(Junior) Backend Developer (Java / Python, Microservices) – Fixed-Term Contract

Germany (Brunswick)

Full-time

Permanent employee

48,000 - 65,000 € per year

Your mission

Your mission is to develop and maintain a scalable, asynchronous backend that powers OKAPI:Orbits’ end-to-end solutions across mission design, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Traffic Management (STM), Flight Dynamics (FD) and Space Traffic Coordination (STC) — supporting the full lifecycle of satellite operators within an initially fixed-term contract until the end of 2027, with a high likelihood of a subsequent extension of up to two additional years.

You design and implement robust Java-based microservices that process and distribute large volumes of orbital and telemetry data, enabling reliable APIs and automation pipelines.
You work on the systems that allow satellite operators and space agencies to analyse, coordinate, and protect their missions in an increasingly congested space environment.

Research shows that women are less likely than men to apply for a position unless they meet 100% of the listed requirements. Please know that if it’s your case — but you are passionate about space technology, building reliable software, and contributing to a more sustainable space environment — we strongly encourage you to apply.
OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team, and we actively continue to strengthen this diversity, as research consistently shows that heterogeneous teams achieve higher performance and drive innovation.

Your tasks and responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain asynchronous, microservice-based backend systems in Java, with selected components or utilities in Python
Implement and optimize data processing and distribution pipelines handling large volumes of orbital, telemetry, and mission data
Design and maintain message-based communication between microservices (e.g. via RabbitMQ or similar brokers)
Collaborate closely with space engineers and scientists to translate mission requirements into reliable, scalable software solutions
Take ownership of backend architecture, ensuring performance, fault tolerance, and maintainability across distributed services
Define and document implementation plans, from system design to deployment in a cloud-native environment
Maintain a high level of code quality, automated testing, and compliance with security and engineering standards
Improve CI/CD pipelines, observability, and automation to support continuous delivery and system stability
Analyze and resolve complex issues in distributed systems, focusing on efficiency and robustness
Work in small, interdisciplinary teams, contributing backend expertise to cross-functional projects

Your profile

Must-haves

Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or formal IT specialist training
Several years of professional experience in backend software development with Java (Spring Boot or similar)
Good working knowledge of Python for scripting, automation, or data processing tasks
Solid understanding of microservice architectures, asynchronous systems, and distributed communication patterns
Experience designing and maintaining RESTful and/or message-based APIs (e.g., RabbitMQ)
Strong grasp of software architecture principles, including modular design, scalability, and maintainability
Hands-on experience with testing, code quality assurance, and secure software development practices
Familiarity with Git-based workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps practices
Knowledge of observability tools (DataDog, Sentry, OpenTelemetry, or similar)
Experience with database technologies (MongoDB, PostgreSQL, or similar)
Experience with automated testing frameworks and performance benchmarking
Ability to plan, implement, and review complex features in collaboration with engineers and scientists
Background or interest in the space or aerospace domain
Proactive communication, structured working style, and good English, written and spoken

Nice-to-haves

Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
Understanding of security concepts, encryption, and authentication (OAuth2, OpenID Connect)
Familiarity with agile methodologies (Scrum or Kanban) and collaboration tools (Jira, Confluence)
Experience in technical leadership, code reviews, and maintaining coding standards

Why us?

Flat hierarchy, small teams, flexible working hours
Onboarding in Braunschweig, followed by on-site work in Braunschweig
Up to 30 days’ vacation & up to 30 days’ workation per year
Early responsibility, influence on the technical direction
Training budget for your personal development
Career paths to support and promote your long-term development
Corporate benefits (brand discounts, travel discounts, concert tickets, etc.)
Free German language course
Bahncard (25 within Braunschweig, 50 outside)
Bike leasing
Company pension scheme
Subsidy towards Hansefit / Wellpass membership
Participation in space events and conferences to promote sustainable space travel

About us

OKAPI:Orbits is at the forefront of space sustainability, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of the space industry: the growing problem of crowded orbital regimes, and the need for more efficient satellite operations. We're providing end-to-end solutions that help various space industry players cover their Space Situation Awareness (SSA), and Space Traffic Management and Coordination (STM & STC) needs. We are committed to safeguarding space missions and access to space for all humanity. Join us on our mission.

Last but not least, we would like to share with you that research shows that women are less likely to apply for a position unless they meet 100% of the listed requirements.
Please know that if it’s your case — but you are passionate about space technology, building reliable software, and contributing to a more sustainable space environment — we strongly encourage you to apply.
OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team, and we actively continue to strengthen this diversity which allows us to achieve higher performance and drive innovation.