Junior Software Developer (AI-Enabled)

Ozow; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Ozow is seeking a Junior Software Engineer (AI Enabled) to join our development team. You'll help build and maintain solutions powering our digital payment platforms, learning from experienced engineers as we replatform and modernise our systems with AI.

You'll use AI tools from day one, and we'll help you use them well: with discipline, care and an understanding of the code you ship. You will collaborate across teams to deliver high-quality software, contribute to AI-native migrations, and

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience as a Software Engineer or Developer, including internships or graduate programmes.
• An IT Diploma or Degree, or equivalent practical experience such as a recognised coding bootcamp.
• Working knowledge of at least one of .NET C#, Python or JavaScript/ReactJs (more is a bonus).
• Regular, thoughtful use of AI coding tools, with the ability to explain and check the code they produce.
• Exposure to building with LLMs, for example through personal, university or work projects, beneficial.
• A good grasp of databases and SQL, version control (Git) and how the web works.
• A curious, pragmatic attitude towards AI and a strong willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Software Development: Work with cross-functional teams to build and maintain software solutions that meet high-quality standards and business requirements.
• AI-Enabled Replatforming: Contribute to replatforming existing systems onto modern, AI-native services, migrating well-defined pieces of functionality under the guidance of senior engineers.
• AI Feature Development: Help build features that integrate with large language models (LLMs), learning techniques such as context management, embeddings and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
• Coding: Write clean, efficient and maintainable code following our coding standards, using AI coding tools to learn and move faster while understanding and being able to explain everything you commit.
• Responsible AI Delivery: Follow the team's standards for using AI safely across the software development lifecycle, including checking AI-generated output and protecting sensitive and payment data.
• Technical Problem Solving: Investigate and fix bugs and technical issues, escalating early when you're stuck.
• System Architecture: Learn how our systems are designed for scalability, security and performance, and apply those principles in the features you build.
• Code Reviews: Take part in code reviews, both receiving feedback on your code and reviewing others' to build your understanding of the codebase.
• Testing and Quality: Write unit tests for your code and help test features end to end, including AI features whose outputs are not always the same.
• DevOps and Deployment: Learn and use our CI/CD pipelines, containers and cloud environments (AWS or Azure) to get your code safely into production.
• Agile Development: Work in an Agile environment, participating in sprint planning, stand-ups and retrospectives.
• Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation for the software and processes you work on.
• Learning and Growth: Learn from senior engineers through pairing, code reviews and feedback, and share what you discover about using AI tools well with the wider team.

Skills

Python

JavaScript/ReactJs

C#.NET

Education

IT Diploma or Degree

Job description

Meet Ozow

Ozow is a leading fintech company that's redefining digital payments in South Africa and beyond. We're dedicated to making payments more accessible, secure, and convenient for both businesses and consumers. As a fast-growing player in the financial technology sector, Ozow fosters a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusivity. We believe in pushing the boundaries of what's possible and are committed to making a positive impact on the world through our payment solutions.

More about this Ozow fantastic position

Ozow is seeking a Junior Software Engineer (AI Enabled) to join our development team. You'll help build and maintain the solutions that power our digital payment platforms, learning from experienced engineers as we replatform and modernise our systems with AI. You'll use AI tools from day one, and we'll help you use them well: with discipline, care and an understanding of the code you ship.

Your role and responsibilities

• Software Development
  Work with cross-functional teams to build and maintain software solutions that meet high-quality standards and business requirements.


• AI-Enabled Replatforming
  Contribute to replatforming existing systems onto modern, AI-native services, migrating well-defined pieces of functionality under the guidance of senior engineers.


• AI Feature Development
  Help build features that integrate with large language models (LLMs), learning techniques such as context management, embeddings and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).


• Coding
  Write clean, efficient and maintainable code following our coding standards, using AI coding tools to learn and move faster while understanding and being able to explain everything you commit.


• Responsible AI Delivery
  Follow the team's standards for using AI safely across the software development lifecycle, including checking AI-generated output and protecting sensitive and payment data.


• Technical Problem Solving
  Investigate and fix bugs and technical issues, escalating early when you're stuck.


• System Architecture
  Learn how our systems are designed for scalability, security and performance, and apply those principles in the features you build.


• Code Reviews
  Take part in code reviews, both receiving feedback on your code and reviewing others' to build your understanding of the codebase.


• Testing and Quality
  Write unit tests for your code and help test features end to end, including AI features whose outputs are not always the same.


• DevOps and Deployment
  Learn and use our CI/CD pipelines, containers and cloud environments (AWS or Azure) to get your code safely into production.


• Agile Development
  Work in an Agile environment, participating in sprint planning, stand-ups and retrospectives.


• Documentation
  Create and maintain technical documentation for the software and processes you work on.


• Learning and Growth
  Learn from senior engineers through pairing, code reviews and feedback, and share what you discover about using AI tools well with the wider team.

You are an ideal candidate if you have

• 2 years of experience as a Software Engineer or Developer, including internships or graduate programmes


• An IT Diploma or Degree, or equivalent practical experience such as a recognised coding bootcamp


• Working knowledge of at least one of .NET C#, Python or JavaScript/ReactJs (more is a bonus)


• Regular, thoughtful use of AI coding tools, with the ability to explain and check the code they produce


• Exposure to building with LLMs, for example through personal, university or work projects, beneficial


• A good grasp of databases and SQL, version control (Git) and how the web works


• A curious, pragmatic attitude towards AI and a strong willingness to learn

Your skills and competencies

• You eagerly embrace change, absorb cross-functional skills, and connect ideas across disciplines to drive fresh thinking and innovation.


• Ability to initiate, develop, maintain and leverage outstanding relationships to influence a wide network, both inside and outside the company.


• A trailblazer who steps up, takes charge, and creates meaningful impact-those driven by performance and purpose to lead from the front and make a real difference every day.


• You thrive in collaboration, embrace inclusion, and bring a genuine curiosity for global cultures-valuing collective success over individual credit.


• Demonstrate strategic foresight, sound judgement, and the ability to make confident decisions under uncertainty, always working toward the best possible outcomes.


• You challenge norms, champion innovation, and constantly seek growth-for themselves, their team, and the solutions they build.


• You are a decisive doer-those who take initiative, follow through with confidence, and ensure results through courageous, hands-on leadership.

We value optimism, agility, and the streng