Hot new job in Woburn, MA – Cloud Software Engineers C++, Web Dev (Rails/Perl/Python), SQA – awesome opportunity!

Working on some fun new software engineer jobs, exclusively with a client in the Woburn, MA area:

Our client, a well-known, public company in Woburn, MA, with a small development group in MA (15 engineers) has exclusively engaged me to add 5 new engineers to their team.
This is the best of both worlds – great benefits and investment in the tools/technologies you need + bleeding edge “cool” stuff – CLOUD and VIRTUALIZATION and NETWORKING!

We have three groups we are recruiting for:

Web Development – these are folks with OO web skills – Ruby/Rails/RoR/PHP/Python/Perl – any/all mix is fine

Core engine/software engineers – complex, threaded C++ work — should have a heavy duty CS background. More Senior/Principal software engineer.

SQA – manual and automation, with more emphasis on automation. Work in a wireless, networking or cloud software company is a huge bonus.

Recruiting for a Hot Job – Junior to Architect Software Engineers C#/.NET, C++, Java, ECommerce- Lexington, MA to 170k package

 SUPERSTAR Software Engineers, multiple openings: core software, apps dev – C#, C++, Java, E-commerce

Full job description is here http://bit.ly/kCs9sX

Long time Bivium client seeks multiple experienced Software Engineers with backgrounds in any of the following areas: hard core software systems that are highly algorithmic – high transactional data driven applications – windows C# design and development, e-commerce.

Join a team of 20 developers working on highly complex systems and applications that collectively manage the backend of numerous high traffic, data eCommerce sites generating more than 150 transactions every minute. This includes all of the core algorithms, systems and applications that manage all of the processing, scheduling, manufacturing systems, shipping and logistics – all homegrown, and the absolute heart and soul of this company’s existence.

Regardless of your area of expertise; server, middle tier or user interface, there are lots of very interesting and highly challenging problems to work on here: performance optimization, massive scalability, algorithms analysis/design/development, VLDB design/development…on the User Interface side of things: UI Developers will create user interfaces for manufacturing control systems used by folks on the shop floor as well as slick dashboards used by executives and many other points in-between.

All development is primarily on the .NET framework, C# and Windows Presentation Foundation (for the UI engineers) is nice to have, but not required.

The CTO here believes that “smart people can learn anything”. Big growth spurt and lots of promotions into leadership here.

http://bit.ly/kCs9sX - package from 70s to 170s!

Drop me a line to learn more – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s #1 software engineer jobs/recruiter!

Debating the lack of merit to the now ubiquitous whiteboard session and trivial code writing for Software Engineer job interviews – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s #1 software engineer jobs/recruiter

Great debate here on the the lack of merit to the now ubiquitous whiteboard session & trivial code for Software Engineer/developer job interviews http://ow.ly/4v5YZ

It’s definitely been my experience that a) Many clients love these sorts of whiteboarding/code sessions and b) There has been fairly low correlation between a good hire and these sessions.

I *do* believe the very best way to evaluate code skills is to have a software engineer/developer bring their own code and talk it through — putting a candidate on the spot to recall a CS 101 detail or to figure out another tic-tac-toe puzzle (thanks Google!) is a great sifting mechanism to get to more good nuggets — but, in this recruiting environment, could turn off more good candidates than it attracts!

#Boston, MA job – Video protocols software-engineer – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s top software engineer jobs/recruiter

#Boston, MA job – Video protocols software engineer H.264, RTMP, RTP to 140k http://ow.ly/4oTCg @scottdunlop

Lead Software Engineer-Java, algorithms, supercomputing, biotech startup, Cambridge, MA to 160k+ options @scottdunlop http://ow.ly/4nGbC – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s #1 Software Engineer recruiter/jobs

Lead Software Engineer-Java, algorithms, supercomputing, biotech startup, Cambridge, MA to 160k+ options @scottdunlop http://ow.ly/4nGbC

Outstanding opportunity - This is NOT your standard J2EE app.  It is high performance distributed computing, very mathematically and algorithmically intense.  It’s much closer to pure computer science than just putting together a lot of open source frameworks.

