Intermediate Python Developer

ATS Client; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

ATS Client is seeking an experienced Intermediate Python Developer to join our technology team. You will build, enhance, and maintain scalable backend systems and RESTful APIs supporting core business applications.

The role emphasizes performance, reliability and clean architecture, with collaboration across cross‑functional teams to deliver high-quality software in a fast-paced environment. Strong focus on API development and Linux-based backends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software development experience.
• Strong Python development experience with production-grade systems.
• Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable backend systems using Python.
• Design, build, and maintain RESTful APIs for internal and external integrations.
• Work with MySQL databases; optimise queries and design schemas.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product owners, and stakeholders for integration.
• Debug and resolve complex issues across backend systems and Linux environments.
• Participate in code reviews and maintain high engineering standards.
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and technical decisions.
• Mentor junior developers and support knowledge sharing.

Skills

Python development

RESTful API design

Backend architecture

MySQL optimization

Linux troubleshooting

Git workflows

Python 5+ years

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Equivalent practical experience

Tools

Docker

AWS

Kafka

CI/CD

RabbitMQ

Kubernetes

Job description

A dynamic, growth‑focused organisation is seeking an experienced Intermediate Python Developer to join its technology team. The successful candidate will play a key role in building, enhancing, and maintaining scalable backend systems and APIs that support critical business applications.

This role requires a proactive, detail‑oriented developer who is comfortable working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where performance, reliability, and clean architecture are essential. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to design and deliver high‑quality software solutions while contributing to continuous improvement across engineering practices.

The environment is primarily backend‑focused, with strong emphasis on API development, database optimisation, and Linux‑based systems. The successful candidate should be confident working across the full backend stack, from application logic to database performance and system troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable backend systems using Python
• Design, build, and maintain RESTful APIs for internal and external system integrations
• Work extensively with MySQL databases, including query optimisation and schema design
• Collaborate with front‑end developers, product owners, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration
• Debug and resolve complex technical issues across backend systems and Linux environments
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to maintaining high engineering standards
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and technical decision‑making
• Mentor junior developers and support knowledge sharing within the team
• Ensure performance, security, and scalability across all backend services

Required Skills

• Strong Python development experience with a proven track record of delivering production‑grade systems
• Solid experience designing and developing RESTful APIs
• Strong backend engineering and system architecture understanding (including microservices)
• Hands‑on experience with MySQL (minimum 3 years), including performance tuning and schema design
• Strong Linux experience, including troubleshooting and basic shell scripting
• Proficiency in Git and modern version control workflows
• Minimum 5+ years’ software development experience, with at least 3 years focused on Python development
• Strong understanding of backend performance optimisation and scalable system design

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Docker and containerised application environments
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud (AWS preferred)
• Familiarity with message brokers such as Kafka or RabbitMQ
• Experience working in Agile development environments
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Understanding of observability tools (logging, monitoring, tracing)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Minimum 5 years of professional software development experience
• Strong background in backend engineering, APIs, and distributed systems