Graduate Software Developer (Backend)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 78,000 - 123,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship with stipend

Mentorship from senior engineers

Hands-on experience with modern back‑n

Opportunity for full-time employment

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is offering a Graduate Software Developer internship focused on backend development. You will join a startup team, contribute to scalable backend services, and learn through mentorship from senior engineers.

The role targets recent graduates with a CS/SE degree, familiarity with Java, Python, Node.js, or C#, and RESTful APIs. You will gain hands-on experience and potential pathways to full-time employment in a vibrant startup culture.

Qualifications

• Recent grad with Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related degree.
• Proficiency in Java, Python, Node.js, or C#.
• Familiar with backend frameworks (Spring Boot, Django, Express.js).
• Knowledge of databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Understanding RESTful APIs and Git basics.
• Strong problem solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing, developing, and maintaining backend services and APIs.
• Write clean, well-documented code following team standards.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure quality and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with frontend developers and product managers to integrate server-side logic.
• Troubleshoot and debug applications; identify and resolve issues.
• Contribute to database design and optimization; apply security best practices.
• Assist in deployment and scaling of applications.
• Research new technologies to improve development processes.
• Document technical designs and system architecture.

Skills

Java

Python

Node.js

C#

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Spring Boot

Django

Express.js

Git

PostgreSQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech startup headquartered in the scenic coastal city of Cape Town , is actively seeking ambitious Graduate Software Developers with a specialization in backend development. This internship offers an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring engineers to immerse themselves in a challenging yet rewarding environment, working on innovative projects that are setting new industry standards. You will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to building scalable and robust backend systems. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about coding, problem-solving, and eager to contribute to real-world applications. The company culture emphasizes continuous learning, collaboration, and celebrating achievements, making Cape Town an exciting place to launch your tech career. We are committed to providing a nurturing space where graduates can hone their skills and grow professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of backend services and APIs.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in accordance with team standards.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and share knowledge.
• Collaborate with frontend developers and product managers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Troubleshoot and debug applications to identify and resolve issues.
• Contribute to database design and optimization.
• Implement security and data protection best practices.
• Assist in the deployment and scaling of applications.
• Research and evaluate new technologies and frameworks to improve development processes.
• Document technical designs and system architecture.

Requirements

• Recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Solid understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, Node.js, or C#.
• Familiarity with backend frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot, Django, Express.js).
• Knowledge of database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Understanding of RESTful API design principles.
• Basic knowledge of version control systems, preferably Git.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Paid internship with a competitive stipend.
• Mentorship from experienced senior software engineers.
• Hands-on experience with modern backend technologies and methodologies.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects with real users.
• Exposure to a vibrant startup culture in Cape Town .
• Potential for full-time employment upon successful completion of the internship.
• Regular team-building activities and social events.
• Access to online learning resources and workshops.
• A collaborative and innovative work atmosphere.
• Be part of a company shaping the future of technology from Cape Town .