Senior Software Engineer API (f/m/d) - Node.js, SQL

Remote in our day-to-day work. On-site when it matters.

We work remote by default – focused, efficient, and with full ownership. For larger features, architectural decisions, and real brainstorming sessions, we come together in Berlin – fast, hands-on, and without unnecessary meeting overhead.

We use AI to accelerate – not to replace thinking.

We design the system, steer the output, and take responsibility for what we ship.

Fast where it makes sense. Careful where it matters.

Your mission

• Develop and maintain microservices that connect worlds (internal & external systems).
• Command side quests (and sometimes the main questline) when the Tech Lead is away from keyboard.
• Shape the team’s strategy with your strong opinions and battle-tested experience.
• Master the arts of authentication & authorization (OAuth, Auth0 integrations, specs reading = your spellbook).
• Design & optimize SQL databases like a level 99 architect (bonus points for PostgreSQL mastery).

Your skills

Must-haves:

• 5+ years XP as Backend/API Developer in Node.js + TypeScript.
• Legendary SQL & DB design skills (PostgreSQL = epic weapon).
• ORM wisdom (knowing both the buffs and nerfs).
• Strong in automated testing (jest/mocha, coverage quests).
• Docker, Git, JavaScript, SQL – all mastered.

Nice-to-haves:

• AWS, Grafana, Prometheus, Graylog.
• Academic background (Computer Science, Software Engineering).
• Leadership XP (professional, not disciplinary).

Why you’ll love working with us

• Ownership over tickets: You’re trusted with real responsibility, not just tasks. No unnecessary bureaucracy, no micromanagement – we rely on you to take things forward.
• Build > Talk: We test what works – not what sounds good. Fail fast, learn faster.
• High standards, low ego: We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Direct feedback, honest collaboration, no drama.
• Stay sharp: Hackathons, conferences, community – we invest in your growth and keep you at the cutting edge.
• And yes – the fundamentals are covered too: 30 days of vacation + Dec 24 & 31 off, Smart Fridays (4 days week possible), mobility (Germany ticket & JobRad), sports & health offerings, mental health support, corporate benefits, RTL+ access, and more.

Your CV is just the starting point.

What matters more to us than your resume: a portfolio, a side project, a demo repo – anything that shows you don’t just talk about code, you ship it. Production-ready. Thought through. Done.

Welcome to smartclip! We’re just your average group of techies, you know, trying to keep the internet open and defend the European TV industry from Silicon Valley’s giants. Join us!

About smartclip

smartclip is the adtech development unit of RTL Group — Europe’s leading free-to-air broadcaster group. Our proprietary advertising technology is custom-built for the needs of European broadcasters and publishers — enabling media owners to implement smarter monetisation strategies. We are committed to delivering the most innovative ad experiences spanning in-stream, out-stream, addressable TV, connected TV, audio, and gaming — ultimately empowering brands with true cross-screen storytelling opportunities on all devices.

For more information: Please visit www.smartclip.tv and follow us on LinkedIn.

Location: Berlin or Hybrid (max. 3 hours travel time to Berlin)