[Chennaipy] Looking for a rockstar. Python/Django skills a bonus.

[Arvind Padmanabhan]

To quote,
"... we faced repeated scaling challenges.  To remedy that, we began
work a few months ago on a version 2, and are migrating the site
entirely from its current LAMP stack to one based on Python/Django,
with Angular.js on the front end."

I wonder if there is an expert among us who can give an in-depth talk
about what platform is right when it comes to scaling up. Millions of
users. Thousands of concurrent connections. Data-intensive vs simple
notifications. Hundreds of DB calls per second. Encryption enabled on
all data. Without this knowledge, start-ups will waste lot of time in
rework. It should be an impartial talk and recommend Python/Django
based proven metrics.

Anyone out there?

On 1/30/15, A. K. <sak.listing at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi, all.  I learned about this group recently from a bright Python
> enthusiast who interviewed for a position at my company.  I would hire him
> in a heartbeat, except that he's leaning towards pursuing a Master's
> instead.  The next best thing seemed to be to go directly to the watering
> hole.  So, here I am.
>
> Now, programmers are aplenty and easy to find.  That's not what I am
> looking for.  In fact, when I see job application emails in which "Current
> CTC + X%" is the only stated motivation for the application, I don't even
> open the attached resumes.
>
> That's right, I am not looking for mere coders-for-hire, who send out job
> applications without even researching a company.  I am looking for bright
> individuals who aim to use their analytical, programming skills to do
> something meaningful, add value, and make a difference.
>
> *If you are such an individual:*
>
>    - You'd enjoy taking in this wise, inspiring lecture:
>    http://youtu.be/D73mm29XXAw (Core message: "Strive to create value, in
>    whatever area you want")
>    - Let's talk!
>
>
> *A little bit about myself:*
> I am the founder and CEO of Jodi365.com, a next-generation matchmaking site
> for Indians worldwide.  The site has been live since 2011 and has made
> about 500,000 pairings to date.  It constantly gets heartwarming reviews
> from users and generates revenues at a healthy clip.
>
> Yet, wary of premature PR, we have consciously kept a low media profile
> these last few years and have grown the business primarily organically.  It
> may have been wise because, despite or perhaps in part due to numerous
> innovations (we have patents pending in India and the US), we faced
> repeated scaling challenges.
>
> To remedy that, we began work a few months ago on a version 2, and are
> migrating the site entirely from its current LAMP stack to one based on
> Python/Django, with Angular.js on the front end.  (We will also be rolling
> out companion mobile apps.)  We are close to rolling out this v.2.
>
> *What I'd be happy to talk about:*
> If you want to build or help build something of value and have relevant
> skills, I'd be happy to think through these 3 options with you:
> 1) Take up or hold on to a stable, decently-paying job (at the safe end of
> the risk/reward scale)
> 2) Build your own venture (highest risk, but with the highest reward
> potential)
> 3) Join a startup (moderate risk, yet with substantial upside)
>
> I can empathize with those who must at least for the time being pursue
> Option 1.  What qualifies me to discuss Option 2: I was previously at an
> angel investment network.  (See anil-kumar.com for my bio.)
>
> *About Option 3, joining a startup:*
> I am pleased to see young Indian professionals -- and their involved
> families! -- becoming more aware of and open to startup opportunities.  A
> common path, worldwide, is to flow from Option 1 to 3 to 2.  That is, the
> paths are fluid.  Even within Option 3, the risk/reward profile varies
> depending on where the startup is on its growth curve.
>
> I have a personal interest in pitching Option 3, yet don't want to glorify
> startups.  Why, a typical startup job posting from yesterday did just
> that!  Our team members (see job description below) may have a similar
> opportunity to get their hands dirty playing with leading-edge
> technologies.  Yet, take it from me: Startups are not a picnic.  They are
> hard.
>
> Most people see athletes and their moments of glory.  What they don't see
> is the hours, days, weeks, and months of persistence and toil that led to
> the podium finish.
>
> If you feel inspired to sweat it out with me and my team, learn from and
> with us, and grow more than you otherwise might, personally and
> professionally, drop me a line!
>
> If you know of friends or acquaintances who may be interested, I would
> appreciate your sharing this email with them.
>
> Kind regards,
> Anil
> @aktxt <http://www.twitter.com/aktxt>
>
>
>
> *Senior Software Engineer / Tech Lead*
>
> Chennai, India
> http://www.jodi365.com/careers/software-engineer-web-developer
>
> *tl;dr version:*
>
