Junior Backend Developer

Backend Developer – Junior

Technology & Software Engineering – Institute Itech

• Full-time position
• On-site (Milan, Italy)
• Travel and meeting expenses will be reimbursed upon approval
• An NDA must be signed

This position may evolve into Mid-level or Senior Backend Developer, depending on performance and contribution to Institute Itech's technology infrastructure.

About Institute Itech:

Institute Itech is a private research, development and technological innovation institute based in Italy with an international vision. It was created to transform scientific knowledge, advanced engineering and emerging technologies into concrete solutions for the environment, health, data intelligence, artificial intelligence, urban systems and technological infrastructure.

The company is built on a multidisciplinary vision structured around six pillars: Education, Technology, Social, Nature, Research and Urban. Through these areas, Institute Itech develops high-impact projects capable of improving quality of life, making cities more sustainable and creating new models of scientific, industrial and social progress. Its flagship projects include Memoria™ (AI-based neuroimaging and cognitive data intelligence), Oxyleaf™ (environmental monitoring and air quality technologies), Terra™ (advanced soil and ecological remediation systems), Polaris™ (strategic data infrastructure and positioning systems), Balloon™ (high-altitude sensing and urban climate platforms), and Biocity™ (integrated biourban planning and smart city ecosystems).

About the Role:

Institute Itech is seeking a motivated and technically solid Junior Backend Developer to join its software engineering team in Milan. The role is transversal in nature: the candidate will contribute across multiple flagship projects, developing and maintaining the server-side logic, APIs, and data infrastructure that power Institute Itech's technological platforms.

The selected candidate will work alongside senior developers, data engineers, and project teams, building reliable and scalable backend systems using Node.js and Express in a dynamic, research-driven environment.

This is an ideal opportunity for a recently graduated or early-career developer eager to grow their backend engineering skills on real-world projects with meaningful technological and environmental impact.

Responsibilities:

Backend Development & API Design

• Design, develop, and maintain RESTful APIs using Node.js and Express
• Build scalable and efficient server-side logic to support Institute Itech's digital platforms
• Integrate backend services with databases, third-party APIs, and external data sources
• Ensure code quality through testing, code reviews, and adherence to engineering best practices

Database Management

• Design and manage relational and non-relational database schemas
• Write and optimize queries for performance and reliability
• Support data modeling and architecture decisions in collaboration with senior developers

Cross-Project Technical Contribution

• Collaborate with engineering and research teams across projects including Memoria™, Polaris™, Oxyleaf™, and Balloon™
• Contribute backend development expertise during the design and implementation phases of concurrent projects
• Participate in technical planning sessions and sprint reviews

System Integration & Maintenance

• Support the integration of backend systems with frontend interfaces, IoT sensors, and data pipelines
• Monitor, debug, and resolve issues in production and staging environments
• Contribute to the documentation and maintenance of existing codebases

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain clear and organized technical documentation for all backend development activities
• Contribute to internal technical specifications, API documentation, and architecture notes
• Support knowledge transfer and onboarding of future team members

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering , or a closely related discipline (or equivalent practical formation)
• Up to 0–3 years of experience in backend development (academic projects and thesis experience considered)
• Proficiency in Node.js and Express
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design principles
• Familiarity with at least one database system, relational (PostgreSQL, MySQL) or non-relational (MongoDB, Redis)
• Basic understanding of version control with Git
• Fluent Italian (mandatory)
• Fluent English (mandatory)
• Analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and deployment pipelines
• Experience with containerization tools such as Docker or orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes
• Knowledge of authentication and security best practices (JWT, OAuth2, HTTPS)
• Exposure to message brokers or event-driven architectures (RabbitMQ, Kafka, or equivalent)
• Interest in AI, data intelligence, environmental technology, or IoT systems
• Basic knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development methodologies

Benefits Provided

• Entry-level role with immediate exposure to diverse, high-impact technology projects
• Mentorship and direct collaboration with senior developers and multidisciplinary teams
• Transversal experience across multiple flagship projects and technological domains
• Growth path toward Mid-level or Senior Backend Developer
• Work environment at the intersection of software engineering, AI, and environmental innovation
• Reimbursement of approved travel and project-related expenses

Compensation:

Annual Gross Salary: €40,000 , in line with junior software engineering profiles.

Additional performance-based incentives may be provided based on project contribution and milestones achieved.

How to Apply

Important: applications including a GitHub profile, code samples, or description of relevant development projects — including academic work — will be given stronger consideration during the selection process.

Please send:

• CV
• GitHub profile or code samples (strongly recommended)
• Cover Letter (mandatory) including: Your background in backend development and technologies used
• Any relevant projects, academic or professional, built with Node.js or related technologies
• Your motivation for joining Institute Itech and contributing to its technology infrastructure

E-mail:

Subject: WE2026 Job Application (IT ) – Backend Developer Junior – (Name Surname)