Software Engineer – Backend Java in Lisbon, Portugal

Backend engineers with strong Java experience have an opportunity to join SIXT Portugal as a Software Engineer – Backend Java in Lisbon. The full-time position combines backend development with cloud-native architecture, distributed systems, microservices and event-driven technologies, giving experienced software engineers the opportunity to work on technology that supports a global mobility platform.

Based in Lisbon, the role follows a hybrid working model, with two office days per week and flexible working hours. The position is particularly suited to engineers who have experience building scalable applications and distributed systems and who want to work within an international technology environment.

Job Overview

SIXT is looking for a skilled Backend Java Developer to join its technology team and contribute to the development of its next-generation mobility ecosystem.

Rather than focusing solely on writing code, the role involves understanding business processes, designing technical solutions and contributing to systems that are scalable, resilient and cloud-native.

Key Job Details

• Job Title: Software Engineer – Backend Java (m/f/d)
• Company: SIXT Portugal
• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Model: Hybrid
• Office Attendance: Two days per week
• Primary Technology: Java
• Cloud: AWS or similar cloud platforms
• Architecture: Microservices and distributed systems
• Messaging: Kafka, NSQ, RabbitMQ or similar technologies

What Will the Backend Java Engineer Do?

The successful candidate will work on backend systems that form part of SIXT’s wider mobility technology ecosystem.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing software using the Java technology stack
• Designing and developing end-to-end distributed systems in the cloud
• Building scalable and resilient microservices
• Developing libraries and tools for the company’s microservices ecosystem
• Working with event-driven systems
• Participating in code reviews
• Contributing to technical knowledge-sharing activities
• Maintaining technical documentation
• Understanding business processes and translating them into effective technical solutions
• Keeping up to date with emerging technologies and development practices

The position combines hands-on software engineering with architectural thinking, making it suitable for developers who want to contribute beyond individual features or applications.

Technical Skills and Experience

SIXT is seeking candidates with several years of experience working in sophisticated technology environments.

The key technical requirements and areas of experience include:

Java Development

Candidates should have professional development experience with Java and familiarity with Spring or another comparable application development framework.

Cloud and Distributed Systems

Experience with cloud providers such as AWS is important. Candidates should also have experience designing distributed systems or working with microservices architectures.

Event-Driven Architecture

The role involves event-driven platforms and messaging technologies. Experience with systems such as:

• Apache Kafka
• NSQ
• RabbitMQ
• Pub-sub platforms
• Message brokers

would be relevant.

Cloud-Native Applications

Experience building cloud-native applications and addressing scalability challenges is also important for the position.

The Ideal Candidate

Beyond technical expertise, SIXT is looking for an engineer with a product-oriented mindset and strong attention to detail.

The ideal candidate should be able to:

• Think critically about technical and business challenges
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Work collaboratively with engineering and product teams
• Give and receive constructive feedback
• Identify opportunities to improve processes
• Take initiative when solving technical problems
• Adapt to new technologies and approaches
• Focus on building solutions that deliver real business value

This makes the position suitable for an engineer who combines strong technical capability with curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to continuously improve.

Hybrid Working in Lisbon

The position offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with employees expected to work from the office two days per week.

SIXT’s Lisbon technology hubs include locations at Factory Lisboa in Beato and ARTs Lisboa in Parque das Nações, providing an environment where engineers can work alongside product specialists, technology professionals and business teams.

Benefits and Perks

SIXT offers a range of benefits designed to support professional development, wellbeing and flexibility.

The advertised benefits include:

• Hybrid working
• Flexible working hours
• 28 vacation days per year
• Additional day off on your birthday
• One paid volunteer day each year
• Private health insurance
• Private health insurance coverage for spouse and children at no additional cost
• Annual Coverflex allowance
• Daily meal allowance
• Learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities
• Internal and external technology events
• Career development opportunities
• Exclusive discounts on SIXT services
• Special SIXT discounts for family and friends

Learning and Career Development

The role offers opportunities to work alongside experienced engineers, product experts and business teams in an international technology environment.

SIXT also emphasizes continuous learning and knowledge exchange through internal and external events, giving employees opportunities to expand their technical knowledge and stay current with developments in the technology industry.

For backend engineers interested in cloud-native architecture, distributed systems and event-driven applications, this environment can provide valuable exposure to large-scale technology challenges.

About SIXT

SIXT is a global mobility services provider with approximately 9,000 employees and reported revenue of around €4 billion.

Its mobility platform, SIXT ONE, brings together several services, including:

• SIXT rent
• SIXT share
• SIXT ride
• SIXT+

The company operates across more than 110 countries, with approximately 2,000 rental locations, a fleet of around 350,000 vehicles, and thousands of cooperation partners.

Its technology infrastructure therefore plays an important role in connecting customers with mobility services across different markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Software Engineer – Backend Java position located?

The position is based in Lisbon, Portugal.

2. Is this a full-time position?

Yes. The advertised position is full-time.

3. Is the role remote?

It is a hybrid position rather than fully remote. Employees are expected to work from the office two days per week.

4. What programming language is required?

The primary programming language for the position is Java. Experience with Spring or a comparable application development framework is also expected.

5. Does the role require cloud experience?

Yes. SIXT is looking for candidates with experience using cloud providers such as AWS and with designing distributed or microservices-based systems.

6. What messaging technologies are relevant to the role?

Experience with event-driven platforms and messaging brokers such as Kafka, NSQ or RabbitMQ is relevant.

7. How much professional experience is required?

The listing asks for several years of experience working in sophisticated technology environments, particularly involving cloud-native applications, scalability challenges and event-driven solutions.

8. What benefits does SIXT offer?

Benefits include 28 vacation days, a birthday day off, volunteer leave, private health insurance, Coverflex and meal allowances, flexible working, learning opportunities and discounts on SIXT services.

9. Is this role suitable for someone interested in microservices?

Yes. Microservices architecture, distributed systems and event-driven applications are central to the technical environment described for the position.