Graduation: Java Performance Optimization in Microservices
Key Skills
Job Description
Job Title
Graduation: Java Performance Optimization in MicroservicesJob Description
Assignment type: Graduation
Start date: February 2027
Assignment duration: 6 months
Location: Veghel
Education level: Bachelor / Master
Desired study: Computer science, Software engineering or related field
Language: Dutch / English
Description of assignment
Ready to tackle a high-impact software challenge? Our warehouse automation platform relies on dozens of Java and Spring Boot microservices on Kubernetes, where many services consume 600 MB to 900 MB per pod. High memory usage increases infrastructure costs, reduces cluster density, and limits scalability across development, testing, and production.
In this graduation project, you will investigate, measure, and optimize memory consumption across Spring Boot, Hibernate, JVM structures, thread pools, and caches without sacrificing performance or reliability. You will explore smart reduction strategies, answer how to minimize the platform's footprint, and deliver proof-of-concept optimizations with proven cost and resource savings
Department description
This assignment takes place within Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), the software development organization responsible for a key part of the Warehouse Platform. Our multidisciplinary teams develop and maintain different software modules in close collaboration. You will join an experienced and supportive environment where colleagues actively share their knowledge and help junior team members grow.
WES offers a dynamic yet structured workplace where teams solve real-world challenges and continuously create and improve solutions. As an intern or graduating student, you will work closely with a dedicated supervisor while collaborating with experienced software professionals who will support your learning and development throughout the assignment.
Tasks/responsibilities
- Analyze memory consumption of Java microservices running on Kubernetes
- Profile Spring Boot services to locate high memory usage
- Explore optimizations like JVM tuning, cache reduction, and GraalVM
- Build proof-of-concept implementations to test improvements
- Measure performance and savings before and after optimizations
- Present results, practical recommendations, and expected cost benefits
Your profile
- Background in Computer Science or Software Engineering
- Good knowledge of Java and microservice concepts
- Interest in performance tuning, profiling, and optimization
- Basic experience with Linux, Spring Boot, or containers
- An analytical mindset and strong communication skills
- *Mandatory enrolment to a Dutch Education System & resident of The Netherlands
What we offer
- A monthly internship allowance (based on a 40-hour work week):
- Bachelor: €500 per month
- Master: €550 per month
- Full commuting allowance, including public transport, depending on whether you have access to free public transport or not
- On-site health center with gym
- Active employee communities and initiatives
- Excellent company restaurant and barista coffee bar
Contact
Do you recognize yourself in this challenging profile? Are you looking for an internship in our organization? Please fill out the application form and upload your resume and cover letter. For more information, contact us by e-mail: [email protected].
Core Responsibilities
Analyze and optimize memory consumption of Java microservices on Kubernetes to improve infrastructure efficiency. Develop and test proof-of-concept solutions using profiling tools and JVM tuning strategies.
Requirements
Candidates must be enrolled in a Dutch education system and reside in the Netherlands, pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Strong knowledge of Java, microservices, and an analytical approach to performance optimization are required.
Benefits
- Internship allowance
- Commuting allowance
- On-site health center
- Gym
- Employee communities
- Company restaurant
- Barista coffee bar
About Vanderlande
Industry: Automation Machinery Manufacturing
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Vanderlande is the long-term partner of choice for the world’s leading airports and distribution operators – delivering automation solutions, operational software, and lifecycle services that drive performance, reliability, and sustainable growth. Vanderlande empowers the world’s most demanding airports and distribution operations to move faster, smarter, and more sustainably. As a trusted long-term partner, Vanderlande designs, delivers, and manages end-to-end logistics automation — combining best-in-class mechanical systems with cyber-secure operational software and data-driven services that keep mission-critical infrastructure performing at its peak. Serving the world’s top 50 airports and the largest parcel and e-commerce distribution networks globally, including partnerships with industry leaders such as UPS, DHL, FedEx, and GeoPost.Vanderlande brings unmatched operational intimacy to every engagement. Customers choose Vanderlande not only for the longevity and reliability of its solutions, but for its proven commitment to project delivery: when challenges arise, Vanderlande leans in. Founded in 1949 and part of Toyota Industries Corporation, Vanderlande combines seven decades of engineering excellence with a forward-looking approach to digital innovation and sustainability — continually reducing the energy footprint of its systems and making responsible choices across its global supply chain. With nearly 10,000 employees and revenues approaching €3 billion, Vanderlande operates across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia-Pacific, delivering solutions that move people, goods, and possibilities forward.