Ai & Automation Developer

Ergasia Placements; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Ergasia Placements is seeking a hands-on software developer to blend AI, automation and traditional software to improve Pretoria workflows. You will work with directors and IT teams to identify where AI or automation adds value and rapidly translate ideas into working solutions.

The role spans building AI agents, APIs and data tools, prototyping with real users, and ensuring secure production deployments. A strong basis in Python/Java and API integrations is essential.

Qualifications

• 2 years' practical software development experience required.
• Proficient in Python and/or Java.
• Strong working knowledge of JSON.
• Experience with REST APIs and system integrations.
• Practical experience integrating with LLMs and AI platforms via APIs.
• Experience with SQL databases and data analysis.
• Knowledge of BI and reporting tools.
• Git and source-control practices.
• Understanding of SDLC and structured deployment processes.
• Experience with APIs, databases, and webhooks for integrations.
• Awareness of secure development practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and build internal AI agents, applications and automations across workflows.
• Automate repetitive activities like document prep, data entry and reporting.
• Map and analyze business processes to identify automation opportunities.
• Prioritize automation by business value, cost and ROI.
• Integrate AI solutions with existing systems (case management, portals, doc mgmt).
• Develop integrations using APIs, databases and webhooks.
• Create reusable frameworks and components for rapid automation.
• Work with management to measure business benefits of AI/automation.

Skills

Python

Java

REST APIs

JSON

SQL databases

BI tools

Git

SDLC

Webhooks

LLMs

AI agents

Automation

Security best practices

Job description

Pretoria | Contract to Full-time

We are looking for someone who can determine whether the right solution is AI, traditional software development, workflow automation, system integration, better use of data, or simply redesigning the process. You'll work directly with directors, management, IT and operational teams to understand how work is currently performed, identify opportunities for improvement and turn those opportunities into working solutions. If you enjoy combining software development, AI, automation, data and practical problem-solving, and want to see the direct impact of what you build, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Designing and building internal AI agents, applications and automations across operational and legal workflows.
• Automating repetitive activities such as document preparation, data entry, correspondence, information retrieval, status tracking, reporting and other administrative processes.
• Analysing and mapping existing business processes to identify bottlenecks, duplication, unnecessary manual effort and opportunities for automation, integration or process redesign.
• Helping prioritise automation opportunities based on business value, complexity, risk, implementation cost and expected return on investment (ROI).
• Integrating AI and automation solutions with our existing systems, including case management, client portals, document management and other line-of-business applications.
• Developing integrations using APIs, databases, webhooks and other appropriate integration methods.
• Building reusable frameworks, components and tools so that new automations can be developed efficiently rather than starting from scratch each time.
• Working with business data using SQL, reporting and Business Intelligence tools to identify opportunities and measure the impact of implemented solutions.
• Prototyping solutions quickly, testing them with real users and improving them based on feedback.
• Taking successful prototypes through appropriate development, testing, change control and production deployment processes.
• Implementing sensible AI guardrails, including security, data protection, accuracy checks, audit trails, monitoring and human approval where appropriate.
• Monitoring AI solutions for quality, accuracy, performance, reliability, security and operating cost.
• Maintaining source code, documentation and version control so that solutions can be properly supported and maintained.
• Working with management to track the actual business benefits achieved through AI and automation.

Technical Experience

We are looking for someone with a strong practical development foundation who is comfortable working across software development, integrations, data and automation.

You should have:

• A minimum of 2 years' practical software development experience.
• Strong development skills in Python and/or Java.
• Good working knowledge of JSON.
• Experience working with REST APIs and system-to-system integrations.
• Practical experience integrating applications with LLMs and AI platforms through APIs.
• Experience with SQL databases, including querying, manipulating and analysing data.
• Knowledge of Business Intelligence (BI) and reporting tools, with the ability to turn operational data into useful business information.
• Experience using Git and source-code repositories, including appropriate version-control practices.
• A good understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and the ability to work within structured development, testing, change-control and deployment processes.
• Experience integrating systems using APIs, databases, webhooks or similar technologies.
• An understanding of secure development practices, particularly when working with confidential, client or personal information.
• Experience with workflow and automation platforms would be advantageous.

What You'll Bring

Beyond the technical skills, we're looking for someone who can understand a business problem and take ownership of solving it.

You should bring:

• A practical, hands-on approach — you enjoy building working solutions, not just designing or discussing them.
• The ability to take a solution from an idea or prototype through testing and into production.
• Practical experience building with LLMs, AI agents and automation technologies, rather than purely experimental exposure.
• The ability to understand an existing business process, identify inefficiencies and translate them into a technical solution.
• Strong judgement about where AI is genuinely useful and where traditional software development or automation may be the better option.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to directors, managers and non-technical colleagues.
• An interest in working within a regulated and security-conscious environment.
• A strong focus on security, confidentiality, auditability and the responsible use of AI.
• The ability to work independently, take ownership and manage priorities.
• A willingness to learn the business and understand the processes you are automating rather than simply developing from a specification.
• Demonstrate return on investment

Nice to Have

• Legal technology or legal services
• Professional services or another regulated industry
• Business Intelligence and reporting platforms
• Microsoft 365 and/or Microsoft Power Platform
• Workflow and process automation platforms
• Data analytics and dashboard development
• AI agent frameworks and orchestration tools
• Introducing AI or automation capabilities into an established organisation