Lead Backend Engineer (Node.js/Express)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development

Online courses

Wellness support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to join a fully remote team driving the backend for a growing e-commerce platform. You will design, develop, and scale services using Node.js and Express, while mentoring a team of engineers and defining technical direction.

You will collaborate with product managers and frontend teams to deliver features, write clean code, and ensure performance, security, and reliability. A strong focus on API design and database optimization will be essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Backend Engineer with Node.js/Express.js.
• Experience leading engineering teams or projects.
• Strong understanding of building/consuming RESTful APIs.
• Proficiency with NoSQL (MongoDB) and SQL (PostgreSQL) databases.
• Knowledge of software design patterns and data structures.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and containerization (Docker) is a plus.
• Experience with CI/CD and automated testing.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and maintenance of scalable backend services using Node.js/Express.
• Define backend architecture for performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Mentor and guide a team of backend engineers.
• Collaborate with product managers and frontend teams to deliver features.
• Write clean, well-documented code and optimize for speed and security.
• Manage database schemas and optimize queries.
• Implement robust API strategies and conduct code reviews.
• Troubleshoot production backend issues and stay updated on best practices.

Skills

Node.js

Express.js

RESTful APIs

Leadership

Mentoring

Cloud platforms

Docker

CI/CD

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

MongoDB

PostgreSQL

AWS

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing startup revolutionizing the e-commerce space, is looking for a talented and experienced Lead Backend Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role in designing, developing, and scaling the backend infrastructure that powers their innovative platform. You will be instrumental in defining technical direction, mentoring a team of skilled engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, robust, and performant services using Node.js and Express. As a fully remote position, we require self-motivated individuals with excellent communication skills who thrive in a collaborative, distributed environment. This role, connected to the Kimberley region, offers the chance to make a significant impact on a rapidly evolving product and shape the future of online retail technology. Your leadership will be key to our client's technical success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable backend services using Node.js and Express.
• Define and implement backend architecture, ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Mentor and guide a team of backend engineers, fostering their technical growth and productivity.
• Collaborate with product managers, frontend developers, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and deliver features.
• Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and maintainable code.
• Optimize applications for maximum speed, scalability, and security.
• Manage and design database schemas (e.g., MongoDB, PostgreSQL) and optimize queries.
• Implement and maintain robust API strategies.
• Conduct code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues in production environments.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest backend technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience as a Backend Engineer, with a strong focus on Node.js and Express.js.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams or technical projects.
• Deep understanding of building and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Proficiency in designing and managing NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) and/or SQL databases (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Solid knowledge of software development best practices, design patterns, and data structures.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker) is a plus.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, crucial for remote team success.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package tailored for a remote workforce.

Enjoy the ultimate flexibility and work-life balance that comes with a fully remote role.

We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including access to online courses, workshops, and industry conferences.

You will be part of a dynamic, innovative, and supportive team culture.

Our client also offers excellent health insurance and wellness support.

This role offers the chance to lead key technical initiatives and shape the future of a growing e-commerce platform, working remotely from anywhere within South Africa .

Join us and drive innovation in the online retail landscape.