SCVNGR is Hiring Python and Rails Developers (And we've got a fun riddle.)

Hello Programmer / Engineering / Web Development Candidate!

My name is Seth Priebatsch and I am the Chief Ninja of SCVNGR. I run a local start-up called SCVNGR (www.scvngr.com/xplr). We’re a venture backed (Highland Capital) and profitable start-up producing a flexible and powerful location-based mobile game platform. Our game-dynamics engine (coded primarily in python) is utilized by over 300 institions in 44 states and two countries to build and run location-based games, tours and experiences that can be played from any phone. We call them scvngrs and they look like this:

So, we’re hiring for full time backend engineering positions and for interns. We’re an awesome company to work for and when you start looking for full time positions you should hit us up. (After solving the riddle of course.)

Without further ado: A Riddle.

100 programmers are lined up in a row. The director puts red and blue hats on them. They can’t see their own hats, but they can see the hats of the people in front of them. The professor starts in the back and says “what color is your hat?” The programmers can only answer “red” or “blue.” The programmer fails the course if he / she gives the wrong answer; then the professor moves on to the next programmer. The programmers in front get to hear the answers of those behind them, but not whether they are failed out of the course or allowed to stay. They can consult and agree on a strategy before being lined up, but after being lined up and having the hats put on, they can’t communicate in any way other than those already specified. What strategy should they choose to maximize the number of programmers who are allowed to remain in the course?

If you are interested in applying to join our awesome team, please solve the riddle above and submit your solution, cover letter and resume to daedalus@scvngr.com. The job specs are below.

Sincerely,

Seth Priebatsch

Chief Ninja | SCVNGR

daedalus@scvngr.com

www.scvngr.com/xplr

P.S. We’re hiring for full time programmers / hackers right now! If you don’t fit the specs below but know of an awesome person who fits the description here, send them our way. If we hire your referral, you win $1000 dollars in cold, hard cash. No joke.

Job Specifications:

SCVNGR (pronounced “scavenger”) is a mobile gaming company founded out of Princeton University. Our patent-pending technology enables organizations and individuals to create location based games, promotions, team building events and interactive tours. We’re venture backed by one of the top firms in the country and have seen tremendous growth over the last year, amassing well over 300 *paying* clients in 43 states.

Check out recent coverage in Forbes and TechCrunch:

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/08/13/scvngr-lets-you-build-awesome-scavenger-hunts-for-any-mobile-phone/
http://video.forbes.com/fvn/breakout/city-wide-board-games

We’re seeking a talented web developer to join our growing team full-time in our Boston, MA office. The qualifications are listed in more detail below, but the ideal candidate is exceedingly bright and hardworking. Everyday will offer a new challenge, requiring entrepreneurial flexibility, strong motivation and a goal-oriented work style.

The Skills:

- 3+ years professional web development experience

- Real-world experience building consumer-facing applications with Ruby on Rails

- Knowledge of MySQL and relational database design

- Knowledge of front-end web technologies: XHTML, CSS, Javascript, AJAX, JSON

- Knowledge of Javascript frameworks, preferably Prototype

- Knowledge of Python or a desire and an ability to learn

- Include karate monkey in the title of your email to us

- Knowledge of Git or Subversion

- Comfortable in a Linux environment

- Strong communication and documentation abilities

- Computer Science degree or equivalent experience

Starting salary is 70-100K based on skills and experience. Options and other benefits (completely paid for great health care, dental) are also provided.

Give us a shout! If you’re interested, please send a resume (PDF or plain text) to daedalus@scvngr.com.