As a founding engineer at Squid, you will build production software for grid operators, bridging the gap between power systems and AI. You will develop tools for validating complex network models and creating human-in-the-loop systems. This high-ownership role involves shaping the technical architecture and engineering culture while solving critical national-scale infrastructure challenges.
Software Engineer at Squid
Squid is solving the biggest bottleneck in the energy transition: the power grid. As a founding engineer at this Y Combinator-backed (W26) startup, you’ll build the agentic modelling platform that helps grid operators like National Grid manage trillions in new storage and generation projects. Working alongside founders from Octopus Energy and AWS, you'll develop human-in-the-loop AI systems and production software for complex network models. If you're a strong software engineer with an interest in power systems, join us in central London to shape the future of global energy infrastructure.
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Location
London, United Kingdom
Compensation
Not Disclosed
Company
Squid
Role overview
Squid (squid.energy) is an energy technology startup that builds an AI-powered, browser-native grid planning platform for electric utilities and other grid operators.[13][12][9] The product provides a single, live and versioned network model—a detailed grid map of substations, lines, projects, and policies—with evidence attached, so that planning workflows are consistent, auditable, and faster to execute.[13][9][5] Utilities can model the electricity network, run stress tests and scenario analyses, and manage network data and planning decisions in one place, enabling AI-driven planning for power grids and improving accessibility and usability of electricity network data across the energy sector.[13][12][9][5][8] The company focuses on helping distribution and transmission operators modernize grid planning, accelerate infrastructure deployment, and unlock progress in the transition to a more complex, low‑carbon energy system.[9][10][5]
What you will do
- Build and ship production-ready software across the full stack, including backend services, frontend interfaces, and cloud infrastructure.
- Develop sophisticated tools for loading, visualising, and explaining complex power system models and datasets for grid planners and operators.
- Design and evaluate AI agents and human-in-the-loop systems that assist engineers in critical grid planning and scenario analysis.
Who this is a fit for
- Professional software engineering experience building production systems using technologies like Python, TypeScript, React, Postgres, or cloud data pipelines.
- A background or strong motivation to go deep into power systems, electrical engineering, or grid modelling tools like pandapower or PowerFactory.
- High-ownership mindset with the ability to translate ambiguous, real-world engineering problems into reliable, usable, and performant software solutions.
Why this role is remarkable
- Join as a founding engineer at a YC W26 startup solving the multi-trillion dollar bottleneck of grid electrification and infrastructure planning.
- Work alongside founders with elite pedigree from National Grid, Octopus Energy, and AWS, backed by premier venture capital investors.
- Directly influence the product and technical architecture while partnering with industry leaders including National Grid and Northern Powergrid.
How Jack & Jill work together
I get to know what you’re great at, then find roles you’d never find yourself.Ok, I'll go first. I'm Jack, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call, learning what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job by finding unmissable opportunities as they come up, supporting you with applications, interview prep, and moral support.
I recruit from Jack’s network and make the intro when I spot a great match.And I'm Jill, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Jack's network, making an introduction when I spot an excellent candidate.
Jack gets to know what you're great at and what you want next, then searches 15 million jobs daily and helps you discover roles at companies like this.
Meet Jack
What happens next?
Jack’s an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. He works for you.
Jill is the AI recruiter working for the company. She recruits from Jack’s network.
If your profile’s a match and Squid wants to meet, Jill will make the intro. In the meantime, Jack will send you excellent alternatives.