About the Position

Principal Engineer for AI-augmented Development (f/m/d)

COMPARUS GmbH is seeking a Principal Engineer for AI-augmented Development to lead innovative Java-based backend systems using AI throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

Location: Hamburg, DE

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid

What this is really about

If you’re looking for a Java role that involves processing tickets – stop reading here.

We are actively transforming the way software development works. AI isn’t just a peripheral tool – it’s an integral part of every step in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).

We’re looking for someone with genuine technical depth who questions processes, shapes architectures – and is already using AI productively today. Pioneering work. With all the freedom and demands that entails.

Responsibilities

Develop high-quality backend systems (Java, Spring Boot, microservices) – more efficiently than the average
Utilize AI throughout the entire SDLC:
- From requirements to production deployment
Challenge existing development processes and replace them with AI-supported alternatives
Drive initiatives such as:
- AI-assisted code generation
- Automated testing
- Intelligent code reviews
- Accelerated delivery pipelines
Contribute to building an AI-native engineering model

Requirements

Engineering Excellence

In-depth, proven experience in Java development (5+ years)
Confident use of Spring Boot, microservices, and REST APIs
Experience with containerised architectures: Docker, Kubernetes – ideally in on-premises or colocation environments (no public cloud lock-in)
Solid database knowledge: relational DBs (e.g. PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (e.g. MongoDB, Redis) – both are mandatory for us
Event-driven architecture: experience with Apache Kafka or comparable messaging systems
CI/CD experience: build pipelines, automated testing, deployment strategies
Multi-level testing: unit tests (JUnit), integration tests (e.g. Testcontainers), E2E and performance tests
Observability: familiarity with monitoring and logging stacks (e.g. Prometheus, Grafana, ELK)
Security awareness: OAuth2, API security, and secure handling of data protection requirements in the context of the GDPR
Very good understanding of clean code, testability, and sustainable maintainability
Ability to make architectural decisions, justify them, and advocate for them within the team
End-to-end responsibility in the SDLC

AI as a tool – not just a buzzword

You are already using AI productively in your coding
You know when AI adds value – and when it doesn’t
You can critically evaluate and improve results
You think in terms of workflows, not tools

Mindset

You continuously optimise your own productivity
You are not afraid to question established practices
You enjoy navigating between structure and experimentation

What sets you apart from others

You have already measurably improved your development process through AI
You use AI not only for code, but also for:
- Analysis, documentation, testing, debugging
You see yourself not just as a developer, but as a systems thinker in engineering

What we offer

An environment deliberately designed for high-performance engineering
No ‘ticket processing’, but genuine responsibility
Space to try out and establish new approaches
A modern toolchain with an active focus on AI
Direct influence on architecture, processes, and working methods

What this role is not

Not a classic ‘feature factory’ job
Not merely processing requirements
Not an environment where AI is just a buzzword

Why you should apply

If you already sense that software development is undergoing fundamental change – and you want not just to keep up, but to help shape the future: Then this role is made for you.

Application

Please send us:

Your CV
Optional: specific examples of how you use AI in the development process

Benefits & Essentials

Because your commitment counts!

Lunch: Enjoy high-quality meals at discounted prices.
Childcare: We subsidise the care of pre-school children.
Commuting: We subsidise your travel by public transport.
Retirement Plan: Benefit from additional provisions for your future.
Flexible working hours
Work from home option
State-of-the-art hardware
Drinks and fresh fruit

We would like to get to know you

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Principal Engineer for AI-augmented Development (f/m/d)

Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements