Application Guide

How to Apply for Scala Engineer II - API Platform Team

at Kaluza

🏢 About Kaluza

Kaluza stands out as a technology company uniquely focused on the energy sector, specifically empowering energy suppliers with intelligent software to drive decarbonisation. Their mission combines technical innovation with environmental impact, offering engineers the chance to build scalable platforms that directly contribute to a sustainable future. Working at Kaluza means joining a company where software has a clear, positive real-world effect on climate change.

About This Role

As a Scala Engineer II on the API Platform Team, you'll be responsible for developing and supporting the KaPI and KEG products, balancing discovery tasks, tech debt, and core delivery tickets. This role is impactful because you'll be building the foundational APIs that enable energy suppliers to operate more efficiently and sustainably. You'll also participate in in-hours support rotations and contribute to team ceremonies like planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a team stand-up to discuss progress on KaPI or KEG tickets, followed by focused work on a mix of discovery tasks, tech debt, or core delivery items. You could spend time pairing with a colleague on a complex problem, then shift to reviewing CI/CD pipeline improvements or preparing for in-hours support as part of the team rota. The day often wraps up with backlog refinement or a retro to continuously improve team processes.

🎯 Who Kaluza Is Looking For

  • Has hands-on backend or full-stack development experience with Scala, ideally in building and maintaining API platforms or similar distributed systems.
  • Demonstrates proficiency with a broad toolset including CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code (e.g., using tools like Terraform, Jenkins, or Kubernetes), showing they can manage the full development lifecycle.
  • Provides concrete examples of independently solving complex technical problems while also collaborating effectively in pair programming or problem-solving sessions.
  • Shows genuine enthusiasm for learning new technologies and domains, particularly in the energy or decarbonisation space, aligning with Kaluza's mission-driven work.

📝 Tips for Applying to Kaluza

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific Scala projects where you built or maintained APIs, and mention any experience with API platforms or similar products.

2

Include examples in your application that demonstrate your experience with CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code, as these are explicitly mentioned in the requirements.

3

Research Kaluza's KaPI and KEG products (if publicly available) and mention how your skills align with developing or supporting such platforms in your cover letter.

4

Prepare to discuss a time you proactively solved a technical problem independently, as well as an example of effective pair programming or collaboration.

5

Emphasize any interest or experience in the energy sector or decarbonisation projects, as this aligns with Kaluza's mission and could set you apart.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Highlight your specific experience with Scala in backend development, particularly in building or maintaining API platforms or similar systems.', "Provide concrete examples of your work with CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code, linking them to the role's requirements.", "Express enthusiasm for Kaluza's mission of driving decarbonisation through software and explain why this resonates with you.", 'Mention your ability to balance independent problem-solving with collaborative work, referencing pair programming or team-based development experiences.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Kaluza's website and blog to understand their products like KaPI and KEG, and how they empower energy suppliers for decarbonisation.
  • Look into the energy sector trends in the UK, especially around decarbonisation and smart energy software, to contextualize Kaluza's work.
  • Research Kaluza's tech stack or engineering culture through platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to get insights into their team dynamics and tools.
  • Review any public talks or articles by Kaluza engineers to gauge their approach to API development, Scala usage, or infrastructure practices.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Technical deep-dive into your Scala experience, possibly including questions on functional programming, concurrency, or API design patterns.
2 Discussion of your hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code tools, with scenarios on how you've implemented or improved them.
3 Behavioral questions about times you've independently solved a complex technical problem and examples of effective pair programming or collaboration.
4 Questions about your interest in the energy sector or decarbonisation, and how you stay updated on new technologies or domains.
5 Scenario-based questions on handling in-hours support for API products, balancing tech debt with new feature development, or contributing to team ceremonies like retros and planning.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without tailoring it to highlight Scala experience or API platform development, as this role is highly specific.
  • Failing to provide evidence of hands-on work with CI/CD pipelines or Infrastructure as Code, which are explicit requirements in the job description.
  • Overlooking Kaluza's mission-driven focus on decarbonisation; not showing interest in the energy sector or sustainability could make you seem misaligned with the company's goals.

📅 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 Kaluza!