Drop me a line – scott@biviumgroup.com to learn more – Boston’s #1 Software Engineer recruiter/jobs

Woburn, MA rockstar/ninja software engineers – junior candidates 0-6 years to 100k – java/C# – hardcore computer science skills! – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s top software engineer jobs/recruiter

Woburn, MA rockstar/ninja software engineers/web developer 0-6 yrs to 100k+ Java/C#/OO @scottdunlop #tweetmyjobs #boston http://ow.ly/4lInR

Software Engineer from Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering background – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s #1 Software Engineer recruiter

Software Engineer from Mech, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering Waltham, MA 100k @scottdunlop #boston #tweetmyjobs http://ow.ly/4e9R5

#tweetmyjobs Cambridge, MA Flex/ActionSc

#tweetmyjobs Cambridge, MA Flex/ActionScript/AS3 contract to perm 75/hr 1099 http://ow.ly/2Ub1b @scottdunlop

#tweetmyjobs #cambridge Lead/Director of

#tweetmyjobs #cambridge Lead/Director of Web Development – Python/Django/B2C/Ecommerce opp to 150k http://ow.ly/2QQe5 @scottdunlop

#jobs #boston Video Protocols Software E

#jobs #boston Video Protocols Software Engineer – C++ Linux – Marlborough, MA http://ow.ly/2QcLP @scottdunlop

#job #boston Embedded Software Architect

#job #boston Embedded Software Architect – C++/Linux Marlborough, MA to 135k http://ow.ly/2Qcz1 @scottdunlop

Principal RIA/Flex/Silverlight GUI Softw

Principal RIA/Flex/Silverlight GUI Software Engineer – Marlborough, MA area http://ow.ly/2Qbw3 @scottdunlop #jobs #boston

#jobs #boston Human Factors/UI Architect

#jobs #boston Human Factors/UI Architect Cambridge, MA to 130k, http://ow.ly/2OhSh @scottdunlop

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k h

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k http://ow.ly/2ITIa, super high growth company & role #jobs #SQA #boston #startup

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k h

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k http://ow.ly/2ITIa, super high growth company & role #jobs #SQA #boston #startup

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k h

Cambridge, MA SQA Lead/Manager to 130k http://ow.ly/2ITIa, super high growth company & role #jobs #SQA #boston #startup @scottdunlop

Hot job – Cambridge, MA Software Engineers – C++ gurus – to 160k – OS, distributed computing, optimization, algorithms etc

Hot jobs opening up every day it seems!

This one is of particular interest – Great labs group in a well known local software company, “startup” group, working for an amazing manager. Looking to pay up to 155/160k for Principal Software Engineers, Lead Software Engineers, and Architects with experience in some mix of – database internals, operating systems, distributed computing, performance optimization, very large scale data or query volumes, system architecture and design, and algorithm development.

Full job desc:

http://bit.ly/bR2OKV

Drop me a line to confidentially discuss – scott@biviumgroup.com – the Boston, MA area’s #1 Software Engineer/Computer Science Recruiter Headhunter

I’m quoted in CNN/Money article on “Where the Tech Jobs are” -

I’m back from vacation!

Read the full article here – http://bit.ly/ZNAgu – but, we’ve started to see the first few signs of the market turnaround here in Boston. I’ve had more jobs open in the past 3 weeks, that the prior 3 months combined.

C++ Linux Software Engineer – video apps

Been very busy with wedding planning – fun stuff!! A couple new jobs today to talk about – the first is a C++ Linux role in Cambridge, MA – focus on video apps – more of a mid-level ~ 105k salary -http://bit.ly/LinuxSoftwareEng – 2nd role is much more algorithmic/search in nature Java/C++/C#/Ruby – client doesn’t care what language you’re a master of,  just that you’ve got the chops to work for GOOG or MSFT, but you choose not to. 20 person company looking for “the best of the best”

HOT NEW Job – VP of Software Engineering/CTO – C#/.NET – music/composition/blog/media world

