> How do you vet companies / jobs that have what your looking for in terms of growing your career?

I have a pretty low bar - I will never join a company where tech is a cost center. That is - is the code you are writing generating direct revenue for the company?

If yes, then it's in the company's best interest for the tech to at least be "better"

If not, then they just want to spend as little as possible without making it "good". Ironically, investing into talent and best practices actually makes it cheaper