Lead Software Engineer

Help us use technology to make a big green dent in the universe!

Kraken powers some of the most innovative global developments in energy.

We’re a technology company focused on creating a smart, sustainable energy system. From optimising renewable generation, creating a more intelligent grid and enabling utilities to provide excellent customer experiences, our operating system for energy is transforming the industry around the world in a way that benefits everyone.

It’s a really exciting time in energy. Help us make a real impact on shaping a better, more sustainable future.

Kraken Customer

What we do: build the most AI-driven, innovative, forward-thinking platform for energy management. From optimising resources to delivering cost-effective, exceptional customer experiences through advanced Customer Information Systems (CIS), billing, meter data management, CRM, and AI-driven communications, Kraken is powering the next wave of innovation in the energy industry. 

Why we do it: future energy will not look like energy as we know it today. We need to not just think about our future, but build for it. Now.

Our team

All technology is written and maintained by a multi-discipline engineering team of around 1200 people globally. Our engineers work in ‘super teams’ which are focused on key areas of our platform as well as other innovative products. This also includes server-side, client-side and mobile engineers working closely with UX experts, copywriters and designers.  

Teams are empowered to choose a way of working that works for them, often opting for a Kanban-like approach. Notion and Asana are then used to specify and manage work; Github, CircleCI and Terraform Enterprise as part of an immutable-infrastructure, continuous delivery pipeline; and Datadog, Sentry and Cloudwatch to measure performance and monitor production.   

As a Lead, you will have management responsibilities of your team of engineers. We are looking for someone with prior lead/manager experience who is comfortable with the people management side of the job, as well as still being very technically hands on. Together with the rest of the team, you will bring the same revolutionary customer experience, operational excellence and speed of innovation that Kraken is powering across energy retailers to other sectors. Some of our coding conventions are open-source .  

Kraken is a great place to learn, work with some talented engineers and level-up your skills.    

Our Technology

• On the server-side, we mainly use Python. Most of our websites are powered by Django, Django-REST-framework and GraphQL (Graphene).   
• We use AWS heavily as part of a continuous deployment pipeline.

What you'll need

• You’ll want to have experience managing people, and ideally you’ll have been involved in hiring and onboarding new team members before. 
• We’re looking for someone with a general interest in technology and problem-solving; someone diligent and thoughtful. 
• Your level will be Senior Software Engineer or above and we expect you to have experience/expertise in the following (in rough priority order):
• Python and Django (or equivalent web framework) web development experience, as you will be asked to work on some full-stack projects
• Domain modelling
• HTTP and REST APIs
• Writing robust and fault-tolerant software
• Celery and async processing
• Postgres
• Plus experience in the following would be a bonus:
• Terraform, Packer, Consul
• React and Redux
• GraphQL
• Previous experience in Industry and/or Financials-focused work at Kraken. If not, experience working in the UK energy industry.

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about code, curious, and eager to learn. You’ll be working alongside other talented people in the tech department. You’ll solve problems with technology to make us, and the industry, smarter and better for customers.

What You'll do

• You’ll be responsible for leading a team of engineers.
• This role will involve line management duties, as well as being hands on and close to the code.
• Your team will be building and maintaining a consumer site for our clients offering Prepay to their customers (UK-based clients).
• Your team will be responsible for understanding how the product can be expanded to other geographies and countries, as well as roadmapping, hiring, and ultimately building a more generalised solution.
• You may get involved in hiring for your team as it naturally grows, conducting interviews, marking tech challenges, making hiring decisions.
• You’ll work very closely with the Product Manager, Pearl Gillard(based in London, UK).
• We're very excited to be growing our team. We're looking for skills and experience to help shape and define the future of not only our team, but the wider business at a global scale. If you're reading this and grinning, please apply! There are huge challenges to tackle, and we need amazing people who are keen to get stuck in. If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.

If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.