I’m partnering with a really cool new contact (you know who you are!) , to assist in their existing search for a strong VP Engineering/CTO – specific traits I seek – C#/.NET hands-on skills (architecture minimally), startup prowess (been there, done that), and experience/passion/love for the music/media space. We’re already talking with some top talent, so the bar is set high. Need to read a full job description? http://bit.ly/VPEngineeringTheBiviumGroup

Drop me a line – scott@biviumgroup.com

I love my loyal clients – new C#/ASP.NET/C++ Software Engineer role – Tewksbury, MA

One of the best feelings, especially in such a challenging environment, is when the phone rings, and it’s VP who you’ve done business with for over a decade, telling me that he just started a new job, and only wants to work with me to fill his two new Software Engineer roles!

My great relationship is your “in” to the decision-maker. The role is a “senior software engineer” target 5-15 years of experience with current C#/ASP.NET experience, with a past history of Win32 C++ work. Salary to 115k, + 401k match + strong benefits. Stable company. Tewksbury, MA — drop me a line scott@biviumgroup.com if this sounds like you

New Mass Tech layoffs – Bullhorn layoffs, and CellExchange closing

A few new rumours to hit my desk in the past few days – that online recruiting ASP firm www.bullhorn.com had a layoff last week – not surprising given their clients are people like me!! Also heard that after multiple rounds of layoffs, consulting firm www.cellexchange.com and it’s remaining 27 employees, will be left out in the cold after tomorrow – they’ll be shutting their doors permanently.

Back from vacation – feeling the thaw in the market

So, I’m back from my trip throughout Egypt and Jordan (Petra) – it was an amazing, facinating and wonderful trip – a few pics are posted here. While gone, and so far while back – we’ve been seeing a few glimmers of a thaw in the market – not a wholesale shift, but definitely “more” than we’ve seen since October. Nevertheless, the MA unemployment rate is up to 7.8%, but still below the national average. The volume of candidates is still very high, with the ratio of candidates that are the “cream of the crop” lower than ever. For example, while out over 16 days, just over 2000 resumes were deposited in my email. Wow! Good to be back, and look forward to catching up on MA software engineer jobs.

Anyone know a good Principal/Lead Software Engineer with typography, font, computational geometry background?

Any help in recruiting/networking for this person is appreciated!

Lexington, MA – local candidates only PLEASE.

Salary + bonus package to the 140s + excellent benfits.

Our client is building a new platform that will be used by their software developers worldwide – there is a big push into the asian market

We are NOT looking for a a UI person – we need aa hardcore software engineer who has built a graphics/typography/geometry/heavy math systems

Keywords: typography, graphics, C++, C#, Java, rendering, software Engineer, senior software engineer, lead software engineer, principal software engineer, typography Engineer, pre-press, font software engineer, algorithms, text formatting, text flow, word wrapping, computational geometry, spline

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LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER – technical leadership of this high-profile project

You will join a development group with focused teams working on the following;

• server-based rendering of graphics and typography
• browser-resident applications for manipulating designs
• automated pre-press workflow
• Intelligent algorithms for aesthetic layout of type and graphics.

The most important requirement for this job is that you are a smart (lots of MIT, CMU, Cornell types here), thoughtful, mathematically inclined individual with a command of object-oriented programming (correct usage of several design patterns being an example). Versatility in any modern OO language (C++, C#, Java, etc.) is fine. The programming this job entails will benefit from you having specific experience in areas of computer typography and graphic design, such as below. Expect to be put on a whiteboard and to know your Computer Science.

• text formatting, flow, and word wrapping
• international typography (simple and complex scripts, text direction, grid
layouts)
• computational geometry / Graphics programming (spline-based shapes,
intersections, bounding boxes, transformation matrices)
• computational aesthetics (page layout, color theory)

If this sounds like you – please send a resume to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line “Lead Typography Software Engineer”

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Keywords: typography, graphics, C++, C#, Java, rendering, software Engineer, senior software engineer, lead software engineer, principal software engineer, typography Engineer, pre-press, font software engineer, algorithms, text formatting, text flow, word wrapping, computational geometry, spline

HOT ETL/Database Developer role – and staying positive in a tough economy

I’ve got a couple “Hot” roles for SQL server Database developers/ETL software engineers for a long-standing client in the Lexington, Mass area. The great thing? This client is profitable and has never had a layoff. If you’re interested or know someone, please get in touch for the full job details.

As for this market, it’s been a tough month, including the recent ice storm, but remaining upbeat & positive would be my #1 tip for all prospective job seekers, recruiters and clients! A student of history & economics recognizes that this painful pullback is simply part of the natural economic cycle — in the future – once the excesses of the market are absorbed, we’re going to growing again – that’s the American Way! In the present though, the key is to remain upbeat & positive – even while all heck is breaking loose around us. Nobody wants to hire or even interview a persistently negative candidate — even in a good market, those ‘angry candidates’ just don’t get very far. Remember – you are selling yourself — put whatever troubles you have behind you for those hours — and if you believe good things will happen, they just might.

Big iRobot layoffs, perhaps as much as 33%, Akamai & other right behind

Late last week I received word that iRobot had a very sizeable layoff – as much as 33% of their Burlington office — including some very strong engineering talent. Akamai also laid off 100+ a couple weeks ago. There is no doubt the market is being anticipatory of future economics vs. current economics — many companies are still profitable, but are now adjusting expenses for their anticipated revenue/profit curve slowdowns. Compared to past recessions this is definitely a change — considering the “jobless” recovery post 9-11 recession (2002-05 here in Mass.) there is not that much room to cut for many firms. 

The trends I am seeing – the amount of noise in the system is increasing – and our clients who are hiring are aiming higher and higher on the expectations side – many could argue that they are unreasonably high! Unfortunately, it’s going to be this time next year before the job market begins to rebound — it’ll “feel” better by late Spring — but, by then, the unemployment rate in Mass will likely be up by 0.8 to a full 1.0 rise. 

I still have some very “hot” clients – but their needs are highly particular these days — graphics kernel developers, junior/mid level Ivy league CS grads with Java skills, HPC linux kernel software engineers etc.

Some startups go bust, others go BOOM!

Striking differences these days between the “haves” and the “have nots” as some VCs, CEOs and management teams throw in the towel, while others do the hard work necessary to see a company through a down market. In the past few days, major startups like Kraft startup matchMINE, and ex-ATG alum startup Allurent, have either ceased operations, or had significant layoffs.

At the other end of the spectrum, are daily conversations I am having with CEOs, VPs, and CTOs of both large and smaller firms — that range from mildly concerned to overly confident in their business model, (and continued recruiting). There’s no doubt this market is now shifting to a balanced market — an equal demand of jobs to candidates — however, because it’s happened to decline so far, so fast, the perception of most companies (and perception BECOMES reality for most) is that good candidates are in ready supply. The truth? Somewhere in the middle — great talent is still hard to find, but it *has* become just a bit easier to locate. Great companies? All in the eye of the beholder. There are risky big companies, and “stable” startups — it’s all about doing your due diligence. Market turbulence is an opportunity for great recruiters and great companies.

Job Market is like stock market – confidence driven

Anyone looking at their quarterly 401k statement? Ouch… yes the financial mess on Wall Street is a drag, and yet, we’ve been through these tough times before. Learning and growing from our collective mistakes will help us get through. On the recruiting front — the mechanisms by which the system of looking/finding a job works much the same way – as candidates and companies are optimistic about the future, they expand hiring — when the market contracts, some firms suddenly seize up. Some candidates stop looking. History is the key to making sense of challenging times – in 2001-2004 we, and our candidates/clients thrived due to focusing on the fundamentals to a succesful business — and even in the days/weeks/months after 9.11 we were making placements — yes, even in the worst job market in years.

We’re not seeing a huge fallout — yet — but make no mistake — a lack of positive psychological progress  –  a lack of confidence in the market, will precipidate a fall in hiring — but, if you’re a great candidate, a great recruiter, or a great company – this is a market opportunity — to take market share and grow while others are cutting back.

$2,000 referral reward for Search Engine/Information Retrieval/Computation Linguistics Software Engineer – startup

So, I’m back from vacation and it’s like I never left – crazy busy — this is supposed to be Summer! What are the Tampa Rays doing in first place? $4.25 gas? Is this the twilight zone? I’ve got a VERY cool and hot new client – would love to write someone a check ….

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Do you have information retrieval, computational linguistics, distributed algorithms and/or search experience?

 

Are you looking to have a leadership role in scaling a successful contents focused search engine?

 

Salary range from 100-130k DOE

Framingham, MA area

 

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Job Responsibilities:

·           The Senior Software Engineer will contribute to the entire development life cycle of the next-generation search engine: concept, prototype, construction implementation, deployment, and measurement.

·           Invent, design, prototype, and implement improvements to ranking, performance, and data mining algorithms in close cooperation with research and product management teams

·           Collaborate with product management to refine and prioritize new

requirements

·           Facilitate conception, documentation, and implementation of durable

interfaces with other components

 

Job Requirements:

·           6+ year experience as a Software Engineer in information retrieval,

computational linguistics, and distributed algorithms.

·           Expert level knowledge of object oriented design and coding and

multi-threaded implementation techniques in Java.

·           Strong understanding of data structure and algorithm fundamentals.

·           Experience developing and deploying large scale performance-sensitive

distributed systems.

·           Outstanding communication skills and a track record of achievement in a

dynamic team development environment.

·           Industrial experience using Extreme Programming and/or Agile methods.

·           Entrepreneurial spirit and strong drive to innovate any aspect of the

company

·           BS in Computer Science required

·           MS in Computer Science preferred

 

please send resumes to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line “Framingham Search Engine”

 

Keywords: software engineer, senior software engineer, principal software engineer, R&D, computer scientist, algorithms, C++, Java, J2EE, Linux, computational scientist, information retrieval,  computational linguistics, search engine, SEO

 

 

 

$2,000 referral reward for a Java database developer – JDO OLAP

I’m hoping to find someone that knows both JDO (Java Data Objects) and OLAP of the sort done by Pentaho Mondrian. These are somewhat specialized areas for a database oriented developer.

Salary from 80s to 130s DOE + bonus

keywords: RDBMS SQL JDO OLAP JDBC SQL JPOX JDO2 Oracle Pentalho Mondrian MDX olap4j
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Does this sound like you? Please send resumes to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line “Java Database Developer”

$3,000 referral reward for Architect/Lead – build a webserver/HTTP/RFC/appliance – caching server stealth startup client

For our STEALTHY software client ($10M vc, tier 1 VCs) on 495 in the Acton area we are seeking

Technical Lead/ Software Architect – salary to the 140s + healthy equity
- Hands on experience developing web servers, application load balancer,
L7 firewall, or equivalent
- Expert in HTTP RFCs and derivatives
- Product delivery of hardened servers/network appliances
- 5+ years developing on Linux required
- Strong design and C/C++ skills
- Ability to work independently and with small teams
- Innovative problem solver
- Understands full product lifecycle and agile development methods
- Excellent communication skills
- BS in CS or EE required, MS preferred

Sorry for the lack of blog posts, been too busy thinking about summer!

If you know someone for this role, please email me – scott@biviumgroup.com – Boston’s #1 Software Recruiter/Headhunter

 

Positive news, as Massachusetts economy grows at 3.2% in Q1, vs. 0.6% for USA – MA Software recruiting as busy as ever

Although the national GDP grew at only a 0.6% rate, the MA GDP was up a very healthy 3.2% in the first quarter, and this is reflected clearly in what I’ve been saying for the entire quarter about the market – it’s robust and strong — especially in the high-tech software engineering vertical. Nationally, the Fed cut the rate a 1/4 point today, and has signalled they will likely pause for a bit.

