Backend Developer (Java & Python, Microservices)

Your mission

Your mission is to design 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 satellite operators throughout their entire mission lifecycle.

You'll work primarily on external customer projects with a Python-based tech stack, while also contributing in parallel to our products built on Java Spring Boot. You design and implement robust microservices that process and distribute large volumes of orbital and telemetry data to deliver reliable APIs and automation processes. You already bring solid experience and take independent ownership of parts of the backend architecture across both environments.

You'll work on the systems that enable satellite operators and space agencies to analyze, coordinate, and protect their missions in an increasingly crowded space environment.

Studies show that women are less likely to apply for a position if they don't meet 100% of the requirements. Please know that we explicitly encourage you to apply if this applies to you, as long as you bring a passion for space technology, reliable software development, and sustainable use of space.
OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a highly diverse team and is actively committed to growing that diversity further, since studies show that heterogeneous teams achieve better results and drive innovation.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain asynchronous, microservice-based backend systems, primarily in Python for external customer projects and in parallel in Java Spring Boot for our products
• Implement and optimize data processing and distribution pipelines that handle large volumes of orbital, telemetry, and mission data
• Design and maintain message-based communication structures between microservices (e.g., via RabbitMQ or comparable message brokers)
• Collaborate closely with space engineers and scientists to translate mission-related requirements into scalable, robust software solutions
• Share responsibility for the backend architecture across both tech stacks, with a focus on performance, fault tolerance, and maintainability
• Plan and document implementation steps, from system architecture through deployment in a cloud-native environment
• Ensure code quality, automated testing, and adherence to security and development standards
• Advance CI/CD pipelines, observability, and automation to support stable, continuous releases
• Analyze and resolve complex issues in distributed systems with a focus on efficiency and reliability
• Work within small, interdisciplinary teams, contributing your backend expertise to cross-functional projects

Your profile

Must-haves

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or completed vocational training as a Fachinformatiker (IT specialist)
• At least 2 years of professional experience with Python for backend development, scripting, automation, or data processing
• At least 2 years of professional experience in backend software development with Java (Spring Boot or comparable)
• Solid understanding of microservice architectures, asynchronous systems, and distributed communication patterns
• Practical experience with testing and code quality assurance
• Experience with, or willingness to quickly get up to speed on, message-based communication between services (e.g., RabbitMQ or comparable message brokers) and containerization (Docker)
• Ability to independently plan, implement, and review complex features in close collaboration with engineers and scientists
• Proactive communication, structured way of working, and good written and spoken English

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with orchestration, particularly Kubernetes
• Experience with code reviews and adherence to coding standards
• Solid understanding of software architecture principles, including modular structure, scalability, and maintainability
• Experience with secure software development
• Background in or interest in the space or aerospace sector

Why us?

• Flat hierarchy, small teams, flexible working hours
• 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

From Application to Offer: Our Hiring Process

1. You send us your application
2. We review your profile and get back to you with a short questionnaire
3. A first interview with our HR team
4. A short coding challenge
5. A second interview with a member of the team you would join
6. A final interview with the department lead

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.