About OKAPI:Orbits

OKAPI:Orbits is an innovative German SaaS startup focused on space sustainability through satellite collision avoidance software, providing end-to-end solutions for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM).

The Role

Develop and maintain scalable, asynchronous backend systems powering OKAPI:Orbits' solutions across mission design, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Traffic Management (STM), Flight Dynamics, and Space Traffic Coordination.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain asynchronous microservice-based backend systems in Java with Python components

• Implement and optimize data processing and distribution pipelines for orbital, telemetry, and mission data

• Design message-based communication between microservices (RabbitMQ or similar)

• Collaborate with space engineers and scientists translating mission requirements into software solutions

• Own backend architecture ensuring performance, fault tolerance, and maintainability

• Define and document implementation plans from system design to cloud-native deployment

• Maintain code quality, automated testing, and security/engineering standards

• Improve CI/CD pipelines, observability, and automation for continuous delivery

• Analyze and resolve complex distributed system issues

Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; or IT specialist training

• Several years of professional experience in backend software development with Java

• Python proficiency for scripting, automation, or data processing

• Solid understanding of microservice architectures and asynchronous systems

• Experience designing RESTful and message-based APIs

• Strong software architecture principles knowledge

• Hands-on testing, code quality assurance, and secure development experience

• Git workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and modern DevOps familiarity

• Knowledge of observability tools (DataDog, Sentry, OpenTelemetry)

• Database technology experience (MongoDB, PostgreSQL)

• Space or aerospace domain background or interest

• Fluent English (written/spoken)

Nice to Have

• Containerization and orchestration experience (Docker, Kubernetes)

• Security concepts and authentication understanding (OAuth2, OpenID Connect)

• Technical leadership and code review experience

What We Offer

• Flat hierarchy, small teams, flexible working hours

• Hybrid work in Munich/Braunschweig

• Early ownership with technical direction influence

• Professional development training budget

• Corporate benefits: BahnCard 25/50, bike leasing, German language classes

• Space events and conference participation

• Free office beverages, monthly company lunch, regular social activities