Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Software Engineer to guide backend systems and architecture. The role combines hands-on leadership with strategic technology decisions in a hybrid work setup.

You will mentor engineers, drive RESTful API design, oversee code quality, and shape the tech roadmap across cloud platforms such as AWS/Azure/GCP. Strong collaboration with product and architecture teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience in software development, with a strong focus on backend systems.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Expertise in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go, C#) and associated frameworks.
• Proficiency in designing and working with relational and/or NoSQL databases.
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture, distributed systems, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with RESTful API design and implementation.
• Proficiency in version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience in a hybrid work setup is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable and high-performance backend systems and APIs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of software engineers.
• Collaborate with product managers, architects, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and technical solutions.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and architectural guidelines.
• Oversee code reviews, ensuring code quality, maintainability, and security.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve development processes and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production and development environments.
• Contribute to strategic architectural decisions and technology roadmap planning.
• Foster a collaborative and productive team environment.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of backend services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related field

Tools

Git

CI/CD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding software development house, is seeking a highly experienced Lead Software Engineer specializing in backend systems to join their innovative team in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This role is critical for guiding the technical vision, architecture, and execution of our backend services. You will lead a team of talented engineers, foster a culture of technical excellence, and ensure the delivery of robust, scalable