In today’s Boston Globe http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/04/state_far_outpa.html - more can be ready about the specifics of the local economy, there are obviously lots of downside risks (inflation, housing market, energy & healthcare costs etc)- but, I continue to be cautiously optimistic nationally — and I’m very bullish here in Mass.  We just added a new full-time rectuiter here at The Bivium Group – Mark Foley — so, I’m putting my money where my mouth is

$2,000 referral reward for Lead/Manager Software Engineer Mobile Search vc backed startup, Cambridge, MA – C++/Java consumer-facing- Bivium Group/Scott Dunlop exclusive

A BIVIUM GROUP EXCLUSIVE client involved in the mobile and speech space
=======================

We have placed 6 people on this team, including the hiring manager for one of the HOTTEST software startups in the mobile space. Nationally recognized as a leader – still giving great equity – outstanding culture and team in place.

#1 Priority is to hire another Hands-on Software Manager/Team Lead as well as several experienced mobile/handset developers:

We’re looking for a candidate to lead a small team to build our suite of  mobile applications.  Requirements are:

-          Must have experience building user-facing products
-          Must be familiar with Java, with C++ competency a plus
-          Must have insights on mobile-phone user behavior
-          Should have experience building mobile or PC-based products (vs. only web-based products)
-          Must have strong insights on product definition and user interface design
-          Must have had prior experience with managing a team and managing large projects

2 other roles under this hire:

Software Engineer
 
We’re looking for a candidate to lead to help build our suite of mobile applications.  Requirements are:

-          Must have experience building user-facing products
-          Must be familiar with Java and C++
-          Must have insights on mobile-phone user behavior
-          Must be able to work independently
-          Should have experience building mobile or PC-based products (vs. only web-based products)
-          Should have strong insights on product definition and user interface design

CLIENT SDK DEVELOPER

 We’re looking for a candidate to lead to help build our SDK for mobile applications.  Requirements are:

-          Must be familiar with Java and C++
-          Must have experience with designing and developing APIs and libraries
-          Must be familiar with developing on small-footprint (such as embedded) environments
-          Must be able to work independently
-          Should have experience building mobile products
-          Should have insights on mobile-phone user behavior
-          Should have experience building user-facing products

                                                        **********

Please send resumes to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line “Cambridge Mobile” and reference the referral reward on my blog to be eligible.

Keywords: software engineer, senior software engineer, principal software engineer, junior software engineer, associate software engineer, startup, venture capital, scott dunlop, the biviumgroup, web 2.0, presentation layer, UI, GUI, Java, j2EE, flash, flex, Actionscript, Apache, JBoss, Hibernate, Spring, JSF, JMS, mySQL, mobile, handset, cell phone, wireless, speech

Database Kernel/Internals Database Architect position – C++ – telecommute from Massachusetts -$3,000 referral reward

A BIVIUM GROUP EXCLUSIVE CLIENT – Database Kernel/Internals Architect – offering a $3,000 referral reward

 New Boston area Lab/R&D opening for this client, you will work from home until the formal office (expected to be on 128/95) is opened. VC backed, last round 10M – another commitment from initial investors for another round of VC later this year!

 High-powered team of PhDs and developers in place  Database Internals Architect (not apps development) – building the actual kernel of a database in C++/Linux/Unix salary range to 140-150k + stock options  Do you:    * Have a passion for software development?    * Drive for success?    * Creatively solve problems?    * Thrive in a high-change environment?    * Enjoy working together with a team?    * Like to get into the technical details?    * Understand design patterns? Our client is looking for an energetic and talented software professional with a keen interest in development of database software designed specifically to meet the needs of multi-terabyte-sized data warehouse applications.  You will be part of a distributed development team using state of the art development methodologies and learning about some of the coolest advances in computer science. You will have the opportunity to applying these techniques to really make our flagship product hum. If you are interested in working with a top notch team and contributing to redefine how databases work with large data volume, this may be a great fit. The key technical skills we are looking for are:    * 5+ years experience developing relational database software internals (kernel)    * 5+ years as systems architect; providing technical leadership    * 10+ years C++ on Linux/Unix    * Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering (bonus for Ph.D.) Extra points if you know any of:    * MySQL    * Distributed systems and applications include grid architectures    * Data mining and artificial intelligence    * Writing open-source software* And can see the big picture and can comfortably explain it to others Please send resumes to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line “Database Kernel Architect”

State of Boston technology/software engineering recruiting market – entering Q2, stiffer competition ahead for experienced candidates, 2008 computer science grads in the driver’s seat.

