Application Guide
How to Apply for Backend Developer (Mid/Senior) (m/w/d)
at Octopus Energy
🏢 About Octopus Energy
Octopus Energy is a fast-growing, tech-driven energy company on a mission to make energy greener, cheaper, and more transparent. They leverage AI and renewables to disrupt a traditional industry, and their remote-first culture emphasizes autonomy and impact.
About This Role
As a Backend Developer at Octopus Energy, you'll build and maintain the core systems powering their energy platform, from customer-facing APIs to internal tools. Your work directly enables smarter energy management and supports the transition to low-carbon energy.
💡 A Day in the Life
You'll start with a daily standup via Slack or video, then dive into coding – maybe writing a new API endpoint for customer billing or optimizing a database query. After lunch, you might review a colleague's pull request, document your work in Notion, and have a quick sync with the product team on upcoming features.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Octopus Energy Is Looking For
- Has 3+ years of Python experience and deep familiarity with Django for building scalable web applications.
- Loves designing clean REST APIs and is curious about GraphQL for future projects.
- Is a strong communicator in both English and German, able to write clear technical specs and collaborate in a remote team.
- Enjoys working with databases and writing efficient SQL, and is comfortable with Git-based workflows.
📝 Tips for Applying to Octopus Energy
Highlight specific Django projects you've built, especially those involving API design or data handling.
Showcase your German language skills by submitting your cover letter in German or mentioning bilingual communication experience.
Mention any experience with GraphQL, even if just a side project, as it's a bonus that sets you apart.
Include a link to your GitHub or a portfolio with clean, well-documented code examples.
Tailor your resume to emphasize backend work and avoid listing unrelated frontend or DevOps experience.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for clean energy and how your backend skills can help Octopus reduce CO2 emissions.', "Specific examples of Django + REST API projects you've delivered, with measurable impact.", 'Your ability to work autonomously in a remote team and communicate effectively in both English and German.', 'Your interest in GraphQL or willingness to learn it, aligning with their tech stack evolution.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about Octopus Energy's 'Fan Club' model and how they use AI for energy forecasting.
- → Check their engineering blog or tech talks on YouTube to understand their stack and culture.
- → Look into Kraken, their proprietary platform, and how it integrates with backend systems.
- → Review recent news about Octopus Energy's expansion in Germany to show market awareness.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending a generic application without mentioning Octopus Energy's mission or tech stack.
- Ignoring the German language requirement – even if your German is basic, show willingness to improve.
- Focusing too much on frontend or full-stack experience when the role is backend-only.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Octopus Energy !