Senior Android Engineer

Octoenergy; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic renewable energy company seeks a Senior Android Engineer to join their team in Sheffield. You'll develop and maintain mobile applications vital for transforming energy access in Africa. The role involves building robust offline-first functionalities and integrating with backend systems. Candidates should have strong skills in Kotlin or Java, RESTful APIs, and Android UI/UX. You'll work in a supportive team environment dedicated to innovative solutions, including potential international travel.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Kotlin and/or Java for Android development.
• Experience with Android SDK and modern architecture patterns.
• Ability to handle network connectivity challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain features for Android applications.
• Build robust offline-first functionality for agents.
• Integrate with Django/Python backend APIs for data synchronisation.

Skills

Kotlin

Java

RESTful API integration

Agile methodologies

Android UI/UX best practices

Tools

Android SDK

Git

CI/CD pipelines

Job description

We can't hire everyone… but we can help them shine somewhere brilliant.

At Octopus, we're lucky to attract some incredibly talented humans. And while we can’t bring every talented person into our team, we can help them land somewhere that’s just as mission-driven. That’s why we’re sharing opportunities from MOPO; a company we’ve proudly backed through a strategic investment.

About MOPO...

MOPO is on a mission to enable renewable energy access in underserved markets. Already operating in Nigeria, DRC, Sierra Leone and Liberia, our solar power stations distribute energy through proprietary MOPO Batteries managed by a network of local agents. Our model is already powering thousands of homes and small businesses—eliminating fossil fuel use and enabling livelihoods. With backing from Octopus Energy, British International Investment, and Norfund, MOPO is scaling rapidly and is positioned to transform energy access and e-mobility across the continent.

What is the role..

Joining their growing team, you'll be working to match their ambition to radically reimagine transport and energy in Africa through the development of MOPO's core Rental App, as well as supporting the development of the wider MOPO Platform, both critical tools that empower their network of local agents to manage battery distribution and customer relationships across the continent.

You’ll be building and maintaining Android applications that work reliably in challenging connectivity environments, enabling thousands of agents to run their businesses and serve their communities. Your work will directly interface with their MOPO Platform backend, creating seamless experiences that drive their energy distribution network.

This is a product-focused role. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how agents and customers use our tools in the field, and use that understanding to shape what they build and how they build it.

They’re looking for a senior engineer to strengthen their mobile capabilities as they rapidly scale across Africa and to help shape the technical direction of their mobile architecture.

The role is based primarily in our Sheffield HQ, with up to two days working from home if desired. Occasional international travel to Sub-Saharan Africa is entirely optional, but is something we offer to all of our employees if they are interested.

The role will interest you if...

• You're excited by the prospect of building technology that transforms off-grid energy access in Africa
• You have a passion for creating mobile applications that empower local entrepreneurs and improve community access to clean energy
• You care as much about what you're building as how and you're energised by working closely with backend engineers, product designers, and stakeholders across our operations to get both right

On a given day you'll likely...

• Work collaboratively across the company to continuously refine how our mobile applications can create the greatest impact for agents and customers
• Design, develop, and maintain features for our Android applications that enhance agent productivity and customer experience
• Build robust offline-first functionality to ensure our agents can operate effectively regardless of connectivity
• Optimise app performance for a wide range of Android devices common in our markets
• Integrate with our Django/Python backend APIs to synchronise data and enable real-time operations
• Implement intuitive UI/UX that works for users with varying levels of digital literacy
• Conduct code reviews, mentor team members, and champion Android best practices
• Debug and resolve issues reported from the field to ensure minimal disruption to our operations across four countries
• Participate actively in Agile processes, contributing to planning and refinement sessions

We would like to hear from you if you have the following experience...

• Strong proficiency in Kotlin and/or Java for Android development. Experience with Android SDK, Android Studio, and modern Android architecture patterns (MVVM, MVP)
• RESTful API integration and handling of network connectivity challenges.
• Android UI/UX best practices and Material Design guidelines.
• Version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines for mobile apps.
• Mobile app security best practices and performance optimization
• Experience with Android debugging tools and crash reporting systems
• Google Play Store deployment and app lifecycle management

The following would be a strong plus...

• Expertise in offline-first mobile architectures and data synchronisation strategies
• Experience with Bluetooth Low Energy devices
• Experience with mobile payment integrations or fintech applications
• Background in building apps that work well on lower-end devices and limited connectivity
• A rigorous approach to engineering quality/ thorough testing, clean architecture, thoughtful code review, combined with a genuine enthusiasm for using AI tools to accelerate development and amplify your output