Periodicdesign

Well, I will start this post with a small note that I may piss some people off, and if I do, then this post worked.

To start, I have worked for several companies in my almost ten years of technology experience and one thing has always boggled my mind: What makes a good/great CEO? I know there are many answers depending on the book you read or the CEO that you talk to, but I really want to know, what makes one great?

I have worked with some of the best and brightest people on the planet when it comes to technology and consider myself lucky that I’ve had those opportunities, and I hope I continue to have them. With that said, some of those managers, SVP’s and CXO’s weren’t worth a damn. Some of the dumbest decisions were made on projects and to this day I still can’t figure some of them out.

Why is it just because some guy in a suit and tie, has his MBA from some Ivy League school and has “worked on projects that generated X millions of dollars in a year”, gets the right to make life altering decisions for a corporate entity? Oh, and news flash for the ass clowns that claim millions of revenue to your name, there are these things called “teams”, and they work together to “generate X millions of dollars a year” but I don’t see them running the show. Of course, those that don’t run the show who helped make those dollars, actually have a conscience and don’t lie to get to the top. Keep in mind when stepping on people to get somewhere, unless you kill them with the spike on your heel, they will rise up and remember what you did.

I have always believed that hard work and perseverance had it’s rewards. I’m starting to believe that those bedtime stories my mother use to read have something in common with that statement. Talking the talk is one thing, but walking it is another, and I wish people would quit talking it and crumbling whole companies or economies based on it.

In closing, I didn’t want this to be a bitch session, but it has turned into it, but for any that have made it this far, please, leave some feedback or insight into your world, and I won’t feel bad if you claim anonymity when commenting.

Community Software Developer

PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript exp.

Requirements for Software Developer:

Seeking a Mid Level PHP Developer to work in a fun and casual atmosphere! We are recruiting for a partner of ours- an award-winning e-Health communications company in Reston, VA. They are seeking a multi-talented, mid-level Software Developer to join their development team. Applicants should have 3+ years of related experience. They are looking for a developer to help create an online community using open-source or third-party apps.

Responsibilities for the Software Developer include coding, design, and maintenance of existing and new software; functional and unit testing; and database setup and management. We are a small, growing company, and your responsibilities at times may fall outside of typical software development tasks. You must have 3 or more years of direct, hands-on experience with PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript. Knowledge of software such as phpBB, Vbulletin, Joomla, Mambo, Drupal, MediaWiki?, MovableType, or Wordpress would be a great fit.

Pluses include experience with ASP, Flash, ActionScript, .net, Ruby, ZOPE, Python, learning management systems or Flash communications server.

Description for Software Developer:

The successful applicant will also be able to understand and participate in the business process of our product development effort. We are looking for a team player who is willing to contribute both programming production and technical leadership; therefore, excellent communication skills are necessary. A strong applicant would also have experience working in a small, fast-growing software development department and be willing to embrace the challenge of developing processes and mentoring junior level programmers. This position does not require managing employees.

Unix Administrator-Linux, BSD, (Reston, VA)

The UNIX Administrator manages the daily activities of configuration and operation of business systems that are web-based. Work includes optimizing system operation and resource utilization, updating administration manuals, updating security plans and network diagrams, adding and deleting users, upgrading software, configuring and installing new hardware, testing and debugging the system, monitoring the system for problems, placing service calls, performing system capacity analysis, and planning and monitoring the system for security problems using intrusion detection software. Assist users in accessing and using web-based systems.

Experience Needed:

• The administration of UNIX (specifically Linux and FreeBSD) and application servers and web servers.
• Must be proficient with most aspects of UNIX systems administration including; Systems installation and configuration, troubleshooting, security management.
• Planning and installation of third party software.
• The operation of a large-scale web-based system or a multi-server or local area network.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• A Bachelors Degree and 3-5 years of experience in UNIX hardware and/or software systems administration is preferred.
• Experience in the following platforms/products is also preferred: Apache, Asterisk, MySQL, PostGresql, Oracle, Zimbra, Zope
• Other core skills that are essential include: shell scripting, Python and/or C programming, and knowledge of DNS, NTP and IP network architecture/troubleshooting.
• Candidates should also have a thorough understanding of high-volume web-based environments, a strong desire and ability to tackle and master new technologies, and excellent communication skills that will allow for effective interaction and cooperation with other technical groups.
• May need to come in after hours in case of emergencies.

Siteworx is a Web design and integration company that achieves award-winning results for clients including National Geographic, AOL, The College Board, and PBS. Siteworx helps companies communicate powerfully by creating a satisfying user experience through attractive design, streamlined information architecture, and easy-to-manage technology that integrates with online and offline business applications.

Siteworx offers competitive salary and benefits including health, dental and life insurance; 401k plan with employer contribution; vacation, holiday and sick leave; and education reimbursement plan.

Siteworx is an Equal Opportunity Employer

For more information:

Gail Glassmoyer
Recruiting Manager
gail@siteworx.com
SITEWORX
11480 Commerce Park
Third Floor
Reston, VA 20191
Direct: (703) 964-1700 x245
Fax: (703) 935-0426
www.siteworx.com

Jr/Mid Software Developer- Great position for College Grads! (Reston, VA)

Award winning Software company seeking the best an the brightest! When you begin your career at Siteworx, you’ll be part of a rapidly-growing software and services company. In fact, you have probably visited some of our Web applications and sites already – many are for companies with household names. It’s this kind of success that creates exceptional opportunities for ambitious people. If you’re looking for a place where you can perform your best, consider the following position in our Reston, Virginia headquarters.

