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      Tech Candidate Spotlight: Adam Gerard, Senior Software Engineer

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      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      My educational background is decidedly mixed. I have 40+ skill or knowledge-based industry assessments/certifications along with more traditional degrees including a bachelor’s and master’s.

      The assessments and certifications (including Hired Assessments) have had the single biggest overall impact so far. They establish my ability, what I know, and how I compare with others.

      What would you like to learn more about?

      Computer Science fundamentals! I plan to go back for a second master’s and pick up more certifications in key specialization areas. They include Hashicorp Terraform, Amazon AWS, Triplebyte, and Oracle Java.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I have converging interests in computer hardware, IT, logic, language, and machines. I think it’s natural for me to gravitate toward highly technical, thinking-centric, and machine-centric jobs involving the deep use of language.

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      I’ve branched out from Java and SQL to JavaScript, then React, Node, Python, Ruby, WordPress, and so on. I’ve been tinkering around with Haskell, Elixir, and other newer languages too. I’ve also recently prioritized various infrastructure and DevOps tools since they are of nearly equal importance and demand in most roles.

      Related: Discover the most in-demand coding skills in the 2023 State of Software Engineers

      Do you specialize in a particular area?

      I enjoy full stack work since it requires integrated, systems-type thinking. There’s often a clear path through the stack that reveals itself in this type of engineering. It’s more difficult to trace the cause and effect with other, more specialized approaches. I also think full stack specializations align well with Agile practices.

      Related: Want to Ace Technical Interviews? A Guide to Prep Software Engineers

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, I’ve been hired as a Senior Software Engineer. I’ve steadily earned promotions or have been hired at increasingly more advanced levels over the years. However, this is the first time I’ve been hired outright as a Senior Software Engineer!

      That’s exciting! Speaking of exciting – what are you looking forward to most in your new role?

      It’s a great company doing amazing things with a strong engineering culture and reputation. For instance, Capital One is known for pioneering cutting-edge and world-changing digital and financial products (credit cards, mobile banking, online banking, etc.). I’m thrilled about the opportunity to use more Java and Java Spring too since many of my recent roles prioritized other tools and technologies.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      Hired has been decisive in finding great roles. It’s a better job search platform than Triplebyte and HackerRank (both of which added job search functionalities only after the fact). Recruiters reach out to qualified candidates after a vetting process and with the aid of strong testing tools (Hired Assessments are comparable to those of Triplebyte, CodeSignal, and HackerRank).

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on Hired? 

      Refine your resume. Be succinct and highlight keywords, technologies, tools, and accomplishments. Take Hired’s assessments too. Supplement them with certifications and strong exam scores from other platforms as well.

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Definitely give it a try. It’s a platform that connects recruiters from top VC-Startups, Fortune 500, and other great companies with highly qualified candidates.

      Related: How to Get Approved on Hired

      Any general advice for other tech professionals?

      Keep learning and join different practice sites (Codewars, LeetCode, HackerRank). Practice, practice, practice as you interview and search for a job! Pick up respected industry certifications or skill-based assessments to showcase on your resume (Hired.com, HackerRank, Triplebyte, CodeSignal, AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).

      About Capital One

      Capital One is building a leading information-based technology company. We’re on a mission to help our customers succeed by bringing ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to banking. Founded in 1988, Capital One has 5001+ employees and is headquartered in Virginia.

      Tech Stack

      Java, Spring, Angular 2, Node.JS, React, AWS, Python, Spark, Scala, Go

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision insurance, 401K plan, performance bonus, paid time off, employee discount programs, career growth, tuition reimbursement. and more. More

    • 138 Shares129 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO)

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      The world, especially within the tech industry, is changing faster than you realize. Many jobseekers are nervous about what these shifts mean for their future, as layoffs hit an all-time high in 2022 and business investments seem to be in flux. 

      So what do job candidates have to do in order to keep up with the hottest skills, languages, and trends in the industry? 

      Watch this on-demand webinar to hear experts discuss key findings from Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report and share approaches to help you succeed in the developer job market. 

      You’ll hear from:

      Career Expert, TopResume, Amanda Augustine

      CTO, Hired, Dave Walters

      Engineering Manager, Greenhouse, Jeff Surrett

      Sr Software Engineer, Yum! Brands, Erik Andersen

      VP of Growth & Marketing, Educative, Steven Yi

      Read an excerpt of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      How should software engineers prioritize which skills to learn in 2023? 

      Steven Yi

      There’s such a wide canvas of technologies out there and there’s demand for a lot of those in different scenarios. 

