Backend Developer Python AI - Sandton - R800k PA

E-Merge; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

E-Merge is seeking a Backend Developer in Sandton to build and scale production-grade AI services. You will power voice and text AI, real-time telephony, and complex integrations in a cloud-native environment with Azure, Kubernetes, and Docker.

The role emphasizes API-first design, ownership, and working within a lean, senior-engineering team driven by platform architects and player-coach leads. Salary offered is R800k per annum, negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Backend developer with strong Python experience.
• Experience with API-first architecture and scalable systems.
• Experience delivering real-time communication/AI integration projects.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale backend services powering AI applications.
• Collaborate on cloud infrastructure and production-grade deployments.
• Work with LLM, STT, and TTS technologies in a regulated environment.

Skills

Python

API-first mindset

Real-time communication

Tools

Azure

Kubernetes

Docker

CI/CD

GitHub Actions

Bicep IaC

Job description

Build the backend powering the next generation of AI.

An exciting opportunity is available for a Backend Developer with strong Python experience to join a senior engineering team building and scaling production-grade AI technology.

This is more than a traditional backend role. You'll be working on modern systems powering voice and text AI, real-time telephony and complex integrations within a regulated environment. The environment is deliberately lean, with technical architects setting the direction across AI and platform, player-coach leads driving delivery, and engineers trusted to take ownership.

You’ll be working on technology where AI, backend engineering, cloud infrastructure and real-time communication come together.

This is a genuine opportunity to build voice AI operating at scale in a regulated industry - not another proof-of-concept project.

What You’ll Be Working With:

• This is a modern, cloud-native environment built around:
• Python and API-first architecture
• Microsoft Azure
• Kubernetes / AKS
• Docker
• Bicep Infrastructure as Code
• CI/CD
• Real-time telephony
• Leading LLM, STT and TTS technologies
• GitHub-based development workflows

Reference Number for this position is GZ61526 which is a Permanent position based in Sandton offering a salary of R800k per annum, negotiable based on experience and ability.