Lead Software Engineer

CloudSmiths; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cloud solutions provider in Johannesburg is seeking a seasoned Lead Software Engineer to lead a talented team. You will be responsible for designing scalable applications and shaping technical strategy while mentoring developers. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in Python and cloud solutions using GCP and AWS, along with a passion for fostering growth among team members. Competitive compensation and a culture of learning await.

Benefits

Training budgets and certifications

Flexible working environment

Wellness benefits

Collaborative office spaces

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in software development and leadership.
• Hands-on development experience required.
• Strong comprehension of security practices and threat modeling.
• Strong practical knowledge of Kubernetes for orchestration.
• Experience in security engineering including threat modeling.

Responsibilities

• Architecting and designing secure applications on multi-cloud platforms.
• Leading and mentoring a team of engineers.
• Driving security principles throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Shaping technical strategy and making key technology decisions.
• Shaping technical strategy and making key technology decisions.

Skills

Deep proficiency in Python (specifically with FastAPI)

Front-end development using React

Experience designing and deploying solutions on GCP & AWS

Software architecture designing microservices

Strong practical knowledge of Kubernetes (K8s)

Experience in security engineering

Using AI tools like GitHub Copilot

Security Engineering

Job description

Overview

Are you a visionary engineer who loves to build scalable secure systems and mentor the next generation of developers? Do you dream in code and think in architecture diagrams? If you’re ready to lead a talented team and make a massive impact, CloudSmiths wants you!

As a Lead Software Engineer you won’t just be writing code. You’ll be the technical cornerstone of your team responsible for designing robust systems, setting technical direction and fostering a culture of excellence. You’ll split your time between hands‑on development, high‑level architectural design and empowering your team members to do their best work.

Responsibilities

• Architecting & Designing robust, scalable and secure applications on multi‑cloud platforms.
• Leading & mentoring a team of talented engineers, conducting code reviews and promoting best practices.
• Hands‑On Development using your expertise to build features and solve complex technical challenges.
• Driving Security by embedding security engineering principles throughout the entire software development lifecycle.
• Shaping Technical Strategy by making key decisions on technology frameworks and infrastructure.

What Youll Bring to the Table

We’re looking for a seasoned expert with a passion for both technology and people.

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• 5 years Deep proficiency in Python (specifically with FastAPI) and front‑end development using React.
• Proven hands‑on experience designing and deploying solutions on both GCP & AWS. You should be comfortable navigating the services and trade‑offs of both platforms.
• Demonstrable experience in software architecture designing microservices and building resilient high‑availability systems.
• Strong practical knowledge of Kubernetes (K8s) for orchestration and deployment.
• Security First Mindset: Solid experience in security engineering including threat modeling, secure coding practices and vulnerability management.
• A genuine passion for helping other engineers grow their skills and a track record of leading technical teams to success.
• You embrace the future of software development, actively using AI tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate delivery and write better code faster.

Why Youll Love Working at CloudSmiths

• Impactful Work: Solve real‑world problems for a diverse range of exciting clients.
• Culture of Learning: We invest in your growth with training budgets, certifications and conference passes.
• Flexibility: We trust you to get your work done whether you’re at home or in one of our collaborative office spaces.
• Great Team: Join a supportive, brilliant and fun‑loving team of tech enthusiasts based all over the world.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer an excellent salary, wellness benefits, and certification incentives.

Experience & Employment

Required Experience: Manager

Key Skills: Spring, .NET, C / C++, Go, React, OOP, C#, Data Structures, JavaScript, Software Development, Java, Distributed Systems

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1