Application Guide
How to Apply for Software Engineer II
at Arcadia
🏢 About Arcadia
Arcadia is a climate tech company revolutionizing clean energy access by building software to decarbonize the grid. Their platform connects millions of people to renewable energy, making a tangible impact on combating climate change. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values technology as a force for environmental good.
About This Role
As a Software Engineer II, you'll build and ship features across the full stack, focusing on Ruby on Rails and React.js. Your work directly enables cleaner energy access for communities, from crafting intuitive UIs to designing robust APIs. This role blends technical execution with cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful climate solutions.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by reviewing pull requests from teammates, then pair with a designer to refine a new feature for tracking energy savings. After lunch, you'll write backend logic for a subscription API and frontend components to display data, ensuring thorough test coverage. The day ends with a quick standup and deploying a bug fix to production.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Arcadia Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years building web apps with Ruby on Rails and React.js, and can show examples of clean, modular code.
- Understands RESTful API design and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), with experience in frontend state management (e.g., Redux, Context API).
- Prioritizes quality by writing meaningful tests (unit, integration, e2e) and regularly reviewing peers' code with constructive feedback.
- Is comfortable collaborating with designers and product managers to translate requirements into well-structured features.
📝 Tips for Applying to Arcadia
Highlight any experience with renewable energy, climate tech, or mission-driven startups in your resume or cover letter.
Showcase specific contributions to full-stack features in Rails/React, including how you ensured code quality through testing.
Mention familiarity with Arcadia's platform (e.g., community solar, energy data) to demonstrate genuine interest.
Use quantifiable results (e.g., 'reduced API latency by 20%' or 'shipped 3 features with 95% test coverage').
Tailor your application to emphasize collaboration: describe how you worked with designers or PMs on past projects.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express passion for clean energy and Arcadia's mission to decarbonize the grid.", 'Detail your experience with Ruby on Rails and React.js, including specific features you built and tested.', 'Emphasize your collaborative approach with cross-functional teams (designers, PMs, engineers).', 'Share your commitment to code quality through testing and peer reviews.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Understand Arcadia's core product: community solar subscriptions and energy data platform.
- → Read about the company's impact metrics (e.g., tons of CO2 reduced, customers served).
- → Check Arcadia's engineering blog or tech talks for insights into their stack and culture.
- → Review recent news about Arcadia's partnerships or funding to show you're up-to-date.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention clean energy or Arcadia specifically.
- Focusing only on frontend or backend without showing full-stack capability (the role requires both).
- Neglecting to discuss testing practices or providing vague examples of code quality efforts.
📅 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!