Backend Software Engineer - AI Platform Development

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible hours

Remote setup

Professional development

AI tech access

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Backend Software Engineer to contribute to a state-of-the-art AI Platform. This fully remote role is conceptually based in Paarl, Western Cape, ZA, offering design, build, and maintenance of scalable backend systems supporting AI applications.

You will collaborate with data scientists and ML engineers, implement robust APIs, and ensure reliable platform operations across cloud environments. Strong coding and distributed systems skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of professional Backend experience.
• Experience building RESTful APIs and backend services.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and containers.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable backend services and APIs.
• Write clean, maintainable code in Python, Go, Java, or Node.js.
• Collaborate with data scientists and ML engineers to implement requirements.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of systems.
• Integrate third-party services and build internal tools for AI workflows.
• Manage databases (SQL/NoSQL) and caching layers.
• Implement unit, integration, and end-to-end tests.
• Participate in code reviews and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to architecture discussions of the AI platform.

Skills

Backend development

Distributed systems

REST APIs

CI/CD

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Backend Software Engineer to contribute to the development of their state-of-the-art AI Platform. This fully remote role, with a conceptual base in **Paarl, Western Cape, ZA**, offers an exciting opportunity to design, build, and maintain scalable, high-performance backend systems that support advanced artificial intelligence applications. You will collaborate closely with data scientists, machine learning engineers, and other software developers to create robust APIs, manage data services, and ensure the smooth operation of the AI platform. The ideal candidate possesses strong programming skills, a deep understanding of distributed systems, and experience with cloud environments. Working remotely, you will be a key player in developing the infrastructure that enables cutting-edge AI research and deployment, contributing to innovative solutions that shape industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust and scalable backend services and APIs for the AI platform.
• Write clean, efficient, and maintainable code in languages such as Python, Go, or Java.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including data scientists and ML engineers, to understand requirements and deliver solutions.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Integrate third-party services and build internal tools to support AI workflows.
• Manage and interact with databases (SQL and NoSQL) and caching layers.
• Implement robust testing strategies, including unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and share knowledge.
• Contribute to the design and architecture of the AI platform.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of professional experience as a Backend Software Engineer.
• Strong proficiency in at least one backend programming language (e.g., Python, Go, Java, Node.js).
• Experience with building and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Understanding of distributed systems principles and microservices architecture.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working in a remote team environment.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and practices is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
• Flexible working hours and a fully remote work setup.
• Access to cutting-edge AI technologies and platforms.
• Chance to work on impactful projects at the forefront of AI development.