      If we start with enterprise, there’s a lot more interest there in the cloud, especially in regard to Amazon Web Services. The cloud is almost table stakes for most enterprises right now. There is also a lot of emphasis on back-end development specifically around APIs and integrating within existing systems and connecting front-ends to back-ends and things like that. 

      I also think there’s a lot more emphasis on more mature technologies. Examples include programming languages where you see more prevalence of Java and .NET. There are also more expectations around having data skills, specifically how to query and write sequel statements against relational databases (think Oracle and SQL Server). 

      If you’re targeting working at a smaller company or startup, I think the emphasis there is on having a more full stack experience — understanding both the front-end and the back-end. Front-end skills like React are certainly more important for those company sizes. For back-end skills, that transitions a bit more toward Go and Node.js in some of the newer programming languages and stacks out there. 

      And as far as the cloud, I think looking at this data is pretty interesting. Google Cloud Platform and Azure are more popular with smaller companies and startups, particularly because they’re easier to start up with. I think AWS has become a bit more complex over the years. 

      The last thing I would leave with this is to follow your interest and your passion to see what’s interesting to you. There are a variety of different niches out there. 

      Take mobile, for example. If you carved out a specialization on mobile development for Android, that means Kotlin. If you’re exclusively developing for Apple, that means Swift. Or cross platform development using a variety of different frameworks like Dart, Flutter, React Native, or Microsoft’s offerings like .NET, Xamarin, or .NET MAUI. 

      Data science and machine learning are exploding. That means Python or even the newer emerging technologies and programming languages like Rust. Or, go on the other end of the spectrum and go old school. 

      There are still niche offerings out there if you’re a Pascal developer with Delphi. I actually did a Google search this morning and several hundred companies are still hiring for COBOL.

      Related: Want to Ace Your Technical Interview? A Guide to Prepare Software Engineers 

      Watch the full collaborative panel discussion to learn how to: 

      Stand out as a top candidate in a crowded job market

      Efficiently and effectively prepare for behavioral and technical interviews

      Develop career plans to maximize growth and compensation opportunity  More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight: Andre Almar, Site Reliability Engineer

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      Why did you choose Hired for your search?

      I liked the simplicity of the platform and processes in general. It’s very easy to fill in your information there. The quality of the companies searching for talent on Hired’s platform is excellent. The whole platform as a whole is great!      

      Related: Meet Hired’s Candidate Experience Team: Supporting Jobseekers Every Step of the Way

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Try the platform and see for yourself. Personally, I believe it’s much better to have companies reaching out to you as opposed to the other way around. Finding a new job can be a pretty miserable process if you are doing it the “old way.” 

      Hired is similar to other platforms I’ve tried before but the main difference is in the quality of the companies searching for talent. We get to connect with larger companies all around the world!

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It was the “same old” in the sense of me having to reach out to companies, then be vetted by each one with a different test (which is very time-consuming). Hired accelerates this process, which saves time for both sides. 

      If you’re thinking about using Hired or are currently a jobseeker on the platform, my advice is to be yourself and present yourself transparently. Don’t be afraid to show what makes you the candidate you are and what you accomplished during your past experiences.

      Related: How to Get Approved on Hired

      About Site Reliability Engineering

      Companies need Site Reliability Engineers when computer systems are not operating up to snuff. Those interested in this role likely know there is much more to it than just building and maintaining computer systems. These engineers are involved in all aspects of the application, software, and system development. 

      Top industries hiring Site Reliability Engineers

      eCommerce

      Analytics

      Security

      Platform

      Learn more about this tech role. More

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      Want to Ace Your Technical Interview? A Guide to Prepare Software Engineers

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      Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned full stack, back-end, or front-end engineer, technical interviews may be stressful if you feel unprepared. While the most important piece of these interviews is, of course, your technical skills, we have some strategies to help you put your best foot forward. 

      After all, going in with confidence and preparation is the best way to ease those nerves and let your skills shine through. So, what is it you’re getting yourself into? 

      Technical interviews put a (fun?) spin on the typical job search process. In many ways, they let you, as an engineer, do what you do best! Take them as your opportunity to “walk the walk” instead of just “talk the talk.” 

      We’ve collaborated with our partner Educative to bring you tips to level up your technical interview game.

      What this Technical Interview Guide for Full Stack, Front-end, and Back-end Engineers Covers

      1. How to prepare for technical interviews

      Technical interviews take many forms and are known by various names. We break them down. We also give you a multi-week plan to give you plenty of time to work through examples and study up using suggested resources.  

      2. What employers look for in technical interviews 

      We review some of the major concepts and skills interviewers assess specifically for front-end developers, back-end developers, and full stack developers.

      3. Common technical interview mistakes to avoid 

      After spending time reviewing what you should do, we warn you on what to avoid. Find the top three technical interview no-nos in this chapter. 

      4. Helpful resources 

      By this time, you’re well on your way to nailing your next technical interview. Use our compilation of links to more resources to continue studying with a narrower focus.

      5. After the interview

      In this section, we coach you through this post-interview phase, including how to use it to your advantage and other best practices. 

      Ready to download your comprehensive Technical Interview Guide? Here you go! More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      FAQs from Jobseekers: Approaching the Technical Interview with Confidence (VIDEO)

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      Technical interviewing takes skill and is actually a skill in itself. In this AMA-style discussion (now on-demand!), experts helped jobseekers problem-solve their way to nailing their next technical interview. Keep reading for candid and actionable advice from the experts.

      You’ll hear from:

      Sophia Koehl, Partnerships, Hired

      Omkar Deshpande, Head of Technical Curriculum, Interview Kickstart

      Nate Becker, Candidate Experience, Hired

      Read the beginning of the conversation here and scroll down to access the full webinar. 

      What are the fundamentals of a technical interview? 

      Nate

      I think it’s important to note this is a multi step process. It’s not a one and done situation. I would read and reread the job description, do some research on the company, and review the fundamentals of your own technical specializations. For the more personal side, practice talking about your professional background. I recommend Interview Kickstart’s Technical Interview Checklist. 

      Consider the stages of the interview ahead of time. First, you have a phone screen, a sort of a “tell me about yourself and why are you applying.” Then, there’s usually a take-home assessment, which is preliminary and usually done through a test coding platform or a shared doc. From there, you’d have an on-site or in-person evaluation where your programming skills are assessed in real time by an interviewer. 

      If you are on the Hired platform, you could take advantage of assessments to showcase your skills to employers. A lot of the companies on our platform prioritize candidates who have taken these Hired assessments. Keep in mind that this doesn’t replace a coding interview and is more of a preliminary screen. 

      Omkar

      In an ideal coding interview, you are given a problem, or an unseen question. The interviewer wants to see whether you can design an algorithm or a recipe that correctly solves the given question by relying on fundamental computer science principles and problem solving strategies. Your solution also needs to run fast, take the least possible time, and use very little space.

      Once you have designed a correct and efficient algorithm, you have to implement it in the programming language of your choice with a high probability that the code would run correctly the first time you execute it. They’re testing your problem solving ability and your coding fluency. Both of these depend on knowledge of computer science fundamentals. That’s how I look at the structure of a coding interview. 

      Why is it worthwhile to spend more time on interview prep instead of jumping straight into applying and interviewing?

      Nate

      It would be to your advantage to consider the state of the market. Look at the time we’re in right now. This is a great time to take advantage of the downtime and prep. Take the time now to land an interview you really want. It may benefit your career in the long run to invest time and energy up front. When I say timeliness, I’m talking about the recent layoffs folks have been experiencing and the impact of that. Really consider if you have free time and do the prep work. We have a great eBook on layoffs and how to bounce back better than ever.

      Omkar

      The reality is that competition is high. People share frequently asked questions online on platforms like Leetcode. Everyone knows what questions are likely to be asked and they’re not easy to solve. Prep is necessary, otherwise you’re going to stumble on the spot. 

      There’s a misconception that interview prep is a waste of time because you basically have to memorize the solutions to those frequently asked problems. If you prep the right way, it’s an opportunity to relearn the fundamentals of computer science. Preparing properly increases your chances of getting multiple offers and thereby a significantly higher salary.

      When you start a new job, you have that confidence in yourself because you cracked the interview based on your understanding of computer science principles. You become a better engineer as a result of preparing in the right way.

      Other key topics from the conversation include: 

      Which programming language to use for a technical interview 

      How to create a study plan

      Technical interviews at FAANG companies vs smaller companies

      How to present your tech experience 

      And more!  More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Efrem T., Sr Software Engineer

      by

      Welcome, Efrem! Can you start us off by sharing a bit about your educational background? 

      I am an Electrical Engineer by training. I was excited on the impact of software and its scale. To develop my skills, I joined a Master’s program in Computer Science. This led me to roles in Software Engineering. 

      My Computer Science degree made a huge impact by offering me a holistic understanding of software development and the infrastructure involved with it. 

      What areas would you like to learn more about?

