Unpaid Mandatory Internship - Backend Engineer (Nodejs/TS) @ Early stage startup

IndieKidz GmbH·Remote(Berlin)
Software Development

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled backend engineers in the AI sector has grown significantly, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year. IndieKidz GmbH offers a unique opportunity to work on an innovative AI-assisted children's book creation studio, Occibo. As a backend engineer, you'll be working with cutting-edge technologies like Node.js, TypeScript, and Express. With the rise of remote work, companies are looking for skilled engineers who can work independently and collaboratively. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to showcase their experience with backend development, AI systems, and problem-solving skills.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Backend Engineer at IndieKidz GmbH, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for developing and maintaining the backend systems that power the Occibo AI-assisted children's book creation studio. Your day-to-day tasks will involve building and improving backend services and APIs, working closely with the product, design, and frontend teams to ensure seamless integration. You will be working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a focus on shipping real features quickly.

The Occibo platform is designed to provide a guided book creation experience for solo authors, teachers, and parents. As a backend engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the platform's scalability, reliability, and performance. Your work will have a direct impact on the user experience, and you will be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues as they arise.

IndieKidz GmbH is committed to innovation and excellence, and as a member of the team, you will be expected to embody these values. You will be working in a collaborative environment, with regular feedback and opportunities for growth and development.

What You Will Do

  • Build and improve backend services and APIs for core product workflows using Node.js, TypeScript, and Express
  • Work on Supabase/PostgreSQL based data models, authentication, and API integrations
  • Develop job-based systems using Redis and BullMQ/Message queue for image generation, processing, and export workflows
  • Integrate and support AI systems, including LLM-driven flows and ComfyUI-based image pipelines
  • Manage file handling, storage, and delivery using object storage services
  • Help improve reliability, performance, and developer experience across the backend stack
  • Work closely with the product, design, and frontend teams to ensure seamless integration and shipping of real features
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation for backend systems and services
  • Participate in code reviews and contribute to the improvement of the overall code quality
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise

What We Are Looking For

  • Hands-on experience with Node.js, TypeScript, and backend API development
  • Familiarity with databases, authentication, queues, and async job processing
  • Interest or experience in AI systems, LLM workflows, and ComfyUI-based image pipelines
  • Experience in building API services and working with Express
  • Familiarity with tools such as Cursor and GitHub Copilot
  • Comfortable building fast, learning quickly, and working in an early-stage startup environment
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a distributed team

Nice to Have

  • Previous internship, project, or open-source work in SaaS or AI products
  • Interest in creative tools, publishing, or workflow products
  • Experience with Redis, BullMQ, and Supabase/PostgreSQL
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems

Benefits and Perks

  • Real hands-on experience building a production-grade AI product
  • Exposure to backend architecture, AI workflows, and startup execution
  • Ownership of meaningful features, not support tasks
  • Close collaboration with the founder and product team
  • Opportunities for growth and development in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Flexible working hours and remote work arrangements
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
  • Participation in regular team-building activities and social events

How to Stand Out

  • Make sure to showcase your experience with Node.js, TypeScript, and backend API development in your application.
  • Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills and approach to troubleshooting technical issues.
  • Highlight your ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a distributed team.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Occibo platform and be prepared to discuss your ideas for improving the user experience.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, and be prepared to provide examples of your work and experience.
  • Consider creating a personal project or contributing to open-source projects to demonstrate your skills and passion for backend engineering.
  • Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you embody them.

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