Backend Engineer (Java)

• *About The Company**

IPPEN.MEDIA is a dynamic and innovative media organization based in Munich, dedicated to shaping the future of independent and local journalism in Germany. As part of a highly interconnected media ecosystem, IPPEN.MEDIA emphasizes pluralism, independence, and sustainability in its journalistic endeavors. The company fosters a modern, startup-like environment with a passionate team committed to digital journalism and technological advancement. Through its state-of-the-art tech stack and cross-functional, agile teams, IPPEN.MEDIA aims to influence the digital press landscape significantly, ensuring quality journalism remains resilient against the dominance of global algorithms. The organization is also a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence, specifically Agentic AI, into editorial workflows to enhance quality assurance and productivity, positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation in media.

• *About The Role**

We are seeking a skilled Java Backend Engineer (m/w/d) to join our innovative tech team in Munich on a full-time basis. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and enhancing our core publishing platform, particularly focusing on our new product, USER.ID, which serves as a central component of our digital infrastructure. You will work within a microservice architecture deployed in a Kubernetes environment on AWS, ensuring scalable, secure, and efficient backend solutions. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will contribute to building a robust and future-proof platform, overseeing technical coordination both within your team and across departments. Additionally, you will share your expertise by mentoring junior developers and participating actively in projects that rebuild and evolve our publishing ecosystem, making a tangible impact on the German digital press landscape.

• *Qualifications**

Applicants should possess a completed degree in computer science or a comparable qualification, with at least five years of professional experience in Java and Java EE development. A deep understanding of OAuth2, OIDC, and JWT security protocols is essential, along with practical experience with identity providers such as Keycloak. Candidates must have solid knowledge of designing and operating microservices architectures, adhering to best practices in software design and architecture. Proficiency in working with relational databases, REST APIs (OpenAPI), Kubernetes, Kibana, and Grafana is required.

Experience in writing and executing unit and integration tests using tools like JUnit 5, Mockito, and Spring Tests is also necessary. Fluency in German and good command of English are essential for effective communication and integration within our team.

• *Responsibilities
• Develop and enhance USER.ID, our new product integral to our publishing platform, ensuring it meets high standards of quality, scalability, and security.
• Design, implement, and optimize microservice components within a Kubernetes-based AWS environment, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Participate actively in agile development cycles, contributing technical expertise and innovative solutions to team discussions and planning.
• Take on technical coordination tasks within your team and across other departments to facilitate smooth project execution and integration.
• Lead efforts in rebuilding and expanding our publishing platform, ensuring modern architecture and best practices are followed.
• Mentor junior developers, sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team.
• *Benefits
• Participation in regular company events fostering team spirit and a collaborative culture.
• Financial support through a canteen subsidy and company pension scheme.
• Access to bike leasing programs and exclusive employee discounts via corporate benefits.
• Flexibility in choosing your preferred working setup with the freedom to work remotely or from the office.
• Opportunities to work abroad temporarily, gaining international experience.
• Generous holiday allowance of 30 days, combined with flexible working hours and options for sabbaticals.
• Structured onboarding, ongoing coaching, and access to the IPPEN.MEDIA Academy for professional growth.
• A respectful, creative, and motivated team environment that values collaboration and innovation.
• A modern office location in the heart of Munich with a hybrid work model.
• The chance to actively shape the future of independent journalism and contribute to a meaningful mission.

Equal Opportunity

IPPEN.MEDIA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or disability. Our hiring process is based solely on merit and the qualifications required for the role. We believe that a diverse team enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared mission.