Eureka is the world’s biggest public network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation. Since 1985, governments and public funding agencies in our network have supported the R&D of over 7,000 ground-breaking commercialised innovations that have positively impacted economic growth and industry competitiveness. With several programmes, our network funds small, medium and large companies, universities and research organisations who undertake international R&D projects for civilian purpose.
The Brussels-based Eureka Secretariat supports the network’s strategic objectives, manages Eureka programme operations, develops and maintains IT platforms, stores data and promotes Eureka to a wide range of stakeholders and beneficiaries.
One of Eureka’s flagship programmes is the Innovative SME Partnership, co-funded by the European Commission. The funding programme for collaborative international innovation targeted at SMEs, called Eurostars, is a main component of the Partnership and is supported by an IT programme management platform developed by Eureka.
To support the finalisation of the development of the Eureka programme management platform, the Eureka Secretariat, based in Brussels (Etterbeek), is looking for one full time
ICT Backend developer (Solutions Engineer)
The role involves working closely with stakeholders and team members to understand requirements that drive the analysis and design of quality technical solutions. These solutions must be aligned with Eureka and IT strategies and in compliance with IT architectural standards.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to adjust to business changes, including new requirements, evolving goals and strategies and emerging technologies. They must be able to interact, develop, engineer and communicate collaboratively with end users, vendors, partners and all levels of staff at the highest technical levels. They must be able to provide fast and useful technical assistance on computer systems, answer queries on basic technical issues and offer advice to solve them.
The developer will report to the IT Program Manager and work in a team of three.
We are looking for a proactive, self-driven and dynamic professional, interested in and motivated by international collaboration, to join our team.
Duties and responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain server-side web applications and APIs
- Optimise applications for maximum speed and scalability
- Write clean, maintainable and efficient code
- Perform code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
- Ensure the security, performance and reliability of backend systems
- Debug and troubleshoot issues in existing applications and services
- Develop and manage well-functioning databases and applications
- Create automated tests to ensure high-quality code and performance
- Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies and best practices
- Collaborate with DevOps to deploy, manage, and monitor applications
- Document application processes, code changes and updates
- Participate in team meetings and contribute to technical discussions and decisions
Qualifications and skills
- Excellent spoken and written English is essential. French or Dutch (written and spoken) are an asset.
- Strong organisational skills, including time-management and the ability to work autonomously.
- Ability to take the lead in implementing new systems and optimising accounting processes and workflows.
- Experienced in using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and enterprise resource planning systems. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Business Central is an advantage.
Mandatory Hard Skills
- Backend language: Java
- Backend dependency management: Maven or Gradle
- Backend framework: Spring Boot
- Front languages: HTML, CSS, Javascript
- Test framework: JUnit, Mockito and Selenium
- Relational database system: MySQL or Oracle
- Non-relational database system: DynamoDB or MongoDB
Highly desired hard skills
- Database manager: Flyway or LiquidBase
- Front framework: Thymeleaf
- Cloud AWS: Cognito, CodePipeline, SES, S3 and ECS
- Bamboo, Docker, Kubernetes and Terraform
Soft skills
- Ability to clearly convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively with other team members.
- Strong analytical skills to identify issues, evaluate solutions and implement effective fixes.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team, supporting and learning from colleagues.
- Efficiently manage time to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, technologies and work environments.
- Meticulousness in writing and reviewing code to ensure quality and prevent errors.
- Innovative thinking to develop new solutions and improve existing ones.
- Ability to analsze situations objectively and make reasoned decisions.
- Persistence in the face of challenges and setbacks, maintaining a positive attitude.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated with industry trends and new technologies.
- Taking responsibility for one's work, including acknowledging mistakes and striving to improve.
- Understanding the needs of end-users and ensuring the backend supports a seamless user experience.
- Ability to handle disagreements constructively and find solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
- Keeping tasks and projects well-organised to ensure smooth workflow and efficient project management.
- Willingness to guide and support colleagues, sharing knowledge and fostering their growth in domains needed.
Education and experience
- A level of higher education that corresponds to completed post-secondary education of at least three years attested by a diploma and relevant professional experience of at least two years.
- Professional certifications (e.g., CSM, TOGAF, PMI-ACP, PMP, etc.) are considered a plus.
What we offer you
- A full-time position with an open-ended contract.
- A competitive salary, based on educational level and previous professional experience.
- Attractive extra-legal benefits, like flexible home-office working with a homeworking allowance, extra-legal vacation days, pension and hospitalisation plans, a work-to-office public transport season ticket and meal vouchers.
- An international and dynamic workplace consisting of a team of 35+ employees from 16 different countries
- Eureka strongly lives by the values of trust, transparency, passion, creativity, autonomy, collaboration, work-life balance and diversity across all our teams and our whole network of customers and partners.
- A nice and modern working environment, close to the centre of Brussels and the European quarter and easily reachable by public transport.
The selected candidate would be invited to would be invited to start as soon possible.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the European Union or the EEA.
Application and closing date
Please send your CV and motivation letter, completing the application form via the online APPLY button at the end of the vacancy page.
By sending an application, candidates give their consent to their diplomas and references being verified.
The Eureka Association is an equal opportunities employer.
Closing date: Friday 25 October 2024, 17.00hr Brussels time.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be contacted.
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