The question is are there any companies which dont employ psycotic nutters simply because they can program

My experience is that if the engineering manager is a) qualified (could (s)he personally do the job (s)he is hiring for) and b) has full control of hiring, you have found such a company.

Unfortunately, that combination is not found in most places. I know of two companies out of the many I know.

Now, Jez, in your case I have to add c) If the managers definition of a "psycotic nutter" is the same as yours :)

Erik