      I would love to improve my leadership skills and emotional intelligence, which would help me take more ownership of projects. I also hope to have a better understanding of the start-up world to help me work toward entrepreneurial goals. 

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I believe the network effect of tech is quite impressive. Once built, it can scale without having a huge cost. From the development point of view, it is engaging as I can immediately see the impact of my work on users all over. 

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      I have grown from being a person who found it hard to write one piece of code to someone who can visualize the different intricacies of applications. This led me to challenge myself with problems and algorithms to find optimal solutions that improve performance. 

      What are did you choose to specialize in?

      Building software from scratch involving the front-end, back-end, and architecture of a system. I would also like to specialize in using data to assist in better decision making. 

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      Yes, I am now working for start-up. In the past I worked for larger companies. My current role is also in a fast paced environment with a smaller team. 

      I’m excited for the chance to work with a growing start-up and in that process, wear many hats involving multiple facets of the software development cycle. I will be work alongside smart and engaged individuals who, I know, will push me to build my craft. 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      It involved a lot of calls just to set up an interview – and many times for an opportunity that doesn’t lead anywhere. With Hired, the process was smooth and companies that interviewed me were committed. The matching was precise! 

      If you are using Hired to find your next role, do as many interviews as possible. I encourage you to enjoy the process of interviewing as it challenges you mentally and is rewarding. Respect the time and effort of everyone involved in potentially offering you your next job. Also, don’t forget you can negotiate your salary. 

      Hired is a robust platform that does a lot of filtering to send you openings that are relevant, increasing your chances of landing a job in a short period of time.

      Any advice for other tech professionals?

      During the interview process, don’t stress yourself. Be as mentally prepared as possible and mitigate fear as much as you can. Anyone coming to interview you is there because they see your potential. So, all you have to do is shine!

      Great advice and congrats on the job! If you’d like to level up your career like Efrem did, complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Lilt

      Lilt combines people, processes, and technology to guarantee the highest quality language translation services with the industry’s most rigorous QA program. Founded in 2015, Lilt has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in San Francisco.

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k matching, unlimited time off, work from home flexibility, management training, mental health benefits, and more. More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Manuel Cheta, Senior Software Engineer in the UK

      by

      Can you start by sharing a bit bit about your educational background? 

      After finishing Aerospace Engineering university courses I decided to go into the web development world instead. I am a self-taught Front-End Developer. I learned about HTML, CSS, Javascript after opening my first WordPress blog and learning how to modify the website and manage my hosting space as a webmaster. 

      Being self-taught, accessing Youtube videos and development blogs helped enormously. The biggest impact on my career was my decision to press on, inspect the websites, and see how they were built. 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I recently became interested in psychology and how to help people work together to reach a common goal. In addition, I am interested in deepening my Front-End dev knowledge and connected areas like DevOps, Backend, cloud, and even AI.

      Of course, because I work in fintech, I am also interested in learning as much as I can about personal finance and investing.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I always had an interest in computers, ever since playing Prince of Persia on an Intel 286 PC in the 7th grade. Since then, I spent time learning how to install an operating system, how to debug programs, and how to help people set up their own computer or home network. 

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      Each year, I start with the hopes of learning a lot. I do learn quite a lot and at the end of the year I feel more stupid than I felt at the start, so the cycle repeats. From learning regular HTML/CSS to working on full-scale single-page apps in various frameworks, I am always on the lookout for a better understanding of the basics and new stuff to learn.

      If you chose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I specialise in Front-End and web accessibility. I love working in Front-End because it gets me as close to the user as possible. My open nature lends itself to creating code, which can be seen, read, and felt by the end user. I am also keenly interested in promoting web accessibility because I firmly believe that when you make your website accessible, you make everyone’s lives way better.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      This year, my focus was on fintech and as such, I worked in fintech. I call myself a nano-investor because I am just learning how to better invest my time and money. That was why I moved away from the e-commerce industry to fintech. 

      What are you most excited about in your new role or company?

      We’re starting a new project and I can have the biggest impact right now since my experience as a senior dev can bring in the most value in setting the direction of development. Having worked on many projects I can identify pain points and offer suggestions.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      When I was a junior dev, a number of years ago when sites like Hired didn’t exist, I would simply push my CVs to different platforms without any hope of actually getting a response. Now, Hired makes my life way easier because I can tailor my profile to the industry I am interested in and I receive interview requests only from the companies I would be genuinely interested in. 

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on Hired? 

      Make sure to have a 1-2 page CV that’s not too long. Also, create a specific “keywords” section to help the automated system identify your domain of work. When setting your profile to “open for work,” make sure your short bio concisely explains what your interests are.

