Senior Backend Architect - Queenstown

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Provident fund

On-site in Queenstown

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Architect to lead the design and implementation of scalable, high-performance backend systems in our Queenstown development center.

You will define technical architecture, establish best practices, and mentor backend engineers while collaborating with product managers and frontend teams to deliver robust solutions and secure data handling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years in backend software development, with at least 3 years in senior/lead architect roles.
• Proven experience designing complex, high-performance backend systems.
• Deep knowledge of backend languages (Java, Python, Node.js, C#).
• Strong expertise in API design (RESTful, GraphQL) and microservices architecture.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra and ORMs.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding distributed systems, problem-solving, debugging, and collaboration.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable, reliable, and secure backend architectures.
• Define APIs, microservices, and data models for applications.
• Establish coding standards and architectural patterns for backend development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to backend teams.
• Collaborate with frontend, product managers, and stakeholders on requirements.
• Evaluate and select technologies, frameworks, tools for backend development.
• Optimize backend systems for performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Implement robust testing strategies and ensure code quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues.
• Stay updated on emerging backend technologies and trends.
• Contribute to DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ensure data security and compliance requirements are met.

Skills

Java

Python

Node.js

C#

RESTful APIs

GraphQL

Microservices

Databases

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

Cloud Platforms

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

ORMs

Distributed Systems

Agile

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

GraphQL

REST

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic software development company with operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Backend Architect . This role is central to designing and building the robust, scalable, and high-performance backend systems that power our innovative applications. You will be responsible for defining the technical architecture, establishing best practices, and guiding our backend development teams. This is an on-site position, requiring your presence in our Queenstown development center, fostering close collaboration and team synergy. We are looking for a passionate technologist with a deep understanding of backend systems, microservices, APIs, and database technologies. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and security of our core software infrastructure, contributing significantly to our product development and overall company success. This is a great opportunity to lead technical initiatives in a growing regional hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, reliable, and secure backend architectures.
• Define APIs, microservices, and data models for new and existing applications.
• Establish coding standards, best practices, and architectural patterns for backend development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to backend engineering teams.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and technical solutions.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies, frameworks, and tools for backend development.
• Ensure backend systems are optimized for performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Implement robust testing strategies and ensure code quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues.
• Stay abreast of emerging backend technologies and trends.
• Contribute to DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ensure data security and compliance requirements are met.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in backend software development, with at least 3 years in a senior or lead architect role.
• Proven experience designing and building complex, high-performance backend systems.
• In-depth knowledge of backend programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Node.js, C#).
• Strong expertise in API design (RESTful, GraphQL) and microservices architecture.
• Experience with database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra) and ORMs.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of distributed systems principles and challenges.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a provident fund.
• Working on-site in Queenstown provides a collaborative team environment and direct access to leadership.
• You will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that directly impact the company's core technology.
• We provide support for professional development, including training and opportunities to attend relevant tech meetups or conferences.
• This role offers a rewarding career path within a growing company, contributing to the technological landscape of the Eastern Cape.