Backend Engineer – Full-Time - Remote

The Flex; Gauteng; Remote; ZAR 70 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking technology firm in South Africa is seeking a Backend Engineer to design and scale their core systems, enhancing operations through automation and intelligent integration. The ideal candidate has strong experience with Node.js, Python (FastAPI), and AWS, and thrives in fast-paced environments. This position offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to work remotely.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Performance-driven rewards

Remote-first culture

Autonomy & growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Node.js and Python (FastAPI).
• Proven track record of designing and scaling API-first architectures.
• Deep understanding of databases and data synchronization.

Responsibilities

• Build scalable, high-performance APIs and backend services.
• Create microservices that remove repetitive manual processes.
• Integrate Base.ai with platforms like Airbnb and Stripe.

Skills

Node.js

Python (FastAPI)

AWS (serverless stack)

API‑first architectures

Databases

Event‑driven systems

Automation

AI

Real-estate technology

Job description

About the Company

Reinvent How The World Rents.

At The Flex, we believe renting a home should be as effortless as ordering an Uber.

Our mission: make renting borderless, instant, and intelligent.

Through Base.ai, our proprietary platform, we're building the digital nervous system of the rental world — connecting property data, automating operations, and creating the intelligent infrastructure that powers every stay, everywhere.

What You'll Build

As a Backend Engineer, you'll design and scale the backbone of The Flex — the APIs, automations, and intelligence layers that connect global booking platforms, power predictive insights, and orchestrate real-world logistics.

Your work will bridge digital intelligence and physical operations — enabling thousands of seamless stays to happen automatically, without human intervention.

Your Mission

• Architect Core Systems – Build scalable, high-performance APIs and backend services that drive global bookings, payments, and property data synchronization.
• Automate Operations – Create microservices and serverless functions that remove repetitive manual processes and enhance efficiency.
• Integrate Intelligently – Connect Base.ai with platforms like Airbnb, Stripe, Twilio, and Hostaway through robust, maintainable integrations.
• Design for Scale – Build fault‑tolerant, event‑driven systems and data pipelines capable of handling millions of transactions across borders.
• Enhance Intelligence – Collaborate with AI and data teams to embed predictive automation into operational workflows.
• Collaborate for Impact – Partner with product, operations, and front‑end teams to turn complex real‑world challenges into clean, scalable backend solutions.

You're a Great Fit If You Have

• Strong experience with Node.js, Python (FastAPI), and AWS (serverless stack preferred).
• Proven track record designing and scaling API‑first architectures.
• Deep understanding of databases, data synchronization, and event‑driven systems.
• Curiosity for automation, AI, and real‑estate technology.
• A systems‑thinker mindset — you design for resilience, not just function.
• A bias for action — you thrive in fast‑moving, high‑accountability environments.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Massive Impact – Your systems will power thousands of stays and automate the backbone of a $4T global industry.
• Global Mission, Lean Team – No bureaucracy.
• No silos.
• Just high performers moving fast.
• Autonomy & Growth – Own projects end‑to‑end and shape our technical roadmap.
• Performance‑Driven Rewards – Competitive compensation and meaningful upside for top contributors.
• Remote‑First Culture – Work from anywhere.
• We care about output, not office hours.

Do Not Apply If

• You're looking for a slow, predictable 9–5.
• You prefer meetings over momentum.
• You're satisfied with average code and average results.
• You're not striving to operate in the top 1% of your craft.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Engineering and Information Technology

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