• Build and ship product features end-to-end: from clarifying requirements to implementation, testing, and production release. 
• Design, implement and maintain clean APIs and integrations between frontend and backend (including error handling and versioning). 
• Improve code quality and maintainability through thoughtful refactoring, code reviews, and shared engineering standards. 
• Ensure reliable delivery by contributing to CI/CD, monitoring/logging, and troubleshooting production issues when they occur. 
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders (Product/Project/Design/Data) and communicate technical decisions clearly and transparently.

Must-haves 

• React (18+) + TypeScript (required):You build robust, reusable components and can manage complex UI state (e.g., conversational/chat UI, rich media cards, multi-turn flows).
• Responsive & accessible by default: Strong mobile-first mindset and hands-on knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA requirements (keyboard navigation, screen readers, color contrast, etc.).
• API integration & data handling: Very confident with REST APIs (error handling, retries, fallbacks) and efficient data processing; ideally also WebSockets or Server-Sent Events for live updates.
• State management: Experience with React Context or Zustand (or equivalent) in larger, stateful applications.
• Testing: Reliable testing with Jest + React Testing Library (bonus: accessibility checks like axe/WAVE).
• Engineering basics: Git, clear documentation (e.g.,Swagger/OpenAPI), and high quality standards.

Nice-to-haves / strong preferences 

• Docker and GitLab CI/CD experience.
• Web component / widget embedding experience (Shadow DOM, Custom Elements, cross-domain considerations).
• Performance optimization(load time, code splitting, bundle optimization, smooth UX under load)..

Plus 

• Any infrastructure/cloud exposure is a big plus (e.g.,GCP,monitoring like Prometheus/Grafana, CDN like Cloudflare).
• Experience in media/broadcasting contexts (bonus)

Language 

• English: required
• German: nice to have (not a must)

ZDF Sparks is a workplace for curious, ambitious, and collaborative AI trendsetters who are excited about working on new and continuously changing customer challenges. We proudly embrace diversity and enjoy working in fast-paced, cross-functional, and multicultural teams.

Our hybrid work model is designed to support personal flexibility and creativity, enabling a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexible working hours and a hybrid setup to accommodate any personal circumstances.

In our centrally located Berlin top-floor office, we enjoy modern spaces with ergonomic workstations grouped to facilitate personal exchange and knowledge sharing, as well as closed rooms for larger meetings and quiet work.

We network with our ZDF office partners and visitors over lunches, talks, and afterwork get-together events and engage in fun team activities during regular company events.

To support your professional growth, we offer opportunities for further education through (external) regular workshops, hackathons, and networking events.

Additionally, we provide a professional development budget (per employee) for conferences, certifications, or external courses.

You will have 30 days of vacation to recharge (plus Christmas and New Years eve). We also fully cover the cost of the Deutschland-Jobticket to support your commute.

At ZDF Sparks, our values are the cornerstone of everything we do:

• Transparent: We believe in clear, open communication both within our team and with our clients. Your insights and knowledge will be valued and shared to drive collective success.
• Fun: We believe that work should be enjoyable and fulfilling. At ZDF Sparks, we maintain a light-hearted atmosphere with humor and a relaxed communication style among colleagues. This fosters a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to contribute their best, ensuring our collaborative efforts are both productive and enjoyable.
• Diverse: Our strength lies in our diverse team. Different perspectives and backgrounds drive our creativity and innovation, ensuring that our AI solutions are comprehensive and inclusive. By integrating different points of view, our collaborative team develops AI that reflects various experiences and meets the diverse needs of our clients.
• Innovative: We live and breathe innovation, continuously learning and pushing boundaries to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions.

Your contact person is: Nilofer Qayumi (Senior Technical Recruiter) 

For any questions about the job advertisement and the application process, please contact career@zdf-sparks.com.

We look forward to getting to know you!


*At ZDF Sparks, diversity drives our innovation and strengthens our team. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status.