Senior Backend Engineer (m/f/x)

UP42 was founded in 2019 with a clear purpose: to transform how organizations order, access, and analyze Earth observation data. Our platform brings together the world’s leading geospatial providers, and offers a single touchpoint to access, manage, and process data at scale. From vegetation management and infrastructure monitoring to disaster response, UP42 helps organizations across industries find solutions to complex problems through Earth observation. Our expert support team and detailed documentation guide our users through every step. Since July 2025, UP42 has been a part of Neo Space Group.

We are looking for a Senior Backend Engineer (m/f/x) to join our Data Platform & Tasking team. You will take part in developing the reliable and scalable data ordering platform powering UP42. While we welcome applications from talented Java developers, our primary tech stack revolves around Kotlin. If you're a passionate developer with experience in Java and familiarity with Kotlin, doubled with a willingness to master Kotlin, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a motivated team driving technological excellence.

Please note that this role is based in Berlin. Applications for fully remote positions outside of Germany will not be considered at this time.

What you will do:

• Design, build, and maintain efficient, reusable, secure, and reliable code (primarily in Kotlin, with occasional use of Python and other languages).

• Collaborate closely with product, geospatial backend engineers, UX, and front-end development teams, and design and implement new product features.

• Ensure code quality, organization, and automation as core principles within our development processes.

• Contribute to continuous delivery and test-driven development.

• Participate and help refine our Agile processes, fostering team synergy and efficiency.

• Influence engineering best practices, refine processes, and foster a collaborative learning environment through mentoring and pairing with fellow engineers.

• Contribute to daily tech-related operations, you will be evolving the platform architecture (Spring Boot, Kubernetes, Terraform, Google Cloud Platform).

• Play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless application deployments and optimizing infrastructure.

Here is a good summary of what we are looking for:

• Several years of experience within a company or organizational setting, specializing in software design and backend development, preferably using JVM languages like Java or Kotlin.

• Excellent knowledge of designing and building public API solutions.

• Proven track record delivering high-availability architectures, including load balancing, fault-tolerance, and cloud computing (infrastructure as code, configuration management systems).

• Experience in designing, deploying, and maintaining cloud-based environments, particularly on Google Cloud Platform and with Kubernetes.

• Knowledge of the Spring ecosystem.

• Familiarity with Python and its core concepts.

• A collaborative mindset focused on teamwork and collective success, with fluency in English and the ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Bonus points if you bring:

• Experience working in an Agile environment.

• Exposure to the geospatial industry.

Let us tell you why UP42 is a good choice:

• Let’s disrupt the industry: You get the chance to shape the state-of-the-art geospatial processing platform and create a completely new planetary perspective.

• Let’s stay flexible: We practice a hybrid working model - you can choose when to work from the comfort of your home or join your colleagues in our modern office in the heart of Kreuzberg, or even from a global place of your choice up to 90 days per year.

• Let’s win as a team: We’re an inspiring international team working in a fun and productive environment.

• Let’s be fair: We offer a competitive salary package and other perks such as wellbeing initiatives, sponsored fitness subscriptions, educational budget for your personal development and public transportation discount - just to name a few.

• Let’s enjoy the good side of life: Gather in regular team events as well as our global company parties twice a year.

• Let’s think outside of the box: There are challenges and enough space for creativity and taking ownership.

Does this sound like a good next step in your geospatial career? If so, we look forward to receiving your application in English.

Our culture is one of belonging, where everyone feels welcome and where differences are celebrated. We seek to recruit the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background and/or belief—and strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. We also value more than the skills and experiences outlined in this job description. Even if you think you only fill 60% of the requirements for this role - we would still like to consider your application.