Java Software Developer in the field of Optical Network

Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) is a private research institution devoted to excellence in research in numerous disciplines and designated to the role of keeping the Autonomous Province of Trento in the mainstream of European and international research. The Foundation’s research activities are structured into twelve research centers, each dedicated to a specific area. Information regarding the research centers, their activities and production is available at fbk.eu.

Workplace

The FBK Cyber Security Centre (CS) develops digital technology and cyber security to foster collaboration between the various stakeholders through a combination of IT risk management techniques (in order to develop highly innovative security solutions that will mitigate vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attacks) as well as trust management techniques (to improve the interaction between people and technology). As part of the FBK mission, which aims to achieve results of scientific excellence and to produce an impact on society, the Center's mission is to make these techniques available to the largest number of organizations, including SMEs, which account for a substantial part of the EU economy but lack cybersecurity expertise. To this end, integrating automated cyber risk assessment support with trust management that will have the ability to produce operational suggestions to assist ICT solutions designers, developers and administrators in their daily activities is critical.

The candidate will be working in the SaFEWaRe (Secure Code Lifecycle for Applications and Networking) Unit of FBK Cyber Security Center. SaFEWaRe operates along two primary tracks: research in secure code development and industrial collaborations aimed at software implementation.

On the research side, our goal is to provide tools and practices that secure the code throughout its entire lifecycle and to ensure that code adheres to international regulations and standards (such as NIS2).

On the industrial side, we have a long-term collaboration with Cisco Photonics for the development of solutions for the management of fiber-based transport networks, from control-plane features to centralized (SDN) management functions.

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed to promoting gender equality. To promote the inclusion of disabled staff as per law 68/99, the Foundation is available and interested in evaluating the applications received for technical-scientific domains that do not correspond exactly to this call.

Job Description

The SaFEWaRe Unit is currently seeking a skilled and motivated Java developer to join our team. The chosen candidate will contribute to the development of new system features for our SDN controller, collaborating with prestigious Italian and international partners in a dynamic and innovative environment.

The controller is a back-end server application developed in Java integrating multiple functional components needed for the management of optical transport networks. The team oversees the implementation of new functional modules and the API to integrate them into existing applications.

The candidate is expected to contribute to the design, development, and testing of assigned components, with a key responsibility to deliver high-quality software that meets the provided specifications.

Depending on the candidate’s seniority, responsibilities may include: Analyzing the requirements for the software modules providing the related design solutions considering the functional and project constraints. Providing appropriate estimates for code completion. Implementing the solution with the requested level of quality and testing (Unit Test, Acceptance Test). Taking ownership of existing code performing the required reverse-engineering activities. Supporting the solution integration, system test and deployment providing timing issues analysis and fix.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate should have: Master's degree in computer science or equivalent Experience in Java development Knowledge of Object-Oriented programming principles Knowledge of at least one IDE (IntelliJ, Eclipse) Ability to write robust and well-documented code Ability to design medium complex software components Good knowledge of the English language, both oral and written (At least B2 Level) Intermediate knowledge of the Italian language, both oral and written (At least B1 Level) Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team Good communication, relational skills, and a flexible, self-motivated approach

The following elements will be positively evaluated: 3 years post-master experience Knowledge of Agile Methodology Knowledge of a version-control system (preferably GIT) Knowledge of additional programming languages (e.g. python, C/C++) and scripting languages (e.g. bash)

Employment

Type of contract: fixed-term contract

Working hours: Full time (38 h per week)

Start date: Preferably October 2026

Duration: 18 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding

Workplace: Povo, Trento

Gross annual salary: From about € 41.200 to € 47.100 depending on background and expertise in the field, plus objectives achievements bonus

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office support for visa formalities and for research in accommodation, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, social security (SANIFONDS), family-work balance, free training courses, support on bank account opening, discount on public transport, sport, language course fees, counseling and psychological support service. More info at fbk.eu

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form jobs.fbk.eu. Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments

(in pdf format): Detailed CV including relevant past experiences (as an attached document in PDF format); Cover Letter (explaining your motivation for this specific position).

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

NEW Application deadline: 14/09/2026

Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.

For further information or technical issues regarding the application, please contact the People Innovation for Research Department at jobs@fbk.eu.

Call details

• Institution: Bruno Kessler Foundation
• Applications open: 11/08/2026
• Application deadline: 14/09/2026 23:55