      Be sure to use the correct asking price for the role and industry you are in. In terms of the asking price, insert a specific number like 65,789 so you attract more inquisitive recruiter minds. 

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 5 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      Just sign up! Spend a bit of time writing the best descriptions you can in each section and make sure you indicate the specific industry you want to work in. 

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Spend time learning about the companies your are interviewing for and what their interview process is like. Being a good tech professional matters. However, companies are looking for people who are enthusiastic about their company and like to work with others. Therefore, soft skills are more highly rated than tech skills. Tech can be learned, but culture and caring for your colleagues is not an easily teachable and transferrable skill.

      Congrats on the job, Manuel! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Manuel did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Compare The Market

      Compare The Market is a price comparison website and provides customers with an easy way to make the right choice on a wide range of products including motor, home, life and energy. Founded in 2005, Compare the Market has between 501-1,000 employees and is headquartered in London. In 2021, it made Hired’s List of Top Employers Winning Tech Talent.

      Tech Stack

      JavaScript, Node.js, MongoDB, AWS, C#, .NET, iOS, Android, Docker, Git, HTML, CSS, Scala, Java, Kafka, Kubernetes, Python, React, Redux, Big Data

      Benefits

      Life/disability insurance, work-from-home flexibility, volunteer time off, flexible working hours, employee discount programs, and more. More

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      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Robert Wells, Security Engineering Technical Leader in the UK

      by

      Please share a little bit about your educational background and which educational opportunities made the biggest impact on your tech career.

      I earned a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering with Computer Science from University of NSW in Sydney. This was one of the first universities to be on the internet, outside of the US! I also did a lot of self study.

      I make use of numerous online courses and certifications as well as *some* great resources on YouTube. Beware of YouTube because the S/N ratio can be quite low so Caveat Emptor! 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I’d like to learn more about Site Reliability Engineering to become a more well-rounded DevOps Engineer. Additionally, I’m interested in Golang.

      I’d also like to explore ways to improve having difficult conversations, as well as how to lead and inspire others. 

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      I’ve enjoyed programming and tech since I was young. I’ve especially enjoyed teaching and helping others.

      I think I got it from my dad who started programming in the late 1950s. Having to explain binary arithmetic to my 4th class teacher when I was nine was a highlight!

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      I started out using various languages at Uni. Then, in my career I saw the common aspects across languages, which made picking up new languages quite easy. 

      Working on a project for Qantas and BA introduced me to Continuous Integration before the term DevOps was coined. It also made me a firm believer in the approach so my skillset has evolved from being Dev focused to being DevOps/ARE focused.

      If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I have chosen to focus on DevOps/SRE to enable solutions providing high-quality feedback to developers in a timely manner. Quick, timely feedback massively improves a developer’s working experience and attitude. I can confirm this through my own personal experience!

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      I have moved away from consulting (telling and showing companies how to do something) to actually designing and implementing for a company (being hands-on!).

      What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role or company?

      I’m looking forward to contributing to a company and product responsible for so much of the internet and its continued smooth operation. I’m excited to actually build and run things as opposed to telling people how to build and run things.

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      A lot of roles were quite scattergun. They were not really suitable for a DevOps professional. Hired brought a lot more focus so all requests were more tailored to what I was looking for in my next role.

      What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform? 

      Keep your resume up-to-date. Use tools like Calendly to advertise open time slots for your availability to have chats. 

      Accept requests for interviews even though you may initially think the role is not quite what you are looking for. You never know where you may actually end up after your initial chat with HR.

      Hired is a great platform to connect tech talent to high-quality companies. I highly recommend it!

      Any general advice you’d like to give other tech professionals?

      Never stop learning. The day you stop learning is the day you start dying! There are great online courses through Udemy, and other various suppliers such as AWS, Hashicorp, etc. I also recommend *some* tech channels on YouTube. TechWorld with Nana has a very high S/N ratio, and there are many channels from suppliers and conferences.

      Congrats on the job, Robert! Interested in landing a great role in the UK like Robert did? Complete your free profile on Hired today!

      About Cisco

      Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create the Internet solutions that make networks possible. Founded in 1984, Cisco has 5,001+ employees and is headquartered in San Jose.

      Tech Stack

      Python, Spark, Javascript, React, AWS, Kubernetes, Java, Go, Docker, Microservices, Kafka, iOS, Android, Kotlin, Kibana, Datadog, Terraform

      Benefits

      Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 401k plan/matching, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, stock options, employee discount programs, job training, and more. More