Senior Backend Engineer

Senior Backend Engineer at Dentsu International Switzerland AG in Zürich. This full-time hybrid role strengthens an e-banking platform using Kotlin, Spring Boot, and Apache Kafka.

This position focuses on reinforcing the service layer of a digital banking system. The engineer will take full ownership of backend services, spanning from API design to production monitoring, while guiding architectural choices and mentoring the wider team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, code, and upkeep secure backend services and APIs using Kotlin and Spring Boot.
• Implement event-driven connections through Apache Kafka, managing producers, consumers, streams, and Avro schemas with exactly-once guarantees.
• Manage database schemas, query performance, and migrations for both PostgreSQL and MySQL environments.
• Connect systems with monitoring and deployment tools, supporting operations on OpenShift or Kubernetes.
• Enforce security protocols for authentication, authorization, and data encryption, including OAuth2/OIDC.
• Review code, maintain engineering quality standards, and provide guidance to less experienced developers.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation for system design, implementation details, and API specifications.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of professional backend engineering experience.
• Strong command of the Kotlin programming language.
• Extensive hands-on work with Spring Boot components such as MVC, Security, Data JPA, Cloud, and Actuator.
• Deep knowledge of Apache Kafka, including Streams, Schema Registry, and exactly-once processing.
• Expertise in PostgreSQL and MySQL, covering data modeling, query optimization, replication, and HikariCP connection pooling.
• Practical background operating Kubernetes or OpenShift clusters.
• Clear grasp of distributed systems, microservices patterns, and architectural design.
• Working knowledge of OAuth2/OIDC and core backend security principles.
• Competence in Git version control and CI/CD workflows.
• German language skills at B2+ level for daily team communication and documentation.
• Business-level English proficiency for technical standards and global tooling.

Nice to have

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or IT, or equivalent practical experience.
• Background in regulated sectors like banking or fintech.
• Experience with Spring Cloud and distributed tracing solutions.
• Familiarity with database migration utilities such as Flyway or Liquibase.
• French or Italian language skills, which are valuable for the multilingual Swiss context.

What the company offers

• Twenty-five days of annual leave.
• Two paid volunteer days for charitable work.
• Three additional wellness days, plus access to a Mental Health First Aider and Employee Assistance Program.
• Standard 40-hour work week with overtime compensation.
• Flexible working hours arrangement.
• Autonomous home office setup.
• Modern, creative office environment with ergonomic workstations.
• Pet-friendly workplace policy.
• Access to Dentsu Academy, on-site training, and online language courses.
• Forty additional learning hours per year for development, beyond statutory leave.
• Corporate benefits platform.
• Referral bonus scheme.
• Workation options.
• Regular team events including company parties, monthly breakfasts, and aperos.

About the company

Dentsu International Switzerland AG drives the experience economy by creating unique brand experiences that differentiate clients from competitors. With over 35 years of industry experience, the organization helps brands build loyalty, accelerate growth, and engage audiences effectively. Recognized as a global leader by top analysts across digital transformation, commerce, experience design, and technology integration, the company places Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the core of its vision.

• Focus on crafting distinctive experiences that separate brands in the market.
• Decades of expertise in brand loyalty and audience engagement.
• Recognized leader in digital transformation, commerce, and technology integration.
• Strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values.