Lead Full-Stack Developer

Help us use technology to make a big green dent in the universe!

Kraken powers some of the most innovative global developments in energy.

We’re a technology company focused on creating a smart, sustainable energy system. From optimising renewable generation, creating a more intelligent grid and enabling utilities to provide excellent customer experiences, our operating system for energy is transforming the industry around the world in a way that benefits everyone.

It’s a really exciting time in energy. Help us make a real impact on shaping a better, more sustainable future.

Our team

All technology is written and maintained by a multi-discipline engineering team of around 1500 people globally. Our engineers work in ‘super teams’ which are focused on key areas of our platform as well as other innovative products. This also includes server-side, client-side and mobile engineers working closely with UX experts, copywriters and designers.

Teams are empowered to choose a way of working that works for them, often opting for a Kanban-like approach. Notion and Asana are then used to specify and manage work; Github, CircleCI and Terraform Enterprise as part of an immutable-infrastructure, continuous delivery pipeline; and Datadog, Sentry and Cloudwatch to measure performance and monitor production.

We’re Charging Kraken to power utilities beyond energy (think water, broadband,..) and have created a new business Kraken Utilities. As the business gains momentum and clients, we are continuing to grow the engineering team. You will help us build and scale the team, implement a good culture and work on some really exciting tech challenges.

You'll be joining to lead a full-stack team (6-7 engineers) within the utilities team - with close support and collaboration from the wider Kraken team. Your main focus will be on building out a consumer site for our water clients, most of the hands on work will be using frontend (React, NextJS, Typescript), but you'll also need to dabble in backend (Python, Django) when required.

As a lead engineer, you will have management responsibilities of your sub team (6-7 people). We are looking for someone with prior lead/manager experience who is comfortable with the people management side of the job, as well as still being very technically hands on.

Together with the rest of the team, you will bring the same revolutionary customer experience, operational excellence and speed of innovation that Kraken is powering across energy retailers to other sectors.

Some of our coding conventions are open-source .

Kraken is a great place to learn, work with some talented engineers and level-up your skills.

Our technology

Client-side, we use React, Next.js, Typescript, htmx and SASS; our mobile apps are built using native code or React Native.

On the server-side, we mainly use Python. Most of our websites are powered by Django, Django-REST-framework and GraphQL (Graphene).

We use AWS heavily as part of a continuous deployment pipeline. See, for example, Django, ELB health checks and continuous delivery.

What you'll have:

• You’ll want to have experience managing people, and ideally you’ll have been involved in hiring and onboarding new team members before.

• Can write solid, semantic HTML and have experience writing SASS

• Have experience with JavaScript frameworks, particularly the React/Redux stack

• Experienced using Typescript and Nextjs

• Have experience in crafting mobile-first responsive sites for a range of devices

• Know how to develop websites that meet AAA accessibility guidelines.

• Can create code that works consistently across different browsers and platforms

• Some Python / Django web development experience, as you will be asked to work on some full-stack projects

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about code, curious, and eager to learn. You’ll be working alongside other talented people in the tech department. You’ll solve problems with technology to make us, and the industry, smarter and better for customers.

What you'll do:

• You’ll be responsible for leading a team of 6-8 engineers (mix of frontend and backend).
• This role will involve line management duties, as well as being hands on and close to the code.
• Your team will be building a consumer site for our utilities clients (water and broadband companies).
• You may get involved in hiring for your team as it naturally grows, conducting interviews, marking tech challenges, making hiring decisions.

We would prefer someone who can work in our London office 2 days a week. You do need to have right to work in the UK.

We're very excited to be growing our team. We're looking for skills and experience to help shape and define the future of not only our team, but the wider business at a global scale. If you're reading this and grinning, please apply! There are huge challenges to tackle, and we need amazing people who are keen to get stuck in.

If this sounds like you then we'd love to hear from you.

Are you ready for a career with us? We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we'll do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we're looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.