1KOMMA5° Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns reported by candidates. While interviews at 1KOMMA5° can vary based on the specific team and seniority level, these categories provide a framework for how you should prepare to discuss your background and potential contributions.

Behavioral & Motivation

These questions assess your alignment with the mission of 1KOMMA5° and your ability to articulate your professional journey.

• Why are you interested in working at 1KOMMA5°?
• Tell me about yourself.

Preparation at 1KOMMA5° should focus on connecting your technical expertise to the company’s mission. Do not just memorize syntax; be prepared to discuss how you solve problems in a team setting.

Technical Competency – You must be ready to discuss your proficiency in your core language (e.g., Go, Node.js, or Ruby on Rails). Interviewers look for evidence that you can handle a diverse tech stack and adapt to the specific needs of energy-device connectivity.

Impact and Relevance – It is not enough to describe what you did; you must explain how those experiences prepare you to solve problems for 1KOMMA5°. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your technical decisions and how they improved user outcomes or system efficiency.

Communication & Culture – As a high-growth company, 1KOMMA5° values candidates who communicate clearly and are comfortable in an environment that is still defining its internal structures. Be prepared to discuss your collaboration style and your ability to work with cross-functional teams.

The interview process at 1KOMMA5° is generally designed to be direct and efficient, typically moving from an initial recruiter screen to technical deep-dives with engineering leadership. You should expect a focus on your past project experiences and your motivation for joining the renewable energy sector. The process is often characterized by its focus on practical, real-world application rather than abstract algorithmic puzzles.

While the process is straightforward, it can vary in structure. You may meet with engineering managers, senior developers, and occasionally leadership from the platform or product divisions. The goal is to assess both your technical fit and your ability to thrive in a fast-moving, high-autonomy environment.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to deeper technical and management rounds. You should use this to gauge your preparation intensity: focus on your personal project narrative early on, and shift to architectural and process-based discussions as you move toward the final stages.

Technical Depth & Versatility

1KOMMA5° operates a complex ecosystem of hardware and software. You will be evaluated on your ability to work across the stack and your readiness to pick up new tools.

Be ready to go over:

• Go / Backend Architecture – Understanding how to build scalable, high-concurrency systems for device connectivity.
• Full-Stack Proficiency – Demonstrating competence in bridging front-end user needs with back-end data requirements.

As a Software Engineer, your day-to-day work centers on the Virtual Assembly Line—the interconnected software and hardware systems that allow for seamless energy management. You will likely spend your time writing robust backend services, ensuring that device connectivity is stable, and collaborating with product managers to prioritize features that directly benefit the end-user.

Collaboration is essential. You will often work alongside cross-functional teams to integrate new hardware into the 1KOMMA5° platform. You are expected to be a self-starter who can navigate ambiguity, particularly when dealing with evolving requirements or the integration of legacy systems into a modern, cloud-native architecture.

A strong candidate for a Software Engineer role at 1KOMMA5° demonstrates both high technical proficiency and a genuine interest in the energy transition.

• Must-have skills – Strong experience in modern backend languages (specifically Go is highly valued for device connectivity roles), experience with cloud-native infrastructure, and a proven track record of delivering production-ready code in a team environment.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience in the energy or IoT sectors, familiarity with hardware-software integration, and experience in building or scaling engineering processes within a startup or unicorn environment.

Q: How long does the interview process typically take? The process is designed to be efficient. While it can vary, many candidates move through the stages within a few weeks, depending on the speed of the hiring team and your availability.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the project-based questions? Focus on the "why." Don't just list the technologies you used; explain the challenges you faced, the trade-offs you made, and how your final solution created value for your previous employer.

Q: Is the technical interview focused on whiteboard coding or system design? The focus is usually on your past work and real-world application. Expect to discuss system design and architectural choices more than abstract, textbook coding problems.

Q: Does 1KOMMA5° hire for remote or hybrid roles? The company offers various arrangements depending on the role, including home office and office-based positions in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich. Check your specific job posting for details.

• Own your story: Since you will be asked to present past projects, have 1-2 examples prepared in detail. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your narrative tight.
• Show curiosity about the energy space: Research the company’s business model and the challenges of the decentralized energy market. Showing you understand the "big picture" makes you a much stronger candidate.
• Be ready to talk process: If asked how you would design an interview process or improve team workflows, focus on collaboration, clear communication, and technical rigor.
• Be transparent about your background: If you have had gaps or were affected by layoffs, be honest and professional. Focus on what you learned and how you are looking forward to your next challenge.

The Software Engineer role at 1KOMMA5° offers a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills to one of the most critical challenges of our time. By focusing on your ability to communicate your past project impact and demonstrating your flexibility with technology, you will be well-positioned for success. Remember that your interviewers are looking for a partner in the energy transition—someone who is technically capable and mission-driven.

You can explore additional interview insights, practice questions, and preparation resources on Dataford. Stay confident, focus on the real-world impact of your work, and approach your interviews as a conversation about how you can contribute to the future of 1KOMMA5°.

The salary data provided represents typical compensation ranges for Software Engineer roles at companies of this size and stage. Use this to calibrate your expectations and prepare for salary negotiations, keeping in mind that total compensation may include base salary, equity, and other performance-based benefits depending on your seniority level.