Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 96,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development budget

Fully remote with flexible hours

Challenging projects

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Backend Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust server-side systems using Python and Django. This fully remote role operates from anywhere within South Africa, collaborating with a globally distributed team to deliver scalable backend services.

You will build RESTful APIs, optimize performance, ensure data security, and contribute to architectural decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Backend Engineer or similar role.
• Strong proficiency in Python and the Django framework.
• Extensive experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience with asynchronous task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Familiarity with frontend technologies (JavaScript, HTML, CSS) is a plus.
• Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, and secure backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and consume RESTful APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.
• Optimize application performance, database queries, and server response times.
• Implement data security and protection measures.
• Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote environment.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy discussions.
• Stay updated with the latest backend technologies and best practices.

Skills

Python

Django

REST APIs

Relational Databases

Asynchronous Tasks

Git

Remote Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Celery

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm dedicated to building scalable and robust web applications, is looking for an experienced Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Python and Django. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa , offering maximum flexibility and autonomy. You will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side logic of our client's innovative platform. The ideal candidate is a seasoned developer with a proven track record of building complex backend systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring data security. You will collaborate closely with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality software solutions. This remote-first role emphasizes asynchronous communication, strong documentation, and self-driven project management. We are seeking a proactive and skilled engineer who is passionate about clean code, efficient architecture, and contributing to a collaborative, globally distributed team. Join us to make a significant impact on a product used by thousands.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, and secure backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and consume RESTful APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.
• Optimize application performance, database queries, and server response times.
• Implement data security and protection measures.
• Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote environment.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy discussions.
• Stay updated with the latest backend technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Backend Engineer or similar role.
• Strong proficiency in Python and the Django framework.
• Extensive experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience with asynchronous task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Familiarity with frontend technologies (e.g., JavaScript, HTML, CSS) is a plus.
• Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and learning resources.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.