Application Guide

How to Apply for Software Engineer (Back End)

at ICAP Energy AS

🏢 About ICAP Energy AS

ICAP Energy AS drives sustainable markets through innovative energy and commodities brokering, leveraging cutting-edge technology to support high-volume, data-intensive trading environments. Their focus on sustainability and technological excellence makes them a unique player in the energy sector.

About This Role

As a Back-End Engineer, you will design and maintain robust server-side applications and APIs critical to high-frequency trading systems. Your work will directly impact system reliability and performance in a mission-critical, latency-sensitive environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start by reviewing system performance metrics and any issues from overnight trading. Then, you'll collaborate with architects and trading SMEs to design a new API for real-time data feeds, followed by coding and code reviews. After lunch, you might run performance tests, troubleshoot latency spikes, and document your work for production support.

🎯 Who ICAP Energy AS Is Looking For

  • Experienced in building and supporting latency-sensitive front-office trading systems (OMS, Matching, Execution).
  • Strong background in distributed, event-driven, cloud-native applications with low-latency engineering and concurrency.
  • Proficient in relational database design and performance optimization.
  • Comprehensive SDLC experience from design to production support, with a proactive communication style.

📝 Tips for Applying to ICAP Energy AS

1

Highlight specific experience with trading systems (OMS, Matching, Execution) and low-latency engineering.

2

Emphasize your work with distributed, event-driven architectures and cloud-native technologies (e.g., AWS, Azure).

3

Quantify performance improvements you've achieved (e.g., reduced latency by X%).

4

Mention any experience with sustainable energy or commodities trading to align with ICAP's mission.

5

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'high-volume', 'data-intensive', and 'concurrency'.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your hands-on experience with latency-sensitive trading systems and how it aligns with ICAP's high-performance needs.", 'Your ability to drive innovation through POCs and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.', 'Your collaborative approach working with Architects, Principal Engineers, and Trading SMEs.', 'Your commitment to system reliability and scalability in mission-critical applications.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Research ICAP Energy's role in sustainable markets and their key commodities (e.g., carbon credits, renewables).
  • Understand their technology stack and any public case studies on their trading platforms.
  • Look into recent news about ICAP's innovation in energy brokering or partnerships.
  • Familiarize yourself with the regulatory environment for energy trading in the UK.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you optimized a latency-sensitive system. What techniques did you use?
2 How would you design a distributed event-driven system for high-volume trade matching?
3 Explain your approach to concurrency and multithreading in a cloud-native environment.
4 How do you ensure system reliability and performance in production?
5 Discuss a challenging trading system you built from design to deployment.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on front-end or general back-end experience without specific trading system examples.
  • Avoid vague descriptions of performance improvements; provide concrete metrics.
  • Don't overlook the importance of cloud-native and event-driven architecture experience.

📅 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 ICAP Energy AS!