Application Guide

How to Apply for Backend (Mid-Level) Software Engineer

at Granular Energy

🏢 About Granular Energy

Granular Energy is at the forefront of the clean energy transition, enabling 24/7 carbon-free energy trading through hourly certificates. Their platform uniquely matches green energy consumption with production in real-time, making them a critical player in driving sustainable electricity usage. Working here means contributing to a mission that directly impacts climate change while being part of an innovative, remote-first team.

About This Role

As a Mid-Level Backend Engineer, you will develop, test, and release features for the Granular Energy Platform, focusing on optimization algorithms that match green energy consumption with production while managing financial risk. You'll collaborate closely with product teams to shape new features and contribute to improving engineering practices and team culture. Your work will directly enable utilities and corporations to achieve 24/7 clean energy goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start your day with a stand-up meeting via Slack or Zoom to sync with the remote team. Spend the morning writing Python code for a new optimization feature that matches renewable energy certificates to hourly consumption, using AI tools like Copilot to speed up boilerplate. After lunch, join a product brainstorm to define the next feature, then review a colleague's pull request on a financial risk module. End the day by deploying a minor release and documenting your work.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Granular Energy Is Looking For

  • Has 3-6 years of professional backend development experience, with strong proficiency in Python (the primary language) and willingness to work extensively in Python.
  • Possesses a solid understanding of optimization algorithms, financial risk management, or energy/commodity trading systems—experience in these domains is a strong plus.
  • Is confident and safe in using AI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT) to accelerate development without compromising code quality or security.
  • Thrives in a remote, collaborative environment and is eager to contribute to team culture, code reviews, and continuous improvement of processes.

📝 Tips for Applying to Granular Energy

1

Highlight any experience with optimization algorithms (e.g., linear programming, constraint solving) or energy trading systems in your resume and cover letter.

2

Demonstrate your proficiency with Python by linking to a relevant GitHub project or describing a complex Python system you built.

3

Explicitly mention how you use AI tools in your development workflow—provide a concrete example (e.g., using Copilot for boilerplate, ChatGPT for debugging).

4

Tailor your application to show understanding of 24/7 carbon-free energy and hourly certificates; mention Granular Energy's mission in your cover letter.

5

Since the role is remote (UK-based), emphasize your experience with async communication, self-management, and tools like Slack, Jira, or Notion.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Express passion for clean energy and the specific mission of enabling 24/7 carbon-free energy trading.', 'Detail your experience with Python and any relevant domain knowledge (energy, commodity trading, financial risk, optimization).', "Provide a concrete example of how you've used AI to improve development velocity or code quality.", "Explain why you're interested in a mid-level role at a mission-driven startup and how you can contribute to team culture and product innovation."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Granular Energy's product and the concept of '24/7 carbon-free energy' and 'hourly certificates' (e.g., via their blog or press releases).
  • → Research the regulatory landscape for energy attribute certificates (EACs) in Europe and the UK, especially the role of GOs (Guarantees of Origin).
  • → Look into competitors or adjacent companies (e.g., LO3 Energy, Power Ledger) to understand Granular's unique positioning.
  • → Review the company's engineering blog or GitHub if available to understand their tech stack and coding practices.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Design an optimization algorithm to match renewable energy supply with demand across hourly intervals, considering financial constraints.
2 How would you design a system to handle real-time energy certificate trading? Discuss data consistency, latency, and scalability.
3 Describe your experience with Python: specific libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, SciPy), testing frameworks, and async patterns.
4 How do you use AI tools in your development process? Give an example of a time AI helped you solve a complex problem.
5 Behavioral: Tell us about a time you contributed to improving team culture or engineering practices in a remote setting.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't ignore the AI requirement: failing to mention how you use AI tools may signal you're not up-to-date with modern development practices.
  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't reference clean energy or the specific challenges of energy trading—this role demands domain interest.
  • Don't overemphasize years of experience without showing depth in Python or optimization; mid-level means proven impact, not just tenure.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Granular Energy!

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