Lead Backend Developer - Cloud Services

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance bonus

Paid time off

Professional development

Retirement plan

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Backend Developer in Nelspruit to design, build, and scale robust backend infrastructure for cutting-edge cloud services. You will lead a team of backend engineers, set architectural direction, and drive best practices across development, testing, and deployment.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in backend development with a proven track record in microservices, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), and mentoring teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional backend development experience, with at least 3 years in lead/senior roles.
• Experience designing and building scalable microservices architectures.
• Proficiency in Python, Go, Java, or Node.js.
• Strong database experience (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and ORMs.
• Hands-on cloud exposure (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes; REST/GraphQL API design.
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of scalable backend services and APIs.
• Architect and implement microservices-based systems.
• Mentor and manage a backend team for high performance.
• Oversee database design and optimization for complex apps.
• Collaborate with frontend, DevOps, and product teams for integrated solutions.
• Ensure security, performance, and scalability of backend systems.
• Promote best practices in coding, testing, and deployment.
• Conduct code reviews and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Backend leadership

Microservices

Python

Go

Java

Node.js

Databases

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cloud platforms

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

REST

GraphQL

CI/CD

Testing

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing technology company providing cutting-edge cloud solutions, is seeking an experienced Lead Backend Developer to join their team in Nelspruit . This role is crucial for designing, developing, and scaling the robust backend infrastructure that supports their innovative cloud services. You will lead a team of talented backend engineers, driving technical excellence, architectural decisions, and best practices. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of scalable backend systems, microservices architecture, database technologies, and cloud platforms. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on a rapidly evolving product in the heart of Nelspruit .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable and reliable backend services and APIs.
• Architect and build robust microservices-based systems.
• Manage and mentor a team of backend engineers, fostering technical growth and high performance.
• Oversee database design, optimization, and management for complex applications.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, DevOps engineers, and product managers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure the security, performance, and scalability of backend systems.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in coding, testing, and deployment.
• Conduct code reviews, provide technical guidance, and ensure code quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest backend technologies, frameworks, and cloud services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in backend development, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior technical role.
• Proven experience designing and building scalable microservices architectures.
• Expertise in one or more backend programming languages such as Python, Go, Java, or Node.js.
• Strong knowledge of database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and ORMs.
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with API design principles (RESTful, GraphQL).
• Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior engineers and drive technical decisions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a performance-based bonus. This position is based in our modern office in Nelspruit , offering a stable and collaborative work environment.
• We provide ample paid time off, opportunities for professional development and training, and support for attending industry conferences.
• Enjoy a stimulating work environment where innovation is encouraged and your contributions are valued.
• We also offer retirement savings contributions and support for work-life balance in the beautiful region of Nelspruit .