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.

Activities

We are looking for a backend specialist who loves the intersection of stability and scalability. Your focus will not be on a title, but on the impact of your code. You will:

• Bridge Systems: Build and maintain robust microservices that ensure seamless communication between internal and external environments.
• Drive Implementation: Take full ownership of features from a raw idea to a production-ready deployment.
• Evolve the Architecture: Contribute to our technical roadmap by questioning the status quo and proposing scalable solutions.
• Secure the Flow: Implement and refine authentication and authorisation flows (OAuth, Auth0) to keep our systems safe and accessible.
• Optimise the Core: Ensure our data layer is lean and fast, applying deep knowledge of SQL and PostgreSQL to solve complex data challenges.

Requirements

Core Competencies:

• Node.js & TypeScript Mastery: You can write clean, maintainable, and type-safe code that thrives in a production environment.
• Data Architect Mindset: You don't just write queries; you understand how to design efficient database schemas and optimise them for performance (PostgreSQL).
• The Art of Persistence: You know how to leverage ORMs effectively, understanding exactly when they help and when they get in the way.
• Quality Obsession: Automated testing (jest/mocha) isn't a chore for you-it's the only way to ship with confidence.
• DevOps Basics: You are comfortable with Docker, Git, and the general flow of modern CI/CD pipelines.

Bonus Skills (The Power-Ups):

• Experience navigating the AWS ecosystem or monitoring tools like Grafana, Prometheus, or Graylog.
• A track record of mentoring peers or leading the technical direction of a project.
• A degree in Computer Science or a self-taught journey evidenced by a strong portfolio.

Team

• 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.

Application Process

1. A quick intro call with Sarah (Head of Talent Acquisition @smartclip)
2. Video call with your future manager and a teammate - real talk, no script
3. Meet us in Berlin: hands-on case study, coding challenge (pair programming), or a role play - depending on the role
4. Prompt, honest feedback from Sarah - no ghosting, we promise

About the Company

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.