> FreeElective Network Pvt. Ltd., based in Chennai, has introduced
> Jodi365.com
> <http://www.jodi365.com/>, a next-generation social matchmaking site.  The
> site is growing briskly, and we are about to launch a re-built, more
> scaleable v.2 of our innovative, patent-pending system.  We are looking to
> add another Python specialist to our team as we continue to refine our
> product and service.
>
>
> *About this job:*
>
> We are expanding our engineering team as we migrate Jodi365 from the
> current LAMP stack to Python/Django.  The work would be at FreeElective
> Network's office in the heart of Chennai, a few miles from the IIT-Madras
> campus.  The position represents a terrific opportunity to work in a
> fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, especially for someone who is
> excited about seeing their work get used and appreciated by thousands of
> users on a daily basis.  If you think your particular skills and experience
> would add to our team, we would love to hear from you.
>
> *Responsibilities:*
>
>    - Design, test, develop, and deploy production-ready web applications
>    using Python/Django and client-side code
>    - Build elegant, responsive, and optimized (cross-platform) web
>    applications and user interfaces with HTML5/CSS3, JavaScript, Ajax,
>    Bootstrap, and Angular.js
>    - Develop functional prototypes from wireframes and mockups
>    - Support the Software Architect in designing, testing, and deploying
>    the infrastructure to support a secure, scalable, and rapidly-evolving
> web
>    application
>    - Understand how users interact with our features through extensive use
>    of analytics and continuously improve user experience
>    - Resolve application issues/bugs that may arise
>    - Assist management team in ensuring efficient progress of workflow and
>    transforming business visions into reality
>
> *Requirements:*
>
>    - Exceptional Python coding skills and prior experience with web
>    development using PHP/MySQL also
>    - Deep JavaScript/Ajax experience, including framework experience and
>    debugging tools
>    - Able to design, code, unit test, and debug complex, DOM-based web
>    software applications supporting multiple browsers
>    - Able to take mockups and create high-performance web pages
>
> *Preferences:*
>
>    - 3+ years of programming and web development experience, including
>    experience integrating front-end code with server-side technology on
>    dynamic, large-scale consumer-facing websites
>    - Experience in an Agile development life cycle
>    - Solid understanding of object-oriented design, coding, and testing
>    patterns
>    - Bachelor's or higher degree in computer science or related major
>
> *Bonus Points:*
>
>    - Proficiency in source code management practices and working knowledge
>    of version control tools such as Subversion
>
> *Desired soft skills:*
>
>    - Team player with strong analytical and project management skills
>    - Organized and detail-oriented individual who works well with deadlines
>    - Willingness to learn, switch roles as necessary, and to roll up one's
>    sleeves to get a job done
>    - Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-changing
>    environment
>    - Energized by the opportunities and challenges of working at a small
>    and growing company
>
> ------------------------------
>
> *How to apply:*
>
> Want to work with us?  To apply for this position:
>
>    - Submit your application online
>
> <https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlLX2J5TmdPZHhvZVRITjNCc3hIQnc6MQ>
>    - E-mail a detailed CV/resume to careers at FreeElective.com, with the
>    subject "Senior Software Engineer / Tech Lead".  Include URLs of sites
> you
>    have worked on and describe your role on those projects.
>    - Instead of a cover letter to accompany your resume, include your
>    crisp, thoughtful answers (less than 250 words each) to the following
>    questions:
>
>
>    1. What are your key skills? What are you really good at professionally?
>    2. What do you think of the online matchmaking industry?
>    3. Why do you want to work with us?
>    4. What are your salary requirements and career growth expectations?
>    5. Why should we hire you?
>
>
> Some advice, as you prepare your application:
>
>    - Be true to yourself. (Ask yourself about this job, "Is this what I
>    really want to do professionally?")
>    - Say it in your own words. (Your responses will be more compelling if
>    they came from the heart.)
>
> ------------------------------
>
> FreeElective Network (a subsidiary of US-based FreeElective LLC) is an
> equal-opportunity employer. We provide opportunities to all employees
> and applicants for employment without regard to religion, ethnicity,
> race, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.
> FreeElective complies with applicable laws governing
> non-discrimination in every location in which the company has
> facilities.
>
> ###
>