Application Guide

How to Apply for Software Engineer

at Octopus Energy

🏢 About Octopus Energy

Octopus Energy is redefining the energy sector by combining transparency, AI, and renewables to drive a low CO2 future. Unlike traditional utilities, they operate with a tech-first mindset, building proprietary systems like Kraken to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven company that values innovation and environmental impact.

About This Role

As a Software Engineer at Octopus Energy, you'll work in cross-functional teams to identify friction points in workflows and build internal tools or MVPs that optimize processes and improve customer experience. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape how the company operates, from automating tasks to integrating with APIs, and your solutions will be rapidly tested and iterated based on real user feedback.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up with your cross-functional team to discuss priorities. You'll spend time coding a new internal tool to automate a customer service workflow, then test it with a small group of users and iterate based on feedback. After lunch, you might integrate with an API to pull real-time energy data, and end the day reviewing SQL queries to optimize performance.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Octopus Energy Is Looking For

  • A recent graduate or final-year student in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with a solid foundation in backend or fullstack development.
  • Proficient in at least one of Python, JavaScript (Node.js), Ruby, React, Next.js, Vue, or Angular, with a willingness to learn new technologies.
  • Passionate about solving real-world problems with quick, iterative solutions and comfortable with ambiguity and failing fast.
  • Curious and proactive, with a track record of taking initiative on projects or side projects that demonstrate technical creativity and user-centric thinking.

📝 Tips for Applying to Octopus Energy

1

Highlight any projects where you built internal tools or MVPs, even if for a hackathon or class project—Octopus values rapid prototyping.

2

Emphasize experience with APIs, automation, or SQL, as these are key parts of the job description.

3

Show your passion for sustainability and clean energy in your cover letter or resume summary—Octopus is mission-driven.

4

If you have experience with the specific tech stack (Python, Node.js, React, etc.), make it prominent; otherwise, show eagerness to learn.

5

Include a link to your GitHub or portfolio with examples of your code, especially any projects that solve real problems.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your genuine passion for using technology to solve real-world problems, especially in the energy sector.', 'Specific examples of projects where you identified a workflow friction and built a technical solution (e.g., automating a repetitive task).', 'Your comfort with ambiguity and iterative development—mention a time you tested an idea quickly and adapted based on feedback.', "Alignment with Octopus Energy's mission of transparency, AI, and renewables, and how your skills can contribute."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Octopus Energy's proprietary platform, Kraken, and how it uses AI to manage energy supply and customer interactions.
  • → Understand Octopus Energy's approach to renewable energy and their 'green' tariff offerings.
  • → Look into their culture and values, especially 'love your customers' and 'be transparent'—how do they manifest in tech?
  • → Check recent news or blog posts about their tech innovations, such as smart meter integrations or AI-driven customer service.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you built an internal tool or MVP. What was the problem, and how did you iterate based on feedback?
2 How would you approach automating a manual process in a cross-functional team? Walk through your thought process.
3 What experience do you have with APIs and SQL? Give an example of integrating with an API or optimizing a query.
4 Tell us about a project where you had to learn a new technology quickly. How did you approach it?
5 Why do you want to work in the energy sector, and specifically at Octopus Energy?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention Octopus Energy's mission or tech stack—tailor every part.
  • Focusing too much on theoretical knowledge without demonstrating practical, hands-on project experience.
  • Being too rigid in your approach—Octopus values flexibility and willingness to try new things, so avoid sounding inflexible about tech preferences.

📅 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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