Mandatory Internship(Unpaid): Backend / Full-Stack Developer for AI SaaS

IndieKidz GmbHIndieKidz GmbH·Remote(Berlin)
Software Development

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled backend developers with AI expertise has been on the rise, with a notable 25% increase in related job postings over the past year. IndieKidz GmbH, a Berlin-based startup, is at the forefront of this trend with its innovative AI-assisted children's book creation platform, Occibo. To succeed in this unpaid internship, candidates will need to demonstrate strong digital skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in a remote setup. With the global shift towards remote work, this role offers a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a forward-thinking company, laying the groundwork for a successful career in the tech industry.

Job Description

About the Role

The mandatory internship at IndieKidz GmbH is an unparalleled chance for students to dive into the world of AI SaaS product development. As a backend or full-stack developer intern, you will be part of a dynamic team working on Occibo, a revolutionary platform that assists in creating children's books. This platform utilizes AI to streamline the process from manuscript to a fully fledged book, including editing, illustration planning, and layout. Your role will be pivotal in supporting the technical development of Occibo, focusing on backend services, APIs, database logic, and the integration of AI workflows. This is an ideal opportunity for those seeking hands-on experience in building real SaaS products using modern backend and AI infrastructure.

Given the startup nature of IndieKidz, you will be in a unique position to contribute significantly to the development of Occibo. Your work will directly impact the platform's ability to deliver high-quality, AI-assisted book creation services to its users. The role requires a motivated individual who is eager to learn and adapt in a rapidly evolving environment. Since the internship is remote, you will need to be self-motivated and capable of working independently, while still being an integral part of the team.

In terms of team context, you will be working closely with the product, design, and content teams to ensure seamless integration of backend services with the overall platform goals. The company's agile approach to product development means you will have the opportunity to collaborate with various departments, gaining a holistic understanding of how a SaaS product is developed and launched.

What You Will Do

  • Develop and improve backend APIs using Node.js, TypeScript, and Express.js to enhance the platform's performance and functionality.
  • Utilize Supabase for database management, authentication, and data handling, ensuring the security and efficiency of user data.
  • Implement file storage workflows using Cloudflare R2, optimizing storage solutions for user-generated content.
  • Contribute to the development of AI workflow orchestration for book creation, illustration, layout, and export, leveraging AI technologies to streamline the book creation process.
  • Participate in building queue-based processing using Redis and BullMQ, ensuring efficient task management within the platform.
  • Assist in integrating AI image-generation workflows such as ComfyUI, expanding the platform's capabilities in AI-assisted content creation.
  • Focus on writing clean, maintainable, and well-documented code, adhering to best practices in software development.
  • Engage in debugging, testing, and improving existing backend services to ensure the platform's stability and reliability.
  • Support selected frontend or full-stack tasks as needed, demonstrating versatility in your skill set.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product, design, and content, to align backend development with overall platform goals and user needs.

What We Are Looking For

  • Hands-on experience with JavaScript and TypeScript, demonstrating a strong foundation in programming principles.
  • Understanding of backend development, APIs, databases, and version control systems like Git.
  • Interest in early-stage AI, SaaS products, and the development process of such technologies.
  • Ability to work independently in a remote setting, with a high level of self-motivation and discipline.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and workflows, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Strong communication skills, necessary for effective collaboration with the team and stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Commitment to writing clean, maintainable code and following best practices in software development.

Nice to Have

  • Experience with Node.js, Express.js, and Supabase, or a willingness to quickly learn these technologies.
  • Knowledge of Cloudflare R2 and its applications in file storage and management.
  • Familiarity with Redis and BullMQ, and experience with queue-based processing.
  • Understanding of AI image-generation workflows and their integration into web applications.
  • Previous participation in open-source projects or personal coding initiatives that demonstrate your skills and interests.

Benefits and Perks

  • Real-world experience in developing an AI SaaS product from its early stages, providing a unique learning opportunity.
  • Hands-on experience with modern backend and AI infrastructure, enhancing your skill set and marketability.
  • Exposure to product thinking, architecture, and startup execution, giving you a comprehensive view of the tech industry.
  • Opportunity to work directly with the founder and core team members, offering a chance for mentorship and growth.
  • Flexible and remote working setup, allowing you to manage your time effectively and work from anywhere.
  • Internship certificate upon successful completion, recognizing your contribution and dedication.
  • Potential for a recommendation letter based on performance, supporting your future career endeavors.
  • Access to a network of professionals in the tech and startup sector, potentially opening doors for future opportunities.

How to Stand Out

  • Tailor Your Application: Ensure your CV, GitHub profile, and short note clearly highlight relevant experience, skills, and interests in backend development and AI technologies.
  • Familiarize Yourself with Required Tools: Before applying, have a basic understanding of Node.js, TypeScript, Express.js, Supabase, and other mentioned technologies to demonstrate your willingness to learn and adapt.
  • Prepare for Remote Work: Showcase your ability to work independently and manage your time effectively in a remote setting, as this is crucial for success in the role.
  • Build a Strong Portfolio: If possible, include personal projects or contributions to open-source projects that demonstrate your backend development skills and experience with AI technologies.
  • Research the Company: Understand IndieKidz GmbH's mission, values, and the current state of Occibo to show your genuine interest in the company and the role during the application and interview process.
  • Ask Informed Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's vision for the future, indicating your engagement and seriousness about the opportunity.

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