Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Python Engineer
at Runwise
🏢 About Runwise
Runwise is a unique climate-tech startup that combines hardware and software to control building energy systems, directly reducing carbon emissions equivalent to 80,000 cars annually. As a remote-first company focused on energy efficiency, it offers the opportunity to work on impactful technology deployed in 7,500+ buildings while being part of a fast-paced, customer-focused startup environment.
About This Role
This Senior Python Engineer role involves designing, testing, and implementing the core software embedded in Runwise's building controls that continuously evaluates rules and data to make decisions about heating, cooling, and water systems. You'll directly contribute to reducing energy usage by 20-25% in thousands of buildings while working on a critical application that runs 24/7 to optimize building operations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves collaborating with the engineering team to design and implement new features for the building control software, writing and testing multi-threaded Python code that runs on embedded systems, analyzing performance data from thousands of buildings, and troubleshooting issues in the continuously running application that optimizes heating and cooling systems across Runwise's network.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Runwise Is Looking For
- Has 5+ years of hands-on experience writing multi-threaded Python code for continuously running applications
- Demonstrates experience modifying and adding features to large-scale software systems, particularly embedded or IoT applications
- Shows genuine passion for energy efficiency and climate tech through projects or previous work experience
- Has experience working with systems at scale (7,500+ buildings in Runwise's case) and understands the challenges of distributed systems
📝 Tips for Applying to Runwise
Highlight specific multi-threaded Python projects where you optimized performance for continuously running applications
Demonstrate your experience with large-scale systems by quantifying the scale of previous projects (number of users, devices, or data points)
Showcase any climate-tech, energy efficiency, or IoT experience prominently in your resume and portfolio
Research Runwise's specific technology and mention how your skills align with their building control systems
Prepare examples of how you've modified existing large codebases while maintaining system stability
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with multi-threaded Python applications and how it applies to continuously running building control systems', "Specific examples of working with large-scale systems and the challenges you've overcome", 'Your passion for climate tech and energy efficiency, with concrete examples of related projects or initiatives', "How your experience aligns with Runwise's mission of reducing carbon emissions through building optimization"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Runwise's specific technology stack and how their hardware/software integration works
- → The company's customer base (property companies like Related, Blackstone) and their specific needs
- → Current climate-tech trends and how Runwise positions itself in the energy efficiency market
- → The company's remote-first culture and how engineering teams collaborate across locations
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on web development experience without highlighting embedded systems or continuously running applications
- Generic statements about Python experience without specific examples of multi-threaded programming
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of or interest in energy efficiency and climate technology
📅 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!