As we enter the last day of the quarter, the news to report is mostly good – in fact Q1 2008 was the busiest placement quarter EVER for us – we remain upbeat and confident about the year ahead (notwithstanding some bumps). Two trends worth reporting — we have significant salary compression issues for Senior/Principal/Lead Software engineer candidates — and a lot of competition at those levels, means less room to grow, and a strong supply/demand curve — if you’re in this area and looking for a six-figure salary, be prepared to get grilled technically, inter-personally, and to bring your “A” game.

The best demographic to be in so far, has been recent (2005 to 2008) Computer Science graduates with firm and strong computer science fundamentals. With salaries in this year for the best (top 25%) growing at a well above-average rate, recent associate/junior cs candidates should see offers growing 5-15% from 2007 levels (for the top 10%).

 There is a lot of “noise” out there – prognosticators telling us of impending doom, lots of companies (without real money, products or leadership) with jobs that won’t last, and plenty of “used-car” recruiters contending for your time. In uncertain times such as these, more than ever, should you consider partnering with someone like me – the top software engineer recruiter in the Boston, MA technology market — scott@biviumgroup.com

Baseball cliches and software engineer recruiting in Boston/Cambridge, MA?

Well, another cold, long winter is soon ending (officially Spring, huh?!) and the sounds of baseball will soon be heard around the Fens.  Red Sox season opener is just around the corner. It’s the time of the year where the cliches of “take it one game at a time” and “rather be playing in October than in April” and the season is a “marathon not a sprint” are heard regularly — and if you’ll indulge me, all very closely tied to looking for a software engineering position in MA:

1. Take it one game at a time – each interview, phone interview or company you look at should have your full attention, but once concluded (positive or negative) – learn, grow and apply that knowledge for your next interview (or game/at bat)

2. Rather be playing in October vs. April – You’d rather bomb a few interviews with companies that don’t fit,  than suffer from poor prep on the 2nd interview with the hot startup 2 miles from home that you REALLY want.

3.  Marathon vs. sprint – both as a recruiter or job seeker — no one particular situation will make or break us — job hunting/interviewing is about winning when it counts and  finding the right fitting job — when you find it — whether the first interview or the 15th interview (kissing a few frogs is ok and expected), when you find the “right one” it WILL feel like winning the world series – take a long-term view of our relationship and the job hunt, and you’ll understand  that together, as partners, we’ll find the right situation – assuming we are doing the right things on each interview and each interaction is quality.

Nobody said finding the “right job” was easy, but focus on partnering with the best software recruiter in the Boston, MA area – scott@biviumgroup.com , employing “best interviewing practice” and we’ll make it there together!

 Can’t wait for that first pitch. Go Red Sox in 2008!!

$2,000 referral reward for SQA Manager/Lead/Architect – Quincy, MA area

salary to 120k area + OUTSTANDING benefits
Quincy, MA area

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Bivium has made multiple placements here (all still there) and have worked with this firm over 8 years.

“What we are really looking for is someone bright, technical and at the same time a good manager. Great personality match a must. Easy-going, friendly etc.” – Hiring Manager
Hands-on Quality Assurance Manager/Architect
We are a technology focused company that was founded and managed by a team of dedicated engineers. Our goal is to invent the best technology in the world and to see that technology widely deployed. This focus translates into a working environment where engineers are highly valued professionals and management strives to support them by clearly defining business and technical goals, providing the resources to get the job done, and smashing any roadblocks that might hinder creative thought and productive work.

My client is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a public company, operating as a small self-contained group that offers the informality and personal growth opportunities of a start-up, yet with the security of being part of stable large company with the highest ranking employee satisfaction and one of the most progressive benefit plans in the industry.

Position:
We are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Manager/Architect with strong hands-on and managerial capabilities to lead a team of 5 test engineers. The successful candidate is an enthusiastic and highly motivated engineer with good organizational skills and a passion for quality software testing, new technologies, and networking. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills. A solid understanding of software testing practices and procedures is essential.

