Staff Software Engineer (Energy Sector - Grid Planning APIs)

Method is a global design and engineering consultancy founded in 1999, part of Hitachi Digital, helping clients accelerate their digital transformation. We seek a **Staff Software Engineer** to work with a non-profit organization planning and coordinating the electrical grid across a region.

The role involves building complex software for electrical engineers, translating domain needs into technical solutions. You’ll work with **Java and Spring Boot**, **Python**, and **React/TypeScript**, while leveraging AI tools responsibly. Method values learning and collaboration, and this role requires curiosity, problem-solving, and strong communication skills.

**Key Responsibilities:**

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain **APIs and back-end services** in **Java and Spring Boot** for transmission planning.
• Process and validate **large volumes of grid and planning data** between systems, including batch job orchestration.
• Design and implement **security, authentication, and access control** across services.
• Own **CI/CD pipelines, environments, and deployments**, ensuring observability through logging and metrics.
• Collaborate directly with **electrical engineers** to translate domain needs into technical requirements.
• Solve problems independently before presenting options to the team.
• Help prioritize work and communicate trade-offs clearly.
• Use **AI-assisted development tools** to improve delivery speed while validating outputs.
• Mentor teammates and share domain knowledge to strengthen the team.

Qualifications

You will succeed if you have:

• 6+ years of experience building **back-end systems and APIs**, with **Java and Spring Boot** strongly preferred.
• A track record of **quickly learning new languages, codebases, and domains**.
• Curiosity about **complex systems**, demonstrated by self-driven learning.
• Strong **problem-solving skills**—figure things out independently and know when to ask.
• Excellent **communication skills**, including explaining technical ideas to non-technical experts.
• Comfort reaching out to clients directly without waiting for direction.
• Broad technical expertise across **APIs, data, security, and infrastructure** rather than depth in a single area.
• Experience with **RESTful principles**, **OpenAPI standards**, **Swagger**, and **Postman** for API design and testing.
• Experience with **API security, authentication, and authorization** (e.g., **OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, role-based access control**).
• Experience with **relational databases** (e.g., **SQL Server, Oracle**) and **data-heavy workloads**.
• **DevOps experience**, including **CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions)**, **cloud platforms**, **logging**, and **metrics**.
• Hands-on use of **AI-assisted development tools**, with judgment to validate outputs.
• Experience with **agile methodologies** and tools like **Git, Bitbucket**, **continuous integration**, and **deployment**.
• Experience **leading projects** and **mentoring engineers**.

Beneficial Qualities

• Experience in the **energy or utility industry**.
• Familiarity with **power systems or electrical grid concepts** (e.g., transmission planning, power flow).
• Proficiency with **Python**.
• Experience with **React and TypeScript** for building user interfaces.
• Experience with **containerization technologies** (e.g., **Docker, Kubernetes**).
• Ability to **work well with others**.
• Enjoyment of the **learning journey** as much as the destination.

Why Method?

Method seeks **smart, kind, and brave** individuals who thrive in collaborative, diverse teams. We champion **continuous learning**, **proactive leadership**, and **work-life balance**. Perks include:

• Continuing education opportunities
• Flexible PTO and work-from-home policies
• 401K matching
• Health, dental, and vision benefits starting day 1
• Company lunches, outings, and snacks
• Health and wellness programs
• Location-specific perks