Junior Software Engineer - Smart Pear

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.

Smart Pear is the part of Kraken Technologies that provides, amongst other things, the means by which Kraken (and so its clients) talk to smart meters. In this sense Smart Pear provides a DCC Adaptor service to Kraken and to a range of energy sector participants. We’re looking for a Software Engineer who enjoys tackling complex, ambiguous problems, is willing to dig into the detail, and has the stamina to see tough issues through to resolution. We value strong critical reasoning and learning agility at least as much as a specific technology background. You’ll be joining a small, high-impact team that enables energy suppliers to communicate with smart meters and so unlock all the downstream benefits from that such as delivering major onboarding programmes for energy suppliers. This role involves a mix of engineering delivery and operational problem-solving. You’ll investigate emergent issues that can span our software, smart meters, client systems and DCC services, and you’ll rotate as a business-facing point of contact for client queries. You’ll primarily work in Ruby (with some Java), and you’ll build up strong domain knowledge in smart metering regulations and specifications. Expect a steep learning curve - with plenty of support from the team. Development work will involve designing & implementing fixes to issues as they arise, developing solutions to client requests along with managing the changes that evolve from a complex operating environment. Whilst this may seem challenging at first, we appreciate that there is a lot to learn in this space and are committed to providing the training and support so that you can thrive.

What You’ll Do:

• Work day-to-day in a small, collaborative team (approx. 8 engineers) using an agile approach to deliver features, fixes and improvements to the Smart Pear platform.
• Rotate as the business-facing engineer: triage emergent issues, communicate clearly with clients and internal stakeholders, and drive incidents and requests through to resolution.
• Understand client requests and business needs to design and build the most appropriate solutions prior to controlled test and release of new features.
• Contribute to client onboarding programmes including setting up environments in AWS and ensuring that the correct configurations are implemented in third party applications, resolving emergent migration issues and overseeing the smooth onboarding of meters to our platform.
• Help understand technology and operating environment (e.g. regulatory) changes and evolve the Smart Pear product accordingly.

What You’ll Have:

• Strong analytical problem-solving and critical reasoning - able to break down ambiguous problems, debug systematically and make sound trade-offs.
• Stamina and ownership: comfortable sticking with challenging investigations (including production issues) until they’re resolved.
• A STEM degree/background (or equivalent experience) that demonstrates structured, quantitative thinking; plus a grounding in computer science fundamentals (through study, a foundation course, bootcamp or practical experience).
• Experience building software in Ruby and/or Python; willing to work primarily in Ruby and grow Ruby skills quickly.
• Clear communication skills: able to explain complex technical and regulatory concepts to a wide range of audiences, including client-facing conversations.

What Will Help:

• AWS (and hands-on experience operating or deploying services in a cloud environment).
• Infrastructure-as-code / environment setup (e.g., Terraform) and working with JSON/XML.
• PKI / certificates / TLS and encryption concepts (even if only at a troubleshooting level).
• Java (or another JVM language), alongside Ruby.
• Domain exposure: the GB energy market, smart metering, the DCC, or other regulated/standards-heavy environments.

Kraken is a certified Great Place to Work in France, Germany, Spain, Japan and Australia. In the UK we are one of the Best Workplaces on Glassdoor with a score of 4.5 and in Germany we rate 4.7 on Kununu as a Top Company. Check out our Welcome to the Jungle site (FR/EN) to learn more about our teams and culture. 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. If you have any specific accommodations or a unique preference, please contact us at inclusion@kraken.tech 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 Kraken, 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. We consider all applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.