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.
smartclip is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other diverse characteristics.
Skills Required
- 5+ years experience as Backend/API Developer with Node.js and TypeScript
- Strong SQL and database design skills (PostgreSQL preferred)
- Familiarity with ORMs and their trade-offs
- Automated testing experience (jest or mocha)
- Experience with Docker, Git, and JavaScript
- Experience with AWS
- Experience with Grafana, Prometheus, Graylog
- Academic background in CS or Software Engineering
- Leadership experience (technical, not disciplinary)
What We Do
Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company that operates in about 50 countries around the world. It includes the entertainment group RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the music company BMG, the service provider Arvato Group, Bertelsmann Marketing Services, the Bertelsmann Education Group and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. The company has 165,000 employees worldwide and generated revenues of €20.2 billion in the 2022 financial year. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world. Bertelsmann aspires to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
