Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Conference funding

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to architect, develop, and deploy scalable services. You will lead a team of engineers, promote best practices, and drive key architectural decisions.

You will work with Python, Java, Node.js, or Go, mentor others, and collaborate with product managers to shape technical direction. The role blends hands-on coding with leadership in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of professional backend software development experience.
• Proven experience leading a team of software engineers.
• Expertise in one or more modern backend languages (Python/Java/Go/Node.js).
• Strong knowledge of microservices, RESTful APIs, and design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Architect robust solutions using microservices principles.
• Mentor junior and mid-level backend engineers to maintain technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product managers and frontend engineers to define requirements.
• Write clean, well-documented, testable code in Python, Java, Node.js, or Go.
• Enforce coding standards and best practices across the team.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of applications.
• Participate in code reviews and architecture discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Backend development

Python

Java

Go

Node.js

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

GCP

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Lead Software Engineer specializing in backend development to join their thriving technology department in Randburg, Gauteng. This leadership role involves architecting, developing, and deploying scalable and reliable backend services that power our innovative products. You will guide a team of talented engineers, foster best practices, and contribute to key architectural decisions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of backend technologies, microservices architecture, and a passion for building high-quality software. This is a significant opportunity to shape the technical direction and mentor a growing team within a dynamic organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Architect robust and efficient solutions using microservices principles.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level backend engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product managers, frontend engineers, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and technical specifications.
• Write clean, well-documented, and testable code in languages such as Python, Java, Node.js, or Go.
• Implement and enforce coding standards, best practices, and design patterns.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Conduct code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.
• Participate in architectural discussions and contribute to technology selection.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues.
• Contribute to the CI/CD process and infrastructure management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proven experience leading a team of software engineers.
• Expertise in at least one modern backend programming language (e.g., Python, Java, Go, Node.js).
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and design patterns.
• Experience with databases, both SQL (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with message queuing systems (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Solid understanding of software development lifecycle, testing methodologies, and CI/CD practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions. We provide significant opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences, certifications, and continuous learning. The hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing essential in-office collaboration with remote work. Join a dynamic team in Randburg, Gauteng, and take the lead in building the future of our backend infrastructure.