Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Generous annual leave

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems and APIs. You will mentor engineers, shape architecture, and drive high-quality software in a hybrid work setup.

The role emphasizes leadership, API design, cloud and containerization expertise, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to deliver robust features for an e-commerce platform.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 6–8+ years of backend software development experience.
• At least 2 years in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, Node.js, or Go.
• Strong experience with RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Solid cloud and containerization knowledge (AWS/Azure/GCP; Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL and ORMs.
• Familiar with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and implementation of scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Architect robust, efficient solutions using modern tech and best practices.
• Mentor backend engineers with technical leadership and code reviews.
• Collaborate with frontend, product, and QA to deliver features.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability of applications.
• Troubleshoot complex backend issues and maintain code quality.
• Contribute to tech stack decisions and development processes.
• Stay updated on emerging backend technologies and trends.

Skills

Backend development leadership

RESTful APIs

Microservices architecture

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Docker & Kubernetes

SQL/NoSQL databases

Agile development (Scrum/Kanban)

Code review & mentorship

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS/Azure/GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing e-commerce platform revolutionizing online retail in South Africa, is seeking an experienced and talented Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to join their dynamic technology team in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape . This role is crucial for designing, developing, and maintaining the scalable and robust backend systems that power their cutting-edge platform. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical leadership skills, a deep understanding of backend architecture, and a passion for building high-quality, performant software. You will mentor junior engineers, contribute to architectural decisions, and play a key role in shaping the future of our technology stack.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of scalable, high-performance backend systems and APIs.
• Architect robust and efficient solutions using modern technologies and best practices.
• Mentor and guide a team of backend software engineers, providing technical leadership and code reviews.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and QA engineers to deliver high-quality features.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across the backend infrastructure.
• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the technology stack and development processes.
• Ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence to coding standards.
• Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and architectural decision-making.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging backend technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of professional experience in backend software development.
• At least 2 years of experience in a lead or senior engineering role.
• Proficiency in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, Go).
• Strong experience with database technologies (e.g., SQL, NoSQL) and ORMs.
• Expertise in designing and developing RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Solid understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with agile development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience working in an e-commerce or high-traffic web application environment is a plus.
• Knowledge of the Port Elizabeth tech community.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and excellent career growth opportunities.
• Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and generous annual leave.
• You will work in a collaborative and innovative environment with exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
• This role offers a Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of remote work and on-site collaboration at our modern offices in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape .