Application Guide

How to Apply for Software Engineer (Backend, Python)

at Octopus Energy

🏢 About Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy is redefining the energy sector with a focus on transparency, AI, and renewables to achieve a low CO2 future. Their innovative approach includes using technology to improve customer experience and drive sustainability, making it a mission-driven workplace. Working here means contributing to a greener planet while building cutting-edge software.

About This Role

As a Backend Python Engineer, you'll build and optimize critical systems handling hundreds of thousands of OCPI charging sessions, shaping the future of EV charging infrastructure. Your work on tariffs and pricing logic will directly impact customer discounts and pricing offerings, enabling global scaling of CPO integrations. This role is key to Octopus Energy's mission of making energy cleaner and smarter.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a stand-up discussing progress on OCPI session processing and tariff logic changes. You'll spend time coding new features, reviewing pull requests, and collaborating with product managers to refine pricing models. Afternoon could involve debugging data inconsistencies in production, writing tests, or planning technical improvements for scalability.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Octopus Energy Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of Python experience with a focus on building robust, fault-tolerant, and secure backend systems.
  • Understands databases and data architecture deeply, able to design efficient data flows for high-volume transactions.
  • Proficient with Git and collaborative development workflows, ensuring clean code and smooth team integration.
  • Communicates effectively, translating complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders and proposing creative solutions aligned with product vision.

📝 Tips for Applying to Octopus Energy

1

Highlight any experience with OCPI or similar protocols for EV charging or energy data exchange.

2

Emphasize your work on high-volume transactional systems and how you ensured reliability and observability.

3

Showcase your ability to collaborate with product and business teams by providing examples of technical solutions you proposed to meet product goals.

4

Mention any experience with pricing logic, tariffs, or discount systems to align with the role's focus on complex pricing.

5

Tailor your resume to demonstrate defensive programming practices, such as error handling, logging, and monitoring in past projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for renewable energy and Octopus Energy's mission to decarbonize the grid.", 'Specific examples of building scalable, fault-tolerant Python systems that handle high transaction volumes.', "Your experience with data architecture and pricing logic, linking it to the role's tariffs and discount challenges.", 'Your collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Octopus Energy's Kraken platform and how it integrates with EV charging networks.
  • → Understand the OCPI protocol and its role in EV charging interoperability.
  • → Look into Octopus Energy's sustainability initiatives and their impact on reducing CO2 emissions.
  • → Review Octopus Energy's engineering blog or open-source projects to understand their tech stack and culture.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a system to handle hundreds of thousands of OCPI sessions with high availability and low latency?
2 Describe your approach to implementing complex tariff and pricing logic, ensuring accuracy and flexibility.
3 How do you ensure observability and defensive programming in a fast-paced development environment?
4 Tell us about a time you proposed a creative technical solution that balanced product vision with technical constraints.
5 How do you handle database schema changes for a system with high data volume and multiple integrations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing Octopus Energy's mission or the specific role's focus on EV charging.
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with high-volume, fault-tolerant systems; avoid vague claims without concrete examples.
  • Overlooking the importance of communication and collaboration skills; don't focus solely on technical abilities.

📅 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 Octopus Energy !

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