Intermediate Software Engineer

HolistiTech; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 480 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic tech company in South Africa is seeking an Intermediate Software Engineer to design and build backend services for high-availability financial systems. This role emphasizes Python engineering strength and problem-solving skills, suitable for someone looking to grow in a high-trust environment. You’ll work on API-driven services, modular microservices, and have exposure to cloud deployment, all while collaborating with a supportive team in a hybrid setup. Mentorship towards a Senior Software Engineer position is available.

Benefits

Strong mentorship

Flexible remote days

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• 3–5 years professional software engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python 3.x.
• Hands-on experience building backend APIs/services (FastAPI, Django or Flask).
• Experience with Docker and CI/CD pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain API-driven services using Python.
• Contribute to modular microservices that support analytics and operational systems.
• Deploy containerised applications using Docker and CI/CD pipelines.

Skills

Python engineering strength

Ability to think

Learning agility

Collaboration

Education

Diploma or NQF Level 6 equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or similar

Tools

FastAPI

Django

Flask

Docker

CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, etc.)

PostgreSQL

Redis

Kafka

RabbitMQ

Job description

Note: This is a 4 month contract role.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are looking for an Intermediate Software Engineer who enjoys solving real engineering problems — not just delivering tickets.

You will design and build backend services powering high-availability financial systems, working closely with experienced engineers and cross-functional stakeholders. You’ll have autonomy in how you approach problems, while still having support whenever you need it.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Wants to grow quickly in a high-trust, delivery-focused environment
• Can take an idea from discussion → implementation → deployment
• Learns fast and adapts well when priorities shift

No prior banking experience is required — we will enable you on the domain.

What matters is your Python engineering strength and your ability to think.

What You’ll Do

Backend Development

• Build and maintain API-driven services using Python (FastAPI / Django / Flask)
• Contribute to modular microservices that support analytics and operational systems
• Apply asynchronous programming where performance matters

Systems Design & Problem Solving

• Participate in design discussions, propose solutions, improve reliability and performance
• Help break down complex requirements into manageable technical work

Cloud & DevOps Exposure

• Deploy containerised applications using Docker and CI/CD pipelines
• Contribute to monitoring, logging and stability improvements

Data and Integration

• Work with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and caching layers (e.g., Redis)
• Integrate services with messaging systems (e.g., Kafka / RabbitMQ)

Quality & Support

• Write maintainable, tested code
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues as needed

What Success Looks Like

Technical Ability

Write clean, reliable Python services; improve performance with guidance

Learning Agility

Pick up new concepts fast (tech + financial domain)

Delivery Ownership

Follow through on commitments; communicate early if blocked

Collaboration

Work openly with engineers, analysts and business users

Professionalism

Show maturity, punctuality, and care when working with clients

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or NQF Level 6 equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or similar
• 3–5 years professional software engineering experience
• Strong proficiency in Python 3.x
• Hands-on experience building backend APIs/services (FastAPI, Django or Flask)
• Experience with Docker and CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, etc.)
• Good understanding of databases & writing efficient queries
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment
• Exposure to distributed / event-driven systems
• Basic knowledge of async programming and messaging systems (advantageous)
• Experience with Kubernetes or cloud platforms (advantageous)

Tech Stack You’ll Work With

• Python 3.x (primary language)
• FastAPI / Django / Flask
• Docker • CI/CD (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI)
• PostgreSQL • Redis • MongoDB
• Kafka / RabbitMQ (depending on projects)
• Prometheus • Grafana • Sentry (observability)

You don’t need experience in all of these — curiosity and willingness to learn are key.

Growth & Culture

You’ll enjoy this role if you like:

• Applying engineering thinking to real-world business problems
• Designing the solution, not just following instructions
• Learning new concepts fast and stepping into challenges
• Building structure where none exists

You’ll have strong mentorship and a clear path to grow into Senior Software Engineer.

Important Notes

• This is a client-facing role in a regulated environment
• Hybrid setup with flexible remote days
• Supportive team, high pace — you’ll always be learning
• You are required to undergo credit/criminal checks required by financial institutions

Apply if you want to solve real engineering challenges, build credible experience in the FinTech domain, and grow fast in a team that values both people and delivery.