Dave Aronson's Basic FAQs

What sort of work do you want?

Mainly software engineering, software development, or whatever your company calls it -- the whole process, especially architecture, design, and of course the actual coding. I'm also willing to do training, mentoring, etc., and would like to try some project leadership.

In what computer languages?

That's a somewhat involved question. I've mainly done plain old C, but also C++, Perl, Python, Ruby (including Ruby on Rails), Java, Javascript (including AJAX), CSS, and many more, and would like to continue using such more modern languages. See my resume for details. A job using modern ones I don't (yet) know, such as C#, Objective-C, Scala, Clojure, Groovy, Erlang, or Go, would be very attractive.

On what types of systems?

I've mainly done Unix-type systems (such as Linux, Solaris, etc.), and occasionally Windows. However, I have done many others too (see resume for details). I can certainly learn more -- in particular, I would like to learn mobile, embedded, kernel, and Facebook programming.

Anything else you'd like to use?

I've been reading about Agile methodologies for well over a decade now, and would love to finally try them! I'd also like to delve more into security, especially secure coding and malware detection.

Certs?

I've taught CISSP classes, but haven't taken the exam myself yet. If you'll pay for books, supplies, courses, study time, exam fees, etc., I'll go for pretty much whatever certs you want.

So why should we hire you to do some language, platform, or technique, that you don't already have much experience in?

Much of my existing expertise should translate pretty well (especially the language/platform independent parts), and I'll give you a reduced rate.

Desired work location?

Within a reasonable commute from Fairfax (city) VA. Ideally, within half an hour by car or an hour by mass transit, each way. I'll stretch that for an otherwise very good job, but double is the limit.

Clearance or clearability?

I hold an active secret DoD (final) clearance, am willing to go higher, and think I could make it.

Salary?

I'm looking at the whole package -- not just the financials, like salary and benefits, but also things like work environment, job satisfaction, commute, career advancement potential, etc. So, I can't give you a solid number before knowing a lot about the job, company, etc. After you tell me all that, give me some idea what you want to pay, and I'll tell you whether it's doable.

Hourly consulting rate?

See my consulting page.

Availability?

I'm employed full-time these days, and fairly busy with other "life", so mainly I'm available for work on the side, up to about 10 hours a week, preferably from home in the evenings or on weekends. However, I'm also willing to consider changing day-jobs....

If you have any other brief questions, or would like a fuller answer to any question, feel free to email me. Basic FAQs with short answers will be added to this page.

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