Kraken

Lead Software Engineer (Python/Django)

Japan

Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Energy, Biotechnology, UtilitiesIndustries

Team Lead - Software Engineering

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

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.

Company Information

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. Check out our Welcome to the Jungle site (FR/EN) to learn more about our teams and culture.

Application Instructions

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...

Skills

Python
Django
Product Development
Team Leadership
Mentorship
Agile Methodologies
System Design
Strategic Planning
Resource Management
Talent Development

Kraken

Cryptocurrency exchange for buying and trading

About Kraken

Kraken is a cryptocurrency exchange platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade various digital assets. It offers features that cater to both beginners and experienced traders, making it easy to navigate the cryptocurrency market. Users can execute trades with high liquidity, which means their transactions are completed quickly. The platform charges low transaction fees, sometimes as low as 0%, helping users keep more of their profits. Kraken also provides advanced charting tools to help investors track their investments effectively. Security is a major focus, with multiple protective measures in place to keep user assets safe. The platform supports 70 different asset pairs and is continuously expanding its offerings. Additionally, Kraken offers 24/7 global support to assist users with any questions or issues.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2011Year Founded
$108.5MTotal Funding
SERIES_CCompany Stage
Crypto & Web3, Financial ServicesIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity plan
401k contribution plan
Vacation & Generous PTO
Paid Tranings

Risks

Increased competition from Binance and Coinbase could impact Kraken's market share.
Regulatory scrutiny in the EU may raise Kraken's compliance costs.
The volatility of cryptocurrency prices can affect Kraken's revenue from transaction fees.

Differentiation

Kraken offers both spot and futures trading for over 40 digital assets.
The platform provides advanced charting tools for professional traders and technical analysts.
Kraken's 24/7 global support ensures assistance for users at any time.

Upsides

Kraken's acquisition of Staked enhances its staking services for consumers and institutions.
Sponsorship deals with major soccer clubs boost Kraken's visibility and brand recognition.
The rise of crypto derivatives attracts advanced traders to Kraken's sophisticated tools.

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