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 MemoriaTM (AI-based neuroimaging and cognitive data intelligence), OxyleafTM (environmental monitoring and air quality technologies), TerraTM (advanced soil and ecological remediation systems), PolarisTM (strategic data infrastructure and positioning systems), BalloonTM (high-altitude sensing and urban climate platforms), and BiocityTM (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 MemoriaTM, PolarisTM, OxyleafTM, and BalloonTM 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, Io T 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 (Postgre SQL, My SQL) or non-relational (Mongo DB, 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, Exposure to message brokers or event-driven architectures (Rabbit MQ, Kafka, or equivalent) Interest in AI, data intelligence, environmental technology, or Io T systems Basic knowledge of CI/CD pipel