Software Engineer (Intern / Working Student)

About Acemate

acemate.ai is developing an AI-driven learning and teaching platform targeted at higher and further education institutions. Established in 2024, the company has quickly risen to become a trusted name across four countries, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as TU Munich, University of Cologne, WHU, and the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs). Our mission is to democratize personalized learning by empowering educators to deliver tailored educational experiences at scale without replacing them with AI. With secured pre-seed funding, acemate is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the DACH region, while preparing for geographic and market expansion. We pride ourselves on a dynamic, builder-focused culture that prioritizes autonomy and minimal scheduled meetings to maximize productivity.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

This part-time, onsite position involves product engineering responsibilities primarily focused on full-stack development of features used daily by students and educators. The role is highly flexible and can be tailored based on your strengths and interests, including:

• Product-focused development: Engaging with users and delivering end-to-end features that make AI functionalities genuinely valuable beyond typical chatbot experiences.
• Mobile development: Ownership opportunities within our React Native application.
• Platform and architecture: In-depth work involving effect and type-driven design, clean architecture, and AI data pipelines.

You will work closely with company founders and engineering staff to quickly translate user needs into practical solutions without extensive documentation. The work environment encourages agile, live prototyping, using real-time analytics (PostHog) and direct user feedback to iterate rapidly. Expect to own features comprehensively—from architectural planning through coding to final deployment—with tangible impact on student experiences at live institutions.

Examples of Projects

• Developing a daily quiz system inspired by Duolingo to enhance student engagement with university content.
• Constructing complex AI pipelines for extracting and mapping data from various source materials into knowledge graphs.
• Building a bespoke authorization engine to navigate complex institutional multi-environment requirements.

Technical Environment

• Frontend: TypeScript, Next.js, Tailwind CSS
• Mobile: TypeScript, React Native, Expo
• Backend: Effect-based TypeScript services
• Database: Supabase (PostgreSQL)
• Infrastructure: Cloudflare Workers, Pages, Workflows, R2, KV; Google Cloud Gemini, Cloud Run
• Tools: Sentry, Langfuse, PostHog, Stripe

Previous knowledge of all technologies is not mandatory; a demonstrated capacity for rapid learning is highly valued.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven ability to develop and release functioning software projects, whether personal, academic, or commercial, focusing on the quality and impact of what you have built rather than academic standing.
• A strong commitment to delivering excellence and going beyond baseline expectations.
• Curiosity and adaptability to continuously learn new technologies and embrace innovation.
• An informed and balanced approach to AI, combining foundational coding skills with the capability to integrate modern AI tools productively.
• A passion aligned with our vision to revolutionize education through personalized AI-enhanced learning.

Additional Information and Benefits

• Location: Berlin office, centrally located, with available snacks, beverages, and a friendly office dog.
• Work environment: Small, motivated team emphasizing performance and continuous learning.
• Flexibility: Work hours accommodate academic schedules including lectures and examination periods.
• Autonomy: Real responsibility and ownership of significant features from the very beginning rather than minor side tasks.
• Community: Regular team gatherings and social events to foster collaboration and enjoyment.