TechLead-Story: Oskar Kruschitz, Head of Software Development at Huemer Group

TechLeadStory

Oskar Kruschitz

Team

Size and Roles: The development team comprises six individuals, distributed between Klagenfurt and Vienna. The team works on various projects simultaneously, including Log Management and SIEM solutions, an IoT and Mobility platform, a Data Management platform, and a Digital Signage solution. Each team member is involved in multiple projects, leveraging their specific competencies in frontend, backend, databases, etc.

Organizational Structure: Given the dynamic project requirements, the team follows agile methodologies, specifically Kanban due to its flexibility in adapting to changing priorities. Regular planning sessions and fixed meetings ensure alignment and shared knowledge.

Distinctive Aspects - Flexibility and Collaboration: The team has developed a good rapport, allowing for automatic task allocation based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Embracing new challenges and employing bleeding-edge technologies is a shared trait, fostering a culture of active participation and diverse perspectives.

Recruiting

Integration in Recruiting Process: The development department plays a pivotal role in the recruiting process. Initial screening involves a thorough review of application materials, followed by a technical and interpersonal interview conducted by the development team. If positive, further interviews are scheduled with the company's management.

Onboarding Procedure: New team members are familiarized with project details, workflows, tools, and given time to set up their workstations. While the initial onboarding provides essential information, the emphasis is on hands-on experience, with the expectation of high autonomy.

Qualities Beyond Technical Skills: Cultural fit is a priority, requiring a similar mindset and interest in cutting-edge topics such as IT Security, IoT, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. High autonomy, a proactive learning attitude, and an openness to experimentation are also valued.

Technologies

Technical Challenges: The diverse projects present daily challenges, such as processing a vast amount of data quickly in the Log Management and IT Security domain and accommodating varied IoT protocols in the IoT space. Hardware considerations are crucial for efficient algorithm execution.

Current Technologies: The team employs an extensive array of technologies, including Scala, Java, Apache Kafka, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Go, PHP, C++, Swift, Flutter, and React Native. Databases include Elasticsearch, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL. General tools comprise Git with Bitbucket Server and GitHub, Docker, etc.

Evolution of Technology Since Inception: Established in 2006, the company delved into software development a few years ago, with a dedicated software development department formed in 2018. The adoption of new technologies has been significant, with a proprietary base framework developed from scratch. The framework serves as a foundation for ongoing and future projects, providing stability while accommodating new technologies.