Working Student - Software Prototyping, Cardiovascular, Orthopedics and ENT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Working Student - Software Prototyping, Cardiovascular, Orthopedics and ENT

Company: Brainlab

Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: Intern

Category: Software Engineering / Medical Technology Operations

Date Posted: October 2, 2025

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on hands-on software prototyping within the medical technology sector, specifically for cardiovascular, orthopedics, and ENT applications.

• The position involves contributing to the experimental development and real-world evaluation of novel medical solutions.

• Collaboration is key, with close interaction expected among product managers, engineers, and clinical experts to bring innovative concepts to life.

• This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience in software engineering, prototyping, and the healthcare innovation pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Software Prototyping," the context of medical technology and cross-functional collaboration suggests an underlying need for operations-minded individuals who can bridge technical development with practical application and evaluation. This role requires an understanding of the product development lifecycle from an operational perspective, ensuring prototypes are not just functional but also viable for future clinical integration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the hands-on creation, development, and testing of early-stage software prototypes for medical applications.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, software engineers, and clinical experts, to define and refine prototype requirements and functionalities.

• Contribute to experimental development processes, pushing the boundaries of novel medical solutions and concepts.

• Engage in the real-world evaluation of prototypes, gathering feedback and insights for iterative improvement and validation.

• Support the documentation of prototype development, testing protocols, and evaluation findings to ensure knowledge transfer and project continuity.

• Assist in the exploration and integration of new technologies and methodologies relevant to medical software development and prototyping.

• Provide support in translating clinical needs and user feedback into actionable technical requirements for prototype development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a hands-on development aspect, but the emphasis on "evaluation of novel medical solutions" and "collaboration with clinical experts" points towards an operational component. The role requires not just coding but also understanding the practical application, validation, and potential integration challenges of these prototypes within a clinical workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience, with a strong academic foundation and practical project work through university courses or personal projects.

Required Skills:

• Solid programming skills in at least one of the specified languages, such as C++ or Godot, with a demonstrated ability to learn new programming environments.

• Foundational understanding of software engineering principles and development methodologies.

• Genuine interest in software prototyping, innovation processes, and the application of technology within the healthcare and medical device sector.

• Demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a proactive, self-driven mindset towards problem-solving and learning.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with game engines or rapid prototyping tools like Godot.

• Familiarity with medical imaging, surgical planning, or other medical software domains.

• Exposure to agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of user-centered design principles in software development.

• Basic knowledge of data analysis or visualization techniques relevant to prototype evaluation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level for a "Working Student" strongly implies that practical application through academic projects and personal initiative is highly valued. The emphasis on "Curiosity, creativity, and a proactive mindset" suggests that the company is looking for individuals who can independently explore solutions and contribute innovative ideas, a trait crucial for operations roles focused on continuous improvement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one significant software project demonstrating your programming skills (e.g., C++, Godot) and problem-solving abilities.

• Include examples of early-stage prototypes or proof-of-concepts, highlighting your approach to rapid development and iteration.

• Provide documentation or descriptions of the development process, including challenges faced and solutions implemented, to illustrate your engineering workflow.

• If applicable, include any projects that involved user feedback or validation, demonstrating an understanding of practical application.

Process Documentation:

• For portfolio projects, be prepared to articulate your development methodology – how you planned, built, and tested your software.

• Clearly describe the tools and technologies used, including any specific IDEs, version control systems (like Git), or prototyping environments.

• Be ready to discuss how you approached debugging, testing, and ensuring the basic functionality of your prototypes.

• If relevant, explain how you incorporated feedback or iteratively refined your prototype based on initial results or user input.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Working Student" role, a formal "portfolio" might not be strictly required in the traditional sense. However, the ability to present and discuss academic or personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills is crucial. The emphasis here is on showcasing the candidate's approach to software development, problem-solving, and their understanding of iterative processes, mirroring the operational aspects of bringing a concept from idea to tangible output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a working student position, compensation will be in line with German regulations for student employment and industry standards for Munich. Typical rates for working students in technical fields in Munich can range from €12 to €18 per hour, depending on experience and the specific demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: Offers adaptability to balance academic commitments with practical work experience.

• Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in an international company at the forefront of medical technology, contributing to impactful projects.

• Bike Storage: Secure and convenient parking for bicycles, encouraging sustainable commuting.

• Food and Snacks: Access to an award-winning, subsidized company restaurant and in-house cafes, providing convenient and affordable dining options.

• Fitness: Utilize an ultra-modern 360m² company gym, promoting employee well-being and an active lifestyle.

• Socializing: Opportunities for networking and team building through weekly student lunches and regular company events.

Working Hours: The position involves flexible working hours, allowing students to manage their academic schedule effectively while contributing to project goals. While the role is listed as full-time (40 hours/week), the flexibility allows for adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical "Werkstudent" (working student) compensation in Germany, particularly in a tech hub like Munich, which has a higher cost of living. The listed benefits are significant for a student role, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and a supportive work environment, which indirectly supports operational efficiency and team morale.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Healthcare Software. Brainlab is a pioneer in developing software-driven medical technology that enhances patient treatment accessibility and efficiency. The company operates in a highly regulated and innovation-driven sector.

Company Size: Approximately 2400 employees worldwide, with a significant presence of around 25 locations. This indicates a mature, established company with a global reach, offering stability and structured processes.

Founded: 1989 in Munich, Germany. With over three decades of experience, Brainlab has a deep history and established expertise in its field, fostering a culture of innovation built on a solid foundation.

Team Structure:

• The role is likely within a dedicated R&D or product development team focused on specific therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, orthopedics, ENT).

• Collaboration is expected across different functional groups, including product management, engineering (software and hardware), clinical affairs, and potentially quality assurance and regulatory affairs.

Methodology:

• Brainlab emphasizes a culture of curiosity, authenticity, and usefulness. This translates into an approach that encourages exploration, transparent communication, and a focus on creating tangible value for patients and clinicians.

• For software prototyping, the methodology likely involves agile principles, rapid iteration, and a strong emphasis on experimental development and validation.

• Data-driven decision-making is implicitly important in medical technology, with a focus on evidence-based evaluation of prototypes and solutions.

Company Website: https://www.brainlab.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (curious, authentic, useful) are highly relevant to operations professionals. "Curious" drives innovation and process improvement, "authentic" fosters transparent communication and trust, and "useful" ensures that all efforts, including prototyping, are aligned with delivering tangible value and improving clinical outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Working Student" role is an entry-level, foundational position. It's designed for individuals early in their academic careers to gain exposure to professional software development and medical technology operations. The focus is on learning, skill development, and contributing to specific tasks under guidance, rather than independent strategic decision-making.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a senior software engineer, team lead, or a product manager who oversees the prototyping initiatives. This mentor will guide your work, provide feedback, and facilitate your integration into the team's workflow.

Operations Impact: While this role is focused on prototyping, the work directly impacts the future operational efficiency and effectiveness of clinical treatments. Successful prototypes can lead to new product features or entirely new medical solutions, ultimately improving patient care and the operational workflows of healthcare providers. Your contributions help validate new concepts before significant investment, reducing operational risk.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen programming skills (C++, Godot), learn about medical software development lifecycles, and gain experience with prototyping tools and methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Understand the intricacies of the medical technology industry, including regulatory considerations and clinical validation processes.

• Networking: Build relationships with experienced engineers, product managers, and clinical professionals, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful interns may be considered for future internships, working student positions, or even entry-level roles upon graduation, especially if they demonstrate strong technical aptitude and a good cultural fit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on skill acquisition and exposure rather than a defined career ladder, which is typical for intern roles. However, the emphasis on "Operations Impact" highlights how even fundamental roles contribute to the broader operational success of bringing innovative medical solutions to market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Munich, Germany. Brainlab offers a modern, well-equipped office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Specific details about the office's accessibility or proximity to public transport are not provided but are typical for major German cities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in an open or semi-open office setting that encourages interaction with colleagues and team members.

• Tools and Technology: You will have access to the necessary hardware, software licenses, and development tools required for software prototyping and innovation. This includes powerful workstations and potentially specialized medical simulation software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for informal discussions, brainstorming sessions, and formal team meetings with engineers, product managers, and clinical experts.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing students to integrate their academic responsibilities with their work schedule. While the role is listed as 40 hours per week, the flexibility likely means daily hours can be adjusted, provided project deadlines and team needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" work arrangement is crucial for a prototyping role that often requires hands-on access to hardware, collaborative whiteboarding sessions, and immediate feedback loops with team members. The flexible hours are a significant operational advantage for students.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application (CV, cover letter, any attached project examples) to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves questions about your programming experience (C++, Godot), problem-solving skills, and understanding of software engineering concepts. You may be asked to discuss your projects in detail.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion about your motivation, curiosity, collaborative skills, and how you align with Brainlab's core values (curious, authentic, useful). They will explore your understanding of the role and your interest in medical technology.

• Potential Technical Challenge: Depending on the team's process, you might be given a small coding exercise or asked to elaborate on a specific technical problem during the interview.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on academic projects, personal coding endeavors, or contributions to open-source projects that showcase your programming skills (C++, Godot) and your interest in innovation or problem-solving.

• Demonstrate Process: For each project, be prepared to explain your thought process, the tools you used, the challenges you encountered, and how you overcame them. This showcases your operational approach to development.

• Showcase Prototyping: If you have examples of early-stage prototypes or proof-of-concepts, these are highly valuable. Explain the purpose of the prototype and the iteration steps taken.

• Connect to Role: Clearly articulate why your skills and interests make you a good fit for a software prototyping role in the medical technology field. Emphasize your curiosity and willingness to learn.

Challenge Preparation:

• Basic Algorithms & Data Structures: Refresh your knowledge of fundamental programming concepts.

• Language Proficiency: Be ready to discuss specific features or challenges related to C++ or Godot.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about how you would approach a simple software development problem, focusing on clarity, efficiency, and logical steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Portfolio Review Tips" and "Challenge Preparation" is tailored to a student role where practical demonstration of skills through projects is paramount. The advice focuses on articulating the "how" and "why" behind their technical work, which aligns with an operational mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: C++, Godot (game engine/scripting).

• Development Environments: Likely IDEs such as Visual Studio, VS Code, or specific Godot editors.

• Version Control: Git is standard for collaborative software development.

• Prototyping Tools: Specific internal tools or frameworks developed by Brainlab for rapid medical software prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a prototyping role, understanding basic data logging within prototypes for evaluation purposes might be required.

CRM & Automation:

• Less likely to be directly involved with CRM or extensive automation tools in this specific prototyping role. The focus is on early-stage development rather than established process automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of C++ and Godot is a direct indicator of the core technical tools. For a prototyping role, the emphasis is on the development environment and version control, which are fundamental to efficient software operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curious: Encourages exploration of new technologies and innovative solutions for medical challenges. This means being open to trying new approaches in prototyping and not being afraid to ask questions.

• Authentic: Fosters transparency and honesty in communication and work. This applies to admitting challenges, sharing honest feedback, and working with integrity.

• Useful: Drives a focus on creating tangible value. All prototyping efforts should be aimed at solving real clinical problems or improving existing workflows, ensuring the output has a clear purpose.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with individuals from diverse backgrounds (engineering, product, clinical), requiring clear communication and mutual respect for different expertise.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of open feedback is likely, where prototypes are shared and discussed constructively to drive improvement and identify potential operational issues early on.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to learn from more experienced team members and share your own insights and discoveries, contributing to a collective learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's core values are directly applicable to an operational mindset. Embracing "Curiosity" leads to process optimization, "Authenticity" builds trust in operational reporting, and "Usefulness" ensures that all operational efforts are aligned with business objectives and customer value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Translating academic knowledge into practical, functional prototypes in a real-world medical context.

• Rapid Iteration: Working within fast-paced development cycles to quickly build, test, and refine prototypes based on feedback.

• Understanding Clinical Needs: Gaining a clear comprehension of complex clinical workflows and user requirements in specialized medical fields (cardiovascular, orthopedics, ENT).

• Navigating New Technologies: Quickly learning and applying new programming languages, tools, or frameworks as required for specific prototyping tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Advancement: Intensive practice with C++ and Godot, and exposure to other relevant development tools and techniques.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Gaining foundational understanding of medical device development, clinical validation processes, and regulatory considerations within healthcare.

• Prototyping Methodologies: Learning best practices for rapid prototyping, experimental development, and early-stage concept validation.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Understanding how different departments within a medical technology company collaborate to bring products to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are framed to emphasize the learning curve and the development of both technical and operational skills relevant to the medical technology sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a complex programming project you worked on and how you approached it." Prepare to discuss your role, the technologies used, the challenges, and the outcome. Focus on your problem-solving process and how you managed the project's lifecycle.

• "How do you approach learning a new programming language or tool?" Be ready to describe your methodology for acquiring new technical skills, highlighting your curiosity and proactive learning approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Brainlab and our core values (curious, authentic, useful)?" Demonstrate that you've researched the company and can articulate how you embody these values in your academic or personal projects.

• "How do you handle working in a team, especially with individuals from different backgrounds?" Provide examples of your collaborative experiences and your ability to communicate effectively across disciplines.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 1-2 Key Projects: Choose projects that best demonstrate your C++ or Godot skills, your ability to build functional prototypes, and your interest in problem-solving.

• Focus on the Process: For each project, explain the problem statement, your approach to development, the tools you used, key technical decisions, and the results or lessons learned.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your code, design choices, and potential improvements.

• Highlight Curiosity and Usefulness: Frame your project discussions around how you were curious to explore a solution and how the outcome was useful or had the potential to be.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is designed to help candidates showcase not just their technical prowess but also their operational mindset, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Brainlab's values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this working student position:

• Submit your application through Brainlab's careers portal (via the provided URL).

• Tailor your CV: Highlight any academic projects, personal coding experiences, or relevant coursework that demonstrate your C++ or Godot skills, your interest in software engineering, and your proactive approach.

• Craft a concise cover letter: Express your genuine interest in software prototyping within the medical technology sector, mention Brainlab's core values, and explain how your skills align with the role's requirements.

• Prepare to discuss your projects: Be ready to elaborate on your portfolio during the interview, focusing on your development process, problem-solving strategies, and any relevant innovations.

• Research Brainlab: Familiarize yourself with Brainlab's products, especially in the cardiovascular, orthopedics, and ENT fields, and understand their impact on clinical practice.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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