Java/Kotlin Backend Engineer (m/f/d)

Why this role matters

At Labforward, we are building the first digital voice-powered lab assistant that aims to close the real-time documentation gap at the bench. It helps scientists document when their hands are busy using voice, thus helping them focus on their work and not on tedious documentation.

We are looking for an experienced backend engineer to build out our backend systems. You will work closely with data scientists, designers and product managers to define, scope and implement backend solutions to further improve our product. You will be instrumental in owning parts of the architecture, implementation, and deployment of our backend services.

Most of our current backend is built using Kotlin and Spring Boot, running on Kubernetes on AWS, although we also maintain some smaller services and tools written with other technologies (e.g. Ruby, Python, NodeJS, Lambda). All our cloud infrastructure is managed as code via Terraform. We continuously deploy changes to multiple environments every day. As a business-to-business company, we routinely tackle additional challenges, such as security and compliance considerations as well as integration with third-party software and enterprise environments.

What You'll Do

• Delivering efficient and pragmatic solutions to new product features in short sprint cycles
• Developing and maintaining cloud-native software across multiple environments
• Architecting robust backend systems that multiple clients depend on
• Collaborating closely with teams across disciplines (Web, Product, Design, Data, Scientific Services etc.)
• Owning your code in all stages - from software design to production rollout
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Experience developing for the JVM (Kotlin, Java or similar, preferably using Spring Boot)
• Excellent software architecture skills
• Excellent software testing (unit, integration, ...) skills
• Experience with deployment of cloud-native software and DevOps mindset
• Working knowledge of modern cloud infrastructure (e.g. AWS, Kubernetes)
• Comfortable in continuously delivering changes to backend systems (CI & CD)
• Excellent problem-solving skills and being capable of taking the initiative
• Willingness to learn about new problem domains and technologies
• Ability to work independently on tasks
• Ability to constructively participate in discussions about software solutions
  
  

Nice-to-Have

• Previous experience with Kotlin
• Experience working with multiple programming languages and frameworks
• Experience working in B2B and enterprise integrations
• Experience working in the domains of software security or compliance
  
  

Relevant job experience:5+ years of experience leading and implementing production grade software in a professional (well structured/good processes/sophisticated) environment

Preferred Skills

• Team player, strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfortable working in an international and distributed team
• Pragmatic approach to problem solving, goal focused and result-oriented
• Fast learner, dedicated to continuous improvement
• Security and performance conscious, experience with monitoring tools
• Familiarity with the challenge of working in a laboratory
• Experience with AI or data science driven product
  
  

What We Offer

• Drive laboratory innovation initiatives using cutting-edge technology and AI to advance digitalization and automation trends.
• Work with a diverse and international team that values trust, collaboration, learning, and ownership.
• Enjoy working from a spacious and beautiful office in the heart of Berlin, while benefiting from flexibility.
• Benefit from modern equipment tailored to meet your professional needs.
• Stay fit with a gym membership at John Reed, conveniently located right next to our office.
• Work on a flexible schedule, with core working hours from 10:00 to 16:00.
• Take advantage of 30 days of annual leave, with options for sabbaticals and additional perks.
• Receive support for your commute, including contributions to public transportation tickets.
• Relocation support for international applicants is provided.
• Grow with tailored onboarding, training, and career development plans designed to help you excel in your role and continuously develop professionally.
• Feel welcome to participate in regular team and company events, including off-sites, get-togethers, and team-driven initiatives that foster connections, team spirit and create more nice moments together as a team.
  
  

About Us

Labforward is a pioneering technology company at the forefront of digitizing and automating laboratory management and scientific research. With a commitment to empowering scientists and other lab professionals, Labforward develops innovative solutions that streamline laboratory workflows, enhance data integrity, and accelerate scientific discovery and development.

Through its suite of cutting-edge software products, Labforward enables seamless collaboration, efficient data management, and rigorous compliance with industry regulations. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies such as IoT and cloud-computing, enterprise-ready software engineering and excellency in project management, Labforward's solutions empower labs to optimize resource utilization, reduce errors, and drive productivity.

Labforward's mission is rooted in the belief that efficient laboratory operations and robust data management are fundamental to advancing scientific research, development and manufacturing across various domains, including academia, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and beyond. By providing a comprehensive ecosystem of tools that cater to the diverse needs of modern laboratories, Labforward is reshaping the way laboratory work is conducted and accelerating the pace of breakthrough discoveries and quality control (QC) processes.

With a dedicated team of experts in software development, data science, and laboratory management, Labforward remains committed to its core values of precision, reliability, and customer-centricity. By bridging the gap between technology and science, Labforward shapes the future of laboratory research and contributes significantly to the advancement of human understanding and innovation.