Working Student Java Development (m/w/d)

Introduction

Studies show that women are less likely to apply when they do not meet 100 percent of the requirements. Please know that we still strongly encourage you to apply if this applies to you, and you bring curiosity for backend development, reliable software engineering, and space technology.
OKAPI:Orbits already brings together a diverse team and we actively work to strengthen this diversity, because research shows diverse teams drive better outcomes and innovation.

Your tasks

Your mission

Your mission is to support our backend team in building and maintaining Java based services and APIs that enable OKAPI:Orbits end to end solutions across mission design, Space Situational Awareness, Space Traffic Management, Flight Dynamics, and Space Traffic Coordination. You help us deliver reliable, secure, and maintainable interfaces and data flows, so satellite operators and space agencies can plan, monitor, and control missions in an increasingly dynamic orbital environment.

Your tasks and responsibilities

• Support the design, implementation, and maintenance of Java backend services, typically in a modern web API environment
• Help develop and evolve RESTful APIs, including authentication, authorization, and clean versioning practices
• Implement business logic with clear domain models, together with engineers and domain experts
• Analyze and fix bugs, support stability improvements in existing services
• Write and maintain automated tests, unit tests and when needed integration tests, with a focus on reliability and maintainability
• Support operations topics such as monitoring, deployment improvements, and runtime quality, together with the team
• Document implementations, interfaces, and technical decisions so knowledge stays accessible in the team
• Participate in code reviews, work with Git workflows, pull requests, and shared quality standards

Your profile

Must-have

• You are enrolled as a student, for example in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• First hands on experience with Java, for example through projects, internships, student jobs, or relevant university work
• Solid basics in web fundamentals and HTTP, plus interest in APIs, data models, and maintainable backend architecture
• First exposure to RESTful APIs, ideally including basic authentication and authorization concepts
• Careful and reliable working style, interest in clean code, tests, and understandable solutions
• Strong team communication, openness to feedback, and willingness to learn
• Good English skills, written and spoken (C1)

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Python, for scripting, data analysis, or tooling
• Experience with Next.js, React, or Node.js, for internal tools or small full stack contributions
• Experience with Docker, for local development environments or service containerization
• Experience with GitLab CI or CI CD pipelines in general
• First exposure to observability topics like logging, metrics, or tracing
• Interest or experience in space or aerospace engineering

Why us?

• Flat hierarchy, small teams, flexible hours
• Onboarding in Braunschweig, afterwards on-site in Brunswick, or hybrid in Brunswick or Munich
• Early ownership, influence technical direction
• Training budget for continuous development
• Corporate benefits like BahnCard 25/50, bike leasing, German classes via Lingoda
• Join space events and conferences, advocate for sustainable space
• Free office drinks, monthly company lunch, regular after-work activities