How to apply for Senior Python Developer (w/m/d) - Remote

About node energy

node.energy is at the forefront of the energy transition, building SaaS solutions that optimize decentralized energy systems for commercial and industrial real estate. Their mission to cut CO2 emissions and costs while automating complex regulatory processes makes them a purpose-driven company where your work directly contributes to a sustainable future.

About the role

As a Senior Python Developer, you will architect and build the backend systems that power our energy optimization platform. You'll tackle complex challenges in data modeling, algorithm optimization, and integration with energy systems, making a tangible impact on how buildings consume and generate energy.

A typical day

You'll start your day with a quick async standup, then dive into coding features like optimizing battery storage algorithms or integrating a new data source. You'll collaborate via pull requests and video calls with product managers and other engineers, and spend time reviewing code and mentoring junior developers. The rest of your day is flexible, allowing you to focus in deep work blocks on complex problems.

Who node energy is looking for

• Deep expertise in Python, including async programming, type hints, and common web frameworks like FastAPI or Django.
• Proven experience designing and scaling microservices or distributed systems in a cloud environment (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Strong background in data processing and optimization algorithms, ideally with exposure to energy systems or IoT data.
• Comfortable working with databases (SQL and NoSQL) and message queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a remote, agile environment.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight projects involving energy systems, optimization, or IoT, even if they were side projects.
• In your cover letter, explicitly connect your Python expertise to the mission of reducing CO2 emissions in real estate.
• Showcase any experience with regulatory frameworks or billing automation, as these are key pain points node.energy solves.
• Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repo that demonstrates your ability to write clean, testable, and well-documented Python code.
• Mention your experience working remotely and your ability to communicate asynchronously, as this is a remote-first role.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your passion for sustainability and how your technical skills can accelerate the transition to decentralized energy.', "Specific examples of complex Python projects you've led, emphasizing scalability and performance.", 'Your familiarity with the challenges of energy management for commercial real estate, such as regulatory compliance and cost optimization.', "How your collaborative style and remote work experience align with node.energy's culture."]

Research before applying

• Understand the basics of decentralized energy systems (solar, storage, grid interaction) and how software can optimize them.
• Read node.energy's website and any public case studies to understand their product and target customers.
• Look into the regulatory landscape for energy in the US (e.g., net metering, demand response) to show your awareness.
• Check their tech stack or job postings for clues about their current architecture (e.g., if they mention specific tools).

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a system to handle real-time data from thousands of energy assets?
• Describe a time you optimized a Python application for performance. What metrics did you use?
• How do you ensure code quality and maintainability in a distributed team?
• What experience do you have with energy market regulations or billing systems?
• How would you approach integrating with third-party APIs for energy grid data?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Sending a generic cover letter that doesn't mention energy or sustainability.
• Focusing only on your Python skills without showing how they solve business problems.
• Ignoring the remote aspect—not discussing your remote work setup or communication habits.