You will develop Internet applications in teams from Siteworx specifications. You will work closely with many Senior Developers to improve your knowledge and technical prowess. Siteworx has very high standards and understands that very few people are qualified to do what we do upon hiring, however, the position requires a BA/BS in a technical field and 1+ years experience (internships applicable) in software development. Fluency with three or more of the following is necessary: XHTML, CSS, C#, Javascript, Java, Python. A background in Object Oriented Programming is necessary and familiarity with Zope is a major plus.

Siteworx has outstanding benefits including 401(k), and health/dental insurance.

Senior Experience Architect (Reston, VA)

The Sr. Experience Architect will be responsible for performing a lead role in the research and design efforts for Siteworx’s client applications and large-scaled websites. This position requires working directly with client stakeholders to develop strategies and specifications to improve the performance, usability and effectiveness of customer and user facing interfaces. You will use information gathered from client meetings, team collaboration, best practices, and competitive analysis to develop site maps, user interface diagrams, requirements and specifications which represent the layout, flow and organization of complex Web sites and Web applications. You will work closely with the client and the Siteworx technical, project management, and visual design groups.

Applicants please note this is NOT an opening for a graphic or Web designer. Photoshop designs do not meet the qualifications listed below. All applicants must be able to provide samples of user interface diagrams/wire frames, requirements, and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Interface with clients to gather requirements based on existing business processes, goals, and user needs
• Research the competitive landscape and make recommendations relating to website organization and information hierarchy
• Document strategy by conducting collaborative workshops, developing site maps, user interface diagrams and specs for website and Web applications
• Develop navigation, interaction, and nomenclature systems
• Collaborate with the internal creative and technical teams to ensure that website designs meet both client and end user needs
• Be highly collaborative with both client and internal teams, able to set an example and foster growth among your peers
• Reports directly to the Director of Customer Experience

Qualifications

• 5+ Years experience in human factors, user interface design and information architecture specifically in the Web or Web-based application arena
• Bachelor’s degree in HCI or computer science related area.
• Excellent client-facing consultative skills including the ability to lead clients and drive best practices
• User focused, highly motivated, organized, able to multi-task, and work under tight deadlines
• Strong knowledge of user-centered design principles and information architecture and information design
• Knowledge of general business strategy and specific knowledge of Web strategy
• Ability to analyze business requirements to define and improve applications and business processes
• Familiarity with e-Commerce best practices, non-profit and associations, and Web analytics a plus.
• Experience evolving the Web presence of large-scale websites and Web applications with large or multinational companies
• Portfolio that includes examples of user interface diagrams, requirements and specifications (NOT visual designs)
• Familiarity with industry tools for generating flow diagrams, wireframes, and specifications

Siteworx is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Gail Glassmoyer
Recruiter/HR Manager
Siteworx
1892 Preston White Drive, 3rd Fl.
Reston, VA 20191
703-964-1700 X245
gail@siteworx.com

Update: Roles have shifted a bit, so there will be a higher level Experience Architect position being hired. Thanks to all that applied. There are more positions coming.

Well, I said I would let you all know when Siteworx was hiring again, so here you go.

Experience Architect

Siteworx, Inc., an Internet application and development company located in Reston, VA, works to transform clients’ business objectives into powerful interactive solutions. Utilizing strategy, technology and creativity, Siteworx creates fresh, functional solutions that serve many industries.

The Experience Architect will be responsible for performing a lead role in the research and design efforts for Siteworx’s client applications and large-scaled websites. This position requires working directly with client stakeholders to develop strategies and specifications to improve the performance, usability and effectiveness of customer and user facing interfaces. You will use information gathered from client meetings, best practices, and competitive analyses to develop, site maps, wire frames, requirements and specifications which represent the layout, flow and organization of complex Web sites and Web applications. You will work closely with the client and the Siteworx technical and visual design groups.

Applicants please note this is not an opening for a graphic designer. Photoshop designs do not meet the qualifications listed below. All applicants must be able to provide samples of user interface diagrams/wire fames. Specifications and requirements are a plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to gather requirements based on existing business processes
• Research the competitive landscape and make recommendations relating to website organization and information hierarchy
• Document strategy by developing site maps, wire frames, representing website and Web application layouts
• Interface with the internal creative and technical staff to ensure that website designs meet both client and end user needs
• Develop navigation and interaction systems
• Develop nomenclature systems
• Experience changing the Web presence of large or multinational companies

Qualifications

• User focused, highly motivated, organized, able to multi-task, and work under tight deadlines
• Excellent client-facing consultative skills including the ability to lead client meetings
• Deep knowledge of user-centered design principles and information architecture and information design
• Knowledge of general business strategy and specific knowledge of Web strategy
• Ability to analyze business requirements to define and improve applications and business processes
• Experience with a large-scale websites or Web-based applications
• Portfolio that includes examples of wireframes and specifications
• Familiarity with industry tools for generating flow diagrams, wireframes, and specifications

If you’re looking for a career where your contribution will be recognized and rewarded, if you share our philosophy that hiring the right people is the secret to success, and if you believe in working hard and having fun with a team that enjoys doing the same is for you — we want to talk to you!

Yeah, it’s not mine, but it’s something better than the basic one that comes with Wordpress and it fits my design style a little better. I’m not much of a fan for the beveled edges anymore. I think there’s a time and place for them, but the Kubrick theme that comes with Wordpress is a tad overkill, although a slick theme for someone with no design or CSS skills. I will be building my own theme over the next few weeks and at some point this site will go straight text as I migrate attributes. All content will be in place over the next few weeks, but watch for changes and hiccups as the look and features shift.