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

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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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What this role is not

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

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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.

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Application

Please send us:

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

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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

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We would like to get to know you

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