Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Pension plan

Professional development & training

Generous leave

Modern office in Kimberley

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is seeking a Lead Software Engineer with a strong backend focus to guide a team of backend engineers and drive scalable architecture.

You will own API design, microservices, and system architecture while mentoring engineers and collaborating with product teams to define roadmaps. The role requires at least 7 years of backend experience and office presence for collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in software development with a strong backend focus.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring software engineering teams.
• Expertise in one or more backend languages (Python, Java, Node.js, Go).
• Strong experience with database design and management (SQL and NoSQL).
• Proficiency in RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Experience with cloud platforms and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of backend engineers, fostering best practices and professional growth.
• Architect, design, and develop scalable, high-performance backend systems and APIs.
• Oversee the full software development lifecycle from conception to deployment and maintenance.
• Collaborate with product management, front-end teams, and stakeholders to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
• Ensure robust security measures and data protection strategies.
• Optimize application performance, database efficiency, and system scalability.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Drive adoption of modern development practices, tools, and technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Contribute to technical strategy and long-term architectural vision.

Skills

Backend languages - Python

Backend languages - Java

Backend languages - Node.js

Backend languages - Go

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Database design

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Docker

Kubernetes

Software architecture patterns

Leadership & mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech company specializing in data analytics solutions, is looking for an experienced Lead Software Engineer with a strong backend focus. This position is based in Kimberley, Northern Cape , and requires full-time presence in the office to facilitate close team collaboration, mentorship, and strategic planning. You will be responsible for leading a team of talented backend engineers, driving the architecture and development of our core platform, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, scalable, and performant software. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in backend development, architectural design, and team leadership, with a passion for tackling complex technical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of backend software engineers, fostering best practices and professional growth.
• Architect, design, and develop scalable, high-performance backend systems and APIs.
• Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, from conception and design to deployment and maintenance.
• Collaborate with product management, front-end teams, and other stakeholders to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
• Ensure the implementation of robust security measures and data protection strategies.
• Optimize application performance, database efficiency, and system scalability.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Drive the adoption of modern development practices, tools, and technologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Contribute to technical strategy and long-term architectural vision.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in software development, with a significant focus on backend engineering.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring software engineering teams.
• Expertise in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, Go).
• Strong experience with database design and management (SQL and NoSQL).
• Proficiency in designing and building RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Solid understanding of software architecture patterns and best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively manage projects and timelines in an office-based setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and annual bonus package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and optical insurance.
• Generous pension fund contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• Ample paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
• Prime office location with modern amenities.
• Collaborative and dynamic team environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and development tools.