Lead Backend Engineer (Java)

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Backend Engineer (Java) in Gauteng to drive the design and delivery of scalable backend systems. You will mentor a team of engineers, set technical direction, and collaborate with product and frontend teams in a hybrid role based in Tembisa.

You should bring at least 6 years in backend development, strong Java and Spring Boot skills, and experience building RESTful APIs and microservices. Knowledge of Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of backend development experience with 2+ in a lead role.
• Strong Java expertise and Spring Boot experience required.
• Experience building RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Familiarity with relational and NoSQL databases.
• Exposure to containers and cloud platforms is advantageous.
• Excellent problem solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable Java backends and microservices.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to backend engineers.
• Collaborate with frontend, product, and stakeholders on requirements.
• Architect and implement scalable backend solutions with best practices.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and maintainability through reviews and tests.
• Optimize systems for speed, reliability, and scalability.
• Troubleshoot complex backend issues and drive improvements.
• Promote engineering excellence and adoption of modern tooling.

Skills

Java

REST APIs

Microservices

Team leadership

Code reviews

Problem solving

Communication

Mentorship

Strong debugging

System design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Spring Boot

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS or Azure

Kafka/RabbitMQ

PostgreSQL/MySQL

MongoDB

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a passionate and experienced Lead Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Java to spearhead the development of their next-generation backend systems. This hybrid role combines the benefits of remote flexibility with valuable in-person collaboration, based in Tembisa, Gauteng . You will be instrumental in driving architectural decisions, mentoring a team of talented engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and performant backend services. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on a product that is shaping the future of its industry. You will lead by example, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the engineering department.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of robust and scalable backend services using Java and related frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of backend engineers, fostering their growth and development.
• Collaborate closely with front-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and technical solutions.
• Architect and implement microservices-based solutions adhering to best practices.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and maintainability through rigorous code reviews and testing.
• Optimize backend systems for maximum speed, scalability, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across the backend stack.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and infrastructure.
• Stay updated with the latest backend technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in backend development, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Strong proficiency in Java and its ecosystem, including frameworks like Spring Boot.
• Experience designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Familiarity with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Experience with message queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ) is a plus.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is advantageous.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively lead and collaborate.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• Employees enjoy a generous annual leave allowance and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs and industry conferences, are available.
• The hybrid work model allows for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.
• Our client fosters a supportive and innovative work environment where your contributions are valued.