A data visualization SaaS company filled a sole, senior DevOps Engineer role with a perfectly qualified candidate in just 18 days, overcoming a flood of unqualified and fake applicants.
The Challenge
A growing SaaS company specializing in data visualization faced a critical risk when their sole DevOps Engineer departed. This role was the backbone of their infrastructure, responsible for managing and automating deployments across AWS, Digital Ocean, and on-premise environments.
The challenges were urgent and specific:
- Critical Knowledge Gap: The departure left no internal subject-matter expert to manage their core DevOps infrastructure.
- Low-Quality Applicant Volume: Public job postings attracted a high volume of applicants, but very few possessed the necessary senior-level skills.
- The “Unicorn” Requirement: They needed a self-sufficient engineer proficient across a wide stack: AWS, Terraform, Linux, Ansible, Python, and CI/CD pipelines.
Our Approach
We provided a targeted, high-touch recruitment service designed to find a candidate who was not just technically proficient but could operate independently from day one.
- Precision Sourcing: We moved beyond public job boards to proactively identify and engage passive candidates who matched the exact technical profile.
- Rigorous Technical Screening: Each candidate was evaluated against a strict checklist of “must-have” technologies: AWS, Terraform, Linux (Ubuntu), Bash, Python, Ansible, and CI/CD (with a preference for CircleCI).
- Focus on Autonomy: We prioritized professionals with a proven ability to work independently, take ownership of complex systems, and drive automation improvements in a similar environment.
Outcomes
The focused approach resulted in a highly efficient hiring process, delivering a single, ideal candidate who met every requirement.
The Recruitment Funnel:Precision Sourcing → 4 Highly Qualified Submittals → 1 Successful Hire
The Speed of Hire:Role Opened (Oct 9) → Offer Accepted (Oct 27) = 18 Days
The Strategic Impact: Before → After
| BEFORE | AFTER | |
|---|---|---|
| DevOps Ownership | Critical knowledge gap; no SME | A skilled, self-sufficient engineer is in place |
| Hiring Process | Sifting through 100s of unqualified resumes | A streamlined process with 4 pre-vetted, qualified candidates |
| Infrastructure Stability | At risk with no primary owner | Secure, with a leader driving automation and improvements |
Client Testimonial
“I have to say, I’m extremely impressed with y’all. You clearly listened and have provided candidates that very closely match what we discussed. That doesn’t happen a lot for me. Much appreciated.”
— DevOps Manager, Data Visualization SaaS Company
Stop Sifting, Start Hiring.
A precise recruitment strategy saves time, reduces risk, and connects you with the elite technical talent that drives your business forward.