  Requirements:
· BS/BA
· 5+ years of QA management experience.
· Hands-on experience with testing commercial networking software.
Experience in WAN/Network Optimization technologies is highly desired.
· Strong knowledge of automated testing tools.
· Experience designing, developing and implementing testing tools, environments and procedures.
· Planning and documentation skills.
· Understanding of networking protocols and Internet technologies.
· Experience with full software development life cycle.
· Ability to work in a small-team environment.
· Knowledge of scripting languages (Perl, Python, etc.) is a plus.
Please send your resume to scott@biviumgroup.com – subject line
“SQA Architect/Manager”
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Think like a recruiter: Prepping your references

It’s quite surprising when I start working with a candidate and ask about references, and the reply is “I haven’t thought about it”. Haven’t thought about it?!? If you want to “Think Like a Headhunter” and land the job you want, part of that process is ensuring your references are ready to win your case. That involves contacting your top 2-3 references to “catch-up” – ensure they know what you’ve been up to, and making sure they understand how much you appreciate their help.

Many times, a client of ours has several candidates under consideration for a position, and the quality/caliber of your references can “put you over the top” and get the job you want. If you don’t prep those references and arm them with the information needed to be successful, you’ll be the candidate we beat out in the next competitive situation! As part of my job for you, I help that process of working with your references, and ensuring we put our best references forth. The market in Boston software engineering is HOT, but competition for a “Tier 1″ opportunity is fierce – partner with me, and we’ll bring your “A game”.

A Tale of Two Clients – how to sell your software engineering job in the HOT Boston, MA market

Recent experience with two clients – let’s call them “Get’s it, Inc.” and “Bumbling fools.com” are two firms that recently approached us to recruit software engineers for their new Venture capitalized startups here in the Boston, MA area. As part of our due-diligence, we always want to evaluate the opportunity — who are the entrepreneurs, VCs, what space is the product in, and most importantly – how does the VP Engineering and/or other members of the team “sell” their company/role/position to us. Most tellingly, I like to ask “what do you think makes your job/company ‘cool’ to another star engineer?” Now, “Get’s It”, as their name implies, understands that they need to understand their strengths and sell to those strengths in this market — a star candidate I represent has a choice — and when there is a mutual fit, we want their strenghts to go recognized at each distinct phase of recruiting.  “Bumbling fools.com feels like they know they’ve got the greatest .COM since 1999 and that “any reasonable software engineer would just figure it out”.

WRONG ANSWER! We’re all very busy people, and nobody can sell their job better than the company — and if that is not a part of the entire recruiting process (from phone interview and each onsite interview – Plus time with a C-level executive) you will never hire someone you want. So, it’s not surprising when “Get’s It” has now hired 3 people out of 3 offers in the past few weeks while “Bumbling fools.com” has interviewed 8 people, made 2 offers and had 0 acceptances. At this point, if our client will not take our advice, as a contingent recruiter on the case, we’ll have to politely decline working together, until they can figure out how to sell themselves.

Boston Globe article – “Tech companies an oasis”

As if we didn’t need more proof of the ongoing talent war — the following article http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/03/13/in_harsh_jobs_market_tech_companies_an_oasis/?page=1 nicely sums up what I said in January – although there are some heavy headwinds in the national economy, many local software clients of ours are having their best growth years ever and their demand for talented software engineers in the Massachusetts market is insatiable. In the past 4 days, I’ve been contacted by 2 new Venture Capitalized startup CTOs or VP engineering who have growing needs that cannot be met — and 2 public firms looking just as hard at hiring factors of 3-4x more than last year. 

 All that being said, day-to-day experience with software engineer recruiting in the Boston/Cambridge, MA area is confirming that expectations of clients are very high — if you do not “know your CS” and “know your stuff” you’re in trouble. We are seeing many more “Google” or “Microsoft” style interviews within the market. I know some people do not like problem solving/brain teaser and obscure knowledge questions — but, they are here to stay.