Important: Do NOT apply via LinkedIn - apply via Email.

Key Facts

• Submission: Only applications sent per email to [email protected] will be considered.
• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
• Start Date: February 2026
• Compensation: Fully funded via EXIST Grant (varies up to 3000 EUR/month)

About OptiMigration

We are OptiMigration, a GovTech startup on a mission to radically simplify immigration processes in Germany using AI. As the third member of our founding team, you will take full technical ownership of our platform and become a central pillar of our upcoming EXIST Grant application through our university partner, TU Darmstadt.

EXIST Introduction (context for the job)

The EXIST Context This role is funded by the EXIST Business Start-up Grant. This implies specific government regulations regarding salary structure, project duration (12 months), and eligibility (e.g., university degree completed < 5 years ago). Please read the EXIST Manual to understand the nature of this pre-seed startup phase and to confirm that you meet the mandatory formal criteria.

You will find the EXIST Founder's Grant Handbook on this website (https://exist.de/programm/exist-gruendungsstipendium/)

Your Responsibilities

• Backend & System Architecture: You will design and own the core backend logic that orchestrates our AI.
• AI Engineering & Inference Strategy: You will lead the implementation of local, open-source Multimodal LLMs (e.g., LLaVA, Qwen-VL).
• Orchestration Engine Development: You will oversee the customization of our workflow engine (Langchain/LangGraph).
• Security & Compliance: You will ensure our architecture meets the strictest DSGVO/BSI.
• Technical Leadership: You will build the initial prototype into a production-ready MVP, making key decisions on code structure, testing pipelines, and developer tooling.

Our Tech Stack

• Core Backend: Python, Node.js (for specific microservices).
• AI & ML: PyTorch, Hugging Face Transformers, Multimodal Models.
• Orchestration: LangChain/LangGraph, SQLite.
• Infrastructure & Database: PostgreSQL, Docker.
• Desktop Integration: Electron.

Your Profile

• You must meet the formal criteria for the EXIST Founder's Grant (e.g., your university degree was completed no more than 5 years ago).
• You must currently reside in Germany.
• Proven, practical experience in full-stack development (ideally JavaScript – React, Node.js) and strong command of databases (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Demonstrable knowledge and hands-on projects in AI development (ideally Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch) and NLP.
• You have proven experience in fine-tuning and deploying Large Language Models (LLMs) and understand RAG architectures.
• You are a proactive problem-solver with a strong hands-on mentality and an entrepreneurial work ethic. You take full ownership of your results.
• You have a good eye for user experience and the ability to translate complex bureaucratic processes into simple, intuitive interfaces.
• Good German skills (B1+) are a major plus
• Experience with cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, Hetzner Servers, etc.)
• Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience in the GovTech sector or with open-source projects

What We Offer

• The opportunity for a 12-month full financing of your living expenses through the EXIST Grant, allowing you to focus 100% on building the company.
• You are joining a highly motivated founding team that already covers the business and legal expertise and is waiting for your technical leadership.
• The chance to solve a real, systemic problem in Germany and directly improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of international professionals and students.
• Direct access to our partners and mentors.

Application Process

1. Send your CV and Motivation Letter (including availability) to [email protected]
2. Receive an invitation for the first interview (online)
3. Receive an invitation for the second interview (in person)
4. Final decision