our market leading role while working with a variety of technologies in developing new product features. We are a world leader with our applications. 

The Good
The technology stack sounds reasonable if you’re a Pythonista: Zope, Twisted, Ajax.   That’s enough for some who’re looking to work in Python.  If they are indeed ‘a world leader’, then that could be exciting as well.

The location, King and Spadina, is a decent one, although it’d help to know exactly where.  You’re not too far off Chinatown and Queen West, not too far from the subway.  Then again, if it’s halfway to Bathurst, you might find it’s a little too far off the subway for some.

They seem open to a wide range of experience levels, which increases the odds that they might be interested in you.

The Bad
A company doing Python/Twisted that’s “a world leader” in Toronto near King/Spadina?  Either they’re pretty good at flying under the radar, or they might be exaggerating a little.   I don’t know who they might be and Google isn’t helping.

They seem open to a wide range of experience levels, which might mean they don’t have high expectations that you have to meet and might not be expecting to pay a whole lot.  Then again, there’s only one way to know for sure: apply.

What’s Missing?
Who are they?   What would you be working on?  Are you working alone, or as a member of a team?  If the latter, what’s the size and composition of that team, and how would you fit into it?  Where exactly are they located?  What’s the compensation package?  What do they lead the world in?  Who would you be reporting to?  What would your goals be?

YMMV
There’s really not enough detail for me to know where your mileage is likely to vary, but I guess your mileage might vary about applying to a position based on this thin slice of information. 

In Summary
If you’re working in Python or interested in doing so, then you’d probably want to try and learn a little more so you can decide if this is an interesting position.

G.A.P. Adventures: Web Developer

G.A.P. Adventures is looking for a Web Developer:

We’re looking for a full-time Web Developer to work with the eCommerce team. You will be working in a collaborative and agile environment to develop a completely new experience for visitors to G.A.P Adventures websites.  You will be responsible for analyzing existing software, making improvements, handling new development requests and continually enhancing our web development capabilities.

Demonstrated development experience with hand-coding advanced HTML, CSS, Python or PHP and JavaScript
Proficiency with cross-browser/cross-platform issues, and web standards
Experience configuring Apache with MySQL or Postgress [sic], with knowledge of SQL and Linux (proficient with command line) 
Solid understanding of website architecture and MySQL database structure & design, as well as object- oriented-programming 
Experience working within a team environment 
A strong ability to deal with people at all levels and build trust and confidence with management and employees 
Excellent command of the English language Python development experience a strong asset  

The Good
G.A.P. Adventures has a pretty good reputation as a tour operator and has won lots of awards over the years, and is in an interesting industry (ethical travel/tourism).  They’re doing Python in a town where there isn’t a lot of Python.  I get the impression that they’re moving from PHP to Python and Django, although if the technology matters to you, you’ll probably want to talk to them about the situation in more detail.

Interestingly, they mention “great travel benefits.”  That’s not enough information to go on, but it does imply that it’s something you may want to know more about.

The description of the role seems sensible, not packed with meaningless HR or enterprisey terms that might imply dysfunction.

The Bad
Information gaps.  How big’s the team?  What kind of applications does the team work on?  What’s the detail on the PHP/Python technology mix?  What’s the compensation (salary, vacation, travel benefit, etc.)?  How big is the company?  What’s the location you’d be working from?  (Is it a nice space?)  What kind of process does the team follow?  What tools do they use?  You could keep up this line of questions all day.

Also, although there’s no specific mention of compensation, it’s been my experience that companies hiring under the banner of “Web Developer” are typically paying less than those looking for, say, a  ”Python Developer” or a “Software Developer”.  That said, if compensation is a concern, the simplest way to address that is to talk to them about compensation.

YMMV
It doesn’t sound like it’s an exceptionally senior role — they’re not looking for a ton of experience.   Depending on what your experience is and what you’re interested in doing, this is either a great thing or a potential problem.  At the same time, I believe it’s a smaller company, so you’re unlikely to be a powerless code-monkey cog-in-the-wheel, so if you’ve got a lot of experience, they may well be willing to hire you and take advantage of it.

If Python is your area of interest, your mileage may vary about spending some of your time in PHP, so you’d want to inquire further about the technology mix.  Likewise if you’re really into PHP and not so much into Python.

Although I don’t believe you can directly correlate the posting to the company, I’m a little disappointed that the posting had some formatting issues, a typo, and failed to take the selling opportunity to link to the awards that G.A.P. Adventures has won directly, or to explain the travel benefits in more detail.

In Summary
This is probably most interesting if either you’re looking to do some Python work or you really like the idea of doing some work in ethical tourism (and possibly take advantage of said travel benefit).  If you’re looking to parlay your PHP experience and move from PHP to Python and Django, this could also be a good place to do it, as long as you’ve got enough Python experience to make the grade.

JustAddHeat: Django/Python Web Developer (Contract, Part-Time)

Just Add Heat is looking for a web developer to do some hourly Django and Python contract work for their online storefront/reservation system on an as-needed basis:

• Experience developing consumer facing web applications.
• Experience working with Python, JavaScript. Bonus points for Django and/or Prototype.
• Knowledge of relational database concepts and patterns. Bonus points for MySQL.
• Familiarity with internet protocols like HTTP, REST and JSON.
• Familiarity with Unix-based operating systems.

The Good
There’s not a ton of Django and Python work in Toronto, and that alone is enough for some people.  It’s also nice to have a good chance to see what you’d be working on before you agree to do so.  Lots of jobs and contracts don’t give you that opportunity.

The Bad
It’s intermediate work, there isn’t a lot of it.  

YMMV
Your mileage may vary when it comes to doing part-time work, but if you’re already a free-lancer working with multiple clients, and you’ve got some time free, this is just the sort of thing you’d want to see.

Your mileage may also vary when it comes to describing REST or JSON as an internet protocol, but at least you’re dealing with someone who’s heard of REST and JSON. 

In Summary
This is basically custom-made for the freelancer-type — people doing contract work, but not locked into long full-time contract work where you can’t squeeze any time in for any other clients.  If that sounds like you and you know Python, and possibly Django, this could be interesting.

Kontagent: “Super Awesome Developer”

Kontagent is looking for a “Super Awesome Developer“:

We’re looking for all the obvious traits — intelligent, creative, self motivated, etc.

But most importantly, we’re looking for people like us: a love for solving hard problems, as passion for build cool technology and coming up with creative solutions, and desire for working with small elite teams that create world class stuff.

We are looking for people without egos, but have a track-record of awesomeness or have demonstrated a passion and love for writing great software.

We prefer working with extremely strong generalists (look at our company bios and you’ll see what we mean), but we are currently looking for people that can help us with both front end web development (think CSS, AS3, Flex, Javascript) as well as backend web development (think Python, MySQL, large distributed systems).

The Good
Although the posting goes a little over the top, it’s also true that the posting is obviously written by someone who knows a little about development and what sorts of things appeal to developers, which can be a good sign. 

The company sounds both well-funded and interesting, a good combination.  They’re doing analytics for “social applications” from the sounds of things.  Although i’m not yet certain what that means, it does at least sound like something that might be interesting.

The Bad
Well, despite the above, I’ll say that I think the posting is trying too hard.  But, then, any time a company asks for ‘rock star’ or ‘awesome’ or something like that, let alone both in one post, I tend to be somewhat skeptical.  If you want exceptional programmers, just say so, don’t pull out cheesy analogies and superlatives. 

There are, of course, the usual problems in terms of lapses of information.  Where would you be working?  How much would you be paid?  What will you be working on?  What’s the team like, how big is it, and what process does it follow?

YMMV
Your mileage may vary with respect to working in a startup, particularly if it’s the sort of startup that hopes to get a lot out of you in return for limited real compensation and little bits of paper that represent your equity in a venture that may or may not succeed.  I don’t know that Kontagent is that kind of company, but it’s not an uncommon pattern for a startup. 

In Summary
If working for an interesting-sounding startup doing social-network stuff in Python and AJAX sounds pretty cool to you, and you have no problem refering to yourself as a super-awesome developer, then this might be the right choice for you.