Lead Software Developer (Backend)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package up to ZAR per annum

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous retirement fund contribution

Stock options

Career development opportunities

Stellenbosch location

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Lead Software Developer for Backend systems. You will lead a team of developers, mentor engineers, and drive architectural decisions for robust, scalable backend solutions.

Responsibilities include designing APIs, maintaining code quality, collaborating with product teams, and guiding technology adoption. Strong cloud, database, and REST expertise are essential for this senior role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Proven backend development experience with proficiency in multiple languages (Python, Java, C#, Go, Node.js) and related frameworks (Django, Spring, .NET Core, Express).
• Strong database knowledge (SQL and NoSQL: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in RESTful API design and implementation.
• Solid understanding of software development principles, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience with version control (Git) and agile methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex backend systems and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software developers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Architect scalable, reliable, and maintainable backend solutions.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js).
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Conduct code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure adherence to coding standards.
• Optimize application performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions.
• Manage and oversee database design and performance tuning.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automated testing strategies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices, advocating for their adoption where appropriate.

Skills

Backend development

Leadership

Mentoring

RESTful APIs

Cloud platforms

CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

Django

Spring

.NET Core

Express

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm, is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Software Developer specializing in Backend systems to join their dynamic team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This senior role requires a proven track record in designing, developing, and deploying scalable and robust backend solutions. You will lead a team of talented developers, mentor junior engineers, and play a key role in architectural decisions and technology adoption. The ideal candidate possesses expertise in multiple programming languages and frameworks, a deep understanding of database technologies, and a passion for building high-performance applications. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive technological innovation within a thriving company located in the vibrant academic and technological hub of Stellenbosch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of complex backend systems and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software developers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
• Architect scalable, reliable, and maintainable backend solutions.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js).
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Conduct code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure adherence to coding standards.
• Optimize application performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions.
• Manage and oversee database design and performance tuning.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and automated testing strategies.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices, advocating for their adoption where appropriate.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional software development experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Proven experience in backend development with proficiency in at least one major language (e.g., Python, Java, C#, Go, Node.js) and associated frameworks (e.g., Django, Spring, .NET Core, Express).
• Strong understanding of database systems (SQL and NoSQL, e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Proficiency in RESTful API design and implementation.
• Solid understanding of software development principles, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and agile methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience mentoring development teams.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, with earnings potential up to ZAR per annum , commensurate with expertise and leadership skills.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• A generous retirement fund contribution.
• Stock options.
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Join a forward-thinking company in the beautiful surroundings of Stellenbosch and lead the development of innovative software solutions.