Lead Software Engineer (Python/Django)

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.

The Team Lead plays a critical role in Kraken’s engineering organisation. You will work closely with the team's Product Manager to guide product development through informed prioritisation and product objectives.

You’re expected to balance:

• Operational effectiveness
• Team support and wellbeing
• Strategic product alignment
• Technical leadership

This role is about building a high-functioning team, shipping and maintaining high-quality systems, and keeping Kraken’s culture strong as we scale.

Core Responsibilities

• 1. Leadership & Communication
  • Represent the team upward and outward with confidence
  • Communicate proactively, clearly, and respectfully
  • Keep the team informed about priorities and changes
  • Advocate for your team while challenging constructively
• 2. Team Management & Support
  • Stay aware of team capacity, stress, and wellbeing
  • Run 1:1s and offer coaching and mentorship
  • Nurture a collaborative, motivated team culture
  • Make and carry out difficult decisions for the good of the team and Kraken
• 3. Product & Delivery Oversight
  • Align the team to product vision and long-term goals
  • Maintain technical quality and improve systems thinking
  • Guide team planning, delivery, and retros
  • Translate large goals into achievable milestones
• 4. Strategic Decision-Making
  • Make resource and prioritisation trade-offs
  • Contribute to hiring and talent development
  • Distribute work fairly and rotate responsibilities
  • Create clarity in ambiguous or shifting contexts
• 5. Operational Excellence
  • Oversee or delegate rituals (planning, standups, reviews)
  • Connect team delivery to product-group and company-level goals
  • Partner closely with key stakeholders
  • Remove blockers — technical, process, or people-related

What Makes a Great Team Lead?

• A strong Lead Software Engineer at Kraken demonstrates:
• Clear, regular communication
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate that to action
• Advocacy for their team and its products
• A commitment to mentorship and support
• Strong organisational habits

What This Role Isn’t - This isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about enabling the team — scaling through delegation, coaching, and systems. Your value comes from what the team delivers, not just your personal output.

In addition to leadership responsibilities, you'll also have experience in the following (in rough priority order):

• Python
• Django
• Domain modelling
• HTTP and REST APIs
• Writing robust and fault-tolerant software
• Celery and async processing
• Postgres

Plus experience in the following would be a bonus:

• AWS
• Terraform, Packer, Consul
• Ability to speak Japanese would be a plus

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 4.7.