Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Leadership development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Richards Bay office facilities

Training allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to head backend development in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This hybrid role blends leadership with hands-on technical delivery in a fast-paced manufacturing and logistics environment, where scalable, high‑performance services are core.

You will architect backend systems, mentor developers, design RESTful APIs and microservices, and collaborate with product, frontend, and QA teams to drive testing, security, and reliability across cloud

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of backend software development with leadership experience.
• Proficiency in Java, Python, C#, or Go and related frameworks.
• Strong SQL/NoSQL design, RESTful APIs and microservices experience.
• Cloud and containerization skills (AWS/Azure/GCP, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of backend services and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of backend developers.
• Architect scalable, secure, and resilient backend solutions.
• Collaborate with product, frontend, and QA to define requirements and deliver features.
• Oversee testing strategies (unit, integration, performance).
• Ensure coding standards and architectural guidelines are followed.
• Drive technical roadmap and evaluate new technologies.

Skills

Java

Python

C#

Go

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Spring Boot

Django

ASP.NET Core

Leadership

Cloud

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Spring Boot

Django

ASP.NET Core

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the manufacturing and logistics sector, is seeking an experienced and technically adept Lead Software Engineer (Backend) to spearhead their backend development initiatives in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a critical role for an individual passionate about building robust, scalable, and high-performance backend systems. The position offers a Hybrid work arrangement, allowing for a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility. You will be responsible for leading a team of developers, mentoring junior engineers, and driving technical excellence in backend architecture and implementation. Your expertise will be crucial in developing and maintaining the core systems that power our client's operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of backend services and APIs using modern programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, Python, .NET Core).
• Mentor and guide a team of backend developers, fostering their technical growth and ensuring high-quality code delivery.
• Architect scalable and resilient backend solutions, considering factors like performance, security, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, frontend engineers, and QA, to define requirements and deliver features.
• Oversee the implementation of robust testing strategies, including unit, integration, and performance testing.
• Ensure adherence to coding standards, best practices, and architectural guidelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues, performing root cause analysis and implementing effective solutions.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and technical roadmap for backend development.
• Evaluate and integrate new technologies and tools to enhance backend development efficiency and capabilities.
• Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and promoting knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of professional experience in backend software development, with a proven track record of leading projects or teams.
• Expertise in at least one major backend programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C#, Go) and associated frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot, Django, ASP.NET Core).
• Strong understanding of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL), including design, optimization, and management.
• Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and microservices architectures.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in implementing automated testing strategies and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid environment, balancing remote and in-office responsibilities in Richards Bay .
• Experience with Agile methodologies and project management tools.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• The flexibility of a Hybrid work model.
• Access to modern office facilities in Richards Bay .
• Professional development opportunities and training allowances.