Junior Back-end Developer at Lifely
Hi future dev friend.
First off, thank you for taking the time to read our vacancy. Yes, we are looking for a Junior Back-end Developer. And yes, we know there are plenty of opportunities for you out there. If you’re scanning opportunities right now, you might be thinking about growth, creativity, a sense of purpose, community, or maybe just a better work-life balance. We get it - everyone is aiming to find their own ‘perfect fit.’ If your main driver is just money, you’ll likely find bigger organizations that outbid us. If your sole focus is on working for a trendy scale-up that screams “innovation” or “save the world”, we might not be the loudest cheerleader in that arena either.
But here’s why you might consider Lifely: we shape experiences that matter. We work with small to mid-sized companies led by engaged entrepreneurs who are close to their end customers. These are clients who want to build something their customers love and use every day - and that’s what you get the chance to contribute to. Our beautiful studio in Amsterdam screams considered creativity, and as part of our bigger team in Granada, Spain, you’ll have the opportunity to serve clients in both the Netherlands and Spain. We also build startups internally, like our latest AIAIAI.eu. This way, you’ll be sure to get exposed to the latest capabilities in AI and learn how to incorporate Generative AI into the products you design. These aren’t disposable designs; they’re thoughtful, durable products designed to make a real difference to companies' bottom line and users' daily lives.
At Lifely, we craft digital experiences that stand the test of time. As a Junior Back-end Developer, you’ll:
Build and learn: Contribute to well-structured, maintainable back-end systems. You’ll focus on writing clean, scalable code with mentorship from more experienced developers.
Work with real data: Implement features, write and refine code, run tests, and adapt based on feedback. You’ll see firsthand how your work impacts real users.
Collaborate across teams: You’ll work closely with fellow developers, designers, and clients to understand requirements and create solid back-end solutions. No siloed work here.
Embrace AI: We rely on AI-assisted coding tools, and you’ll get the chance to deepen your skills using AI-driven solutions to speed up coding and testing.
Explore DevOps: While your primary focus is back-end, you’ll have opportunities to learn about cloud environments, Docker, CI/CD pipelines, and more, developing a broader skill set over time.
We’re looking for someone who’s not just checking boxes. Sure, we have some requirements, but what matters most is who you are as a teammate and a creator. Maybe you’re a bit stubborn - not from arrogance, but because you’re genuinely excited about pushing good ideas forward. You balance dreaming big with being realistic, and you know when to yield to better solutions.
If this sounds like you, read on.
1–2 years of hands-on experience with back-end development, from either a previous role, academic background (bachelor’s/master’s), or substantial personal/hobby projects (we love Homelab-ers and Tinkerers).
You’re actively using or seriously integrating AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Windsurf into your workflow - not just testing, but relying on them to speed up development and improve quality.
Knows how to send Captain Falcon flying in Smash (without spamming Side-B, we know who you are 👀).
Comfortable with SQL and TypeScript or Python, and at least one modern framework like NestJS or Django.
Familiar with Git for version control.
Bonus for exposure to Docker and basic cloud infrastructure.
You greet new Slack channels with Obi-Wan’s ‘Hello there,’ purely out of Star Wars etiquette.
Experienced with building efficient, scalable backend logic; clean code is your baseline.
A collaborative team player who takes feedback seriously and communicates clearly.
Fluent in English, and you can say “¡Hola!” in Spanish too.
Thinks structurally and understands how backend design impacts users and systems alike.
We believe in shaping a work environment that supports your growth and well-being. At Lifely, you’ll find:
Location & Flexibility: Our office sits on the canals of Amsterdam, a hub of creativity and culture. We work in a hybrid way, giving you flexibility as long as you keep your team and clients in the loop, mostly within EST+1 standard business hours. As a rule of thumb, we believe it’s beneficial to be in the office between 2 and 3 days per week, but we’re not going to be a stickler about it.
Compensation: A competitive salary between € 36.000 and € 44.000 per year including pension, depending on your experience.
Growth & Development: Access to professional development opportunities, mentorship, and a culture that values continuous learning.
Work that is tangible: Partner with clients who want to build something their customers love and use every day - and that’s what you get the chance to contribute to. These aren’t disposable designs; they’re thoughtful, durable products designed to make a real difference to companies' bottom line and users' daily lives.
Balance & Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package, including 25 paid vacation days based on a full-time position and 8% holiday pay, plus other perks like flexible hours and hybrid working arrangements.
Team events & Retreats: We organize multiple team events per year and yearly company retreats somewhere in Europe (our last retreat was in Italy, and in 2025, we’re heading to Spain!). You’ll also have the opportunity to work remotely from our office in Spain and take work-paid trips to Spain when projects call for hands-on collaboration.
If you’ve read this far and thought, “These sound like my people,” then let’s talk. Send us your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit. Show us what you’ve created, and tell us the story behind it. Please submit your application to by hitting 'Apply now' at the bottom of this page.
We can’t wait to meet you.
Cheers,
The Lifely Team
We have never worked and are not planning to work with recruitment agencies or start-ups. Acquisition is not appreciated.
We breathe Lifely into ideas. We’re problem solvers with a warm heart. Researchers, designers, and innovators who help clients until they can help themselves. We set the foundations for durable change because technology will perpetually shape the way people connect and work.