JAVA Developer (Senior)

Discovery Limited; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Limited seeks an experienced Java Developer for Discovery Life to design, develop, test and support scalable Java-based systems. You will translate business requirements into technical designs, implement robust code, and ensure quality through unit testing and code reviews.

You will also mentor peers, stay current with technologies, and contribute to performance and security improvements in a fast-paced Insure environment. This is an on-site role in Sandton, Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Matric and IT-related degree or diploma.
• 5+ years’ experience in Java development with exposure to core competencies listed.
• Excellent understanding of Object Orientated principles and Java language fundamentals.
• Knowledge of commonly used design patterns.
• Experience with EE-based business solutions and related technologies (Java/HTML/REST).

Responsibilities

• Translate business requirements into technical designs adhering to Discovery Insure standards and guidelines.
• Develop robust, maintainable, scalable system code and conduct unit testing.
• Verify build stability and quality with the team before release to testing.
• Assist in identifying training needs and coach other developers on standards and best practices.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

Skills

Java development

OO principles

Design patterns

EE-based solution

J2EE

HTML

JSF

JQuery

SOAP Web services

XML/XSD

SQL

Education

Matric

IT-related Degree or Diploma

Tools

REST Web services

JSON

GIT

Integrated Build Tools

JBOSS

HTML 5

Job description

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Business Unit: Discovery Life

Date: 17 Oct 2026

Discovery Life

About Discovery

Discovery’s core purpose is to make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. We seek out and invest in exceptional individuals who understand and support our core purpose, and whose own values align with those of Discovery. Our fast-paced and dynamic environment enables smart, self-driven people to be their best. As global thought leaders, Discovery is passionate about innovating in order to not only achieve financial success, but to ignite positive and meaningful change within our society.

About Discovery Life

Discovery Life is an ever growing fast-paced and dynamic environment that provides innovative risk assurance to individual clients. This environment thrives on customer engagement and customer experience as well as mutually beneficial relationships with our brokers and other stakeholders. It is important for our employees to provide a world class service to our internal and external clients, thereby ensuring long and sustainable relationships.

Key Purpose

Design and implement robust, scalable and optimally performing systems using Java related technologies, according to provided specifications, standards and procedures, while ensuring compliance with the architectural standards and guidelines laid out by Discovery.

Areas of responsibility may include but not limited to

Design:

• Translate business requirements into technical designs adhering to Discovery Insure processes, standards and guidelines, taking cognisance of performance, security and scalability requirements. Deliver within agreed timeframes.
• Liaise with relevant parties where clarification of business requirements or resolution to technical issues is needed
• Research and find effective solutions to technical issues that arise
• Estimate development timelines based on business requirements

Development:

• Construct robust, maintainable, scalable, optimally performing system code in line with technical specifications, following prescribed process, standards and procedures. Deliver within agreed timeframes
• Conduct unit testing and fix any defects found

Testing:

• Verify build stability and quality with development team before releasing to test team, aiming to release with zero defects
• Assist the Business analyst in ensuring the test pack includes relevant scenarios and test data.
• Consult and assist in reviewing risk / impact of defects found in testing, and assist with fixing where necessary

Support / Troubleshooting:

• Assist system users with technical support issues and handle according to defined procedures
• Ability to effectively analyse root cause of system errors (data errors, performance and stability issues)
• Actively coach other developers to understand and apply the Insure coding and architectural standards correctly, as well as any technologies in use
• Perform code review to ensure logical correctness, maintainability, scalability, performance, compliance with architectural standards and frameworks
• Assist in identifying training needs of team members
• Keep abreast of current technological trends and how these might be applied in the Discovery environment
• Constant improvement of knowledge of the various applications, their functionalities and data models

General:

• Ability to communicate clearly, constructively and effectively. Easily able to follow and participate in technical, business process, and other discussions
• Able to build business relationships with other members of team and the business areas we support.

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Excellent understanding of Object Orientated principals and Java language fundamentals
• Knowledge of commonly used design patterns
• Broad understanding of how to put together an EE-based business solution from scratch
• EJB
• HTML
• JSF
• JQuery
• JAXB
• SOAP Web services
• Message Driven Beans
• UML
• XML/XSD
• SQL

Behavioural Skills:

• Action orientated go-getter, hungry to learn and add real value
• Structured and analytical problem solver: Obsessive about finding solutions to problems: action oriented problem solver.
• Able to plan, organise and prioritize own work
• Able to multitask
• Able to work independently
• Team player: reliable, works actively with others towards common goal, communicates constructively, shares information, knowledge and experience, treats others in a respectful and supportive manner

Education and Experience

• Matric
• 5+ years’ experience in Java development with exposure to core competencies listed
• IT related Degree or Diploma (BSc/BTech or similar).

Advantageous:

• REST Web services
• JSON
• Business Process Management Tools
• JBOSS Configuration
• CSS
• GIT
• Integrated Build Tools
• HTML 5
• Knowledge of Short Term Insurance industry

Working knowledge of:

• Software development within SDLC
• Unit Testing
• Data modelling and design of database structures

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.