Meet the Hiring Manager

VMware Hiring Manager: Nikola Sadzhakliev

As a team we believe in full-stack development because it gives us the opportunity to work on a wide range of problems related to different areas of the software. Having full product ownership enables the team to work on the features end-to-end, deliver quick results, and stay inspired. We are using latest cutting-edge technologies like Java 11, Spring 5, Angular 10 and Clarity Framework to build several products that are used both by internal teams and partners and by our customers.

Tell us about your career journey to date?

My career in software development started about fourteen years ago as a software engineer. I have built a strong technical foundation during that time and technology continues to be one of my passions. I have had different roles as a Team Leader, Project Manager and Product Owner at services and product companies and have delivered successful projects with different technologies. My first acquaintance with VMware was about five years ago when I was leading a team of contractors from another company helping in the development of the new vSphere UI and I liked the effective processes, strive for excellence and friendly atmosphere. Recently I have taken the role of an R&D Manager in the CXS Platforms and Apps team and continue to employ the same principles. What excites me the most is not only technology and innovation, but also building strong teams, collaborating more effectively with each other and fully developing everyone’s potential.

How is VMware different to any other tech company you have worked for?

What distinguishes VMware is that it is an incredibly innovative company. Achieving engineering excellence is a top priority and we are not settling for average quality and results. You can see the result of your effort and how the technology solves our stakeholders’ problems. Another key factor is the opportunity to work with and learn from other smart and like-minded people. The typical profile of a person working in the company is talented, passionate, ambitious and always ready to help.

What has been the biggest lesson you have learned as you moved upwards in your career?

You must always challenge yourself in order to progress, get out of your comfort zone and try and learn new things. You must never settle with what you know and have achieved so far and try to improve further. Many of the technologies that we are using today were not available when I started my career. In our industry the only constant is change and keeping your skills up to date is mandatory if you want to stay relevant. Another very important thing is persistence – not giving up when things are hard and taking full responsibility to achieve your goals or to solve your problems. Last but not least – try to surround yourself with the right people – the ones that will set aside their differences and work together with you towards a common goal.

Your team is hiring. Can you tell us more about your organization’s charter?

CXS Platforms & Apps is an engineering team based in Sofia that develops software products for our Customer Experience and Success, VMware Professional Services, Sales, Delivery, and Technical Account Management teams. Our goal is to transform the way these organizations deliver high-quality solutions to our customers around the globe. Wе аre building several products that are used both by internal teams and partners and by our customers. These applications streamline and automate different business processes in the organization. We are using latest cutting-edge technologies like Java 11, Spring 5, Angular 10 and Clarity Framework. We are famous for our culture of collaboration and team spirit, one that works together in the face of all adversity.As a team, we believe in full-stack development because it gives the flexibility of a person to work on a wide range of problems related to different areas of the software and have full ownership of a task. It enables the team to work on features end-to-end, deliver quick results, and stay inspired.

If someone reading this was coming to interview with you tomorrow for a role in your org, what interview tips would you give them?

Be curious and check out our open positions, technology stack and what we do. During the interview be yourself, tell us about your experience and motivation and don’t be afraid to ask questions.


Check out the open positions at Nikola’s team.