Principal Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 212,000 - 297,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Equity options

Performance bonuses

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Learning budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for a remote FinTech client. You will shape backend architecture, lead scalable microservices, and mentor engineers across the team.

Bring expertise in Go, Java, or Python, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), Docker and Kubernetes, and strong data modeling. You will drive API design, CI/CD, security, and high-transaction reliability in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience with backend focus.
• Experience designing/building large-scale distributed systems.
• Proficiency in at least one modern backend language (Go, Java, Python).
• Deep knowledge of microservices and cloud/containerization (AWS, GCP, Azure; Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong database knowledge (SQL/NoSQL) and data modeling.
• Excellent problem-solving, architecture, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and development of scalable backend systems.
• Write clean, efficient code in Go, Java, or Python.
• Design and implement robust APIs (RESTful, gRPC) and microservices.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and security in high-transaction environments.
• Mentor engineers and drive technical decision-making for the team.
• Oversee CI/CD pipelines and automated tests.
• Troubleshoot production issues and perform code reviews.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends.

Skills

Backend engineering

Distributed systems

Go

Java

Python

Cloud platforms

Docker/Kubernetes

SQL/NoSQL

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

REST/gRPC APIs

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading FinTech company revolutionizing digital payments, is seeking an exceptional Principal Software Engineer to join their fully remote engineering team. This senior role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our backend systems, influencing architectural decisions and mentoring junior engineers. As a fully remote-first organization, we are committed to creating an environment where top talent can thrive irrespective of their physical location. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying highly scalable, resilient, and secure backend services that handle millions of transactions. This position demands a deep technical expertise, a passion for clean code, and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving. We are looking for a technical leader who can drive innovation and excellence across our engineering function, from anywhere. This is your chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced and dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of highly scalable and performant backend systems.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code in languages such as Go, Java, or Python.
• Design and implement robust APIs (RESTful, gRPC) and microservices.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and security of backend services, especially in high-transaction environments.
• Mentor and guide other software engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and best practices.
• Drive technical decision-making and contribute to the overall technology strategy.
• Oversee the implementation of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.
• Conduct in-depth code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, advocating for their adoption where appropriate.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with a significant focus on backend development.
• Proven experience in designing and building large-scale, distributed systems.
• Expertise in at least one modern backend programming language (e.g., Go, Java, Python).
• Deep understanding of microservices architecture, design patterns, and best practices.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong knowledge of database systems (SQL and NoSQL) and data modeling.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and architectural design skills.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, crucial for leading remote teams.
• Ability to work independently and drive projects to completion in a fully remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary of R per annum , along with substantial equity options and performance bonuses.

• As a fully remote role, you benefit from ultimate flexibility in your work location.
• We provide comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement savings plan, and a significant annual budget for professional development, conferences, and learning resources.
• Opportunities for significant career progression and leadership within a rapidly growing FinTech company are abundant.