Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical & retirement

Generous PTO

Professional development

Stellenbosch tech culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks a Lead Backend Software Engineer to guide a team in building scalable, robust backend services and APIs. You will set technical direction, mentor engineers, and ensure delivery of high-quality software solutions.

Requirements include 7+ years in backend development, leadership experience, and expertise with Java, Python, Go, or Node.js; plus strong relational/NoSQL DBs, caching, and cloud/microservices.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in backend development.
• Proven experience leading software teams.
• Experience with cloud platforms and microservices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering technical growth and ensuring code quality.
• Architect and implement robust database solutions, optimizing for performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional teams to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
• Drive best practices in software development, including code reviews, testing strategies, and deployment processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.

Skills

Backend development

Team leadership

System design

Databases

Cloud platforms

Microservices

Code reviews

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Java

Python

Go

Node.js

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Software Engineer specializing in backend development to join their technology team in Stellenbosch . In this leadership position, you will guide a team of engineers in designing, developing, and deploying scalable and robust backend systems that power critical business applications. You will be instrumental in setting technical direction, mentoring team members, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient software solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for building and scaling complex systems, contributing to a culture of technical excellence in Stellenbosch .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering technical growth and ensuring code quality.
• Architect and implement robust database solutions, optimizing for performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with product managers and cross-functional teams to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
• Drive best practices in software development, including code reviews, testing strategies, and deployment processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams and projects.
• Expertise in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go, Node.js).
• Strong understanding of relational and NoSQL databases, caching mechanisms, and distributed systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending conferences.
• A vibrant and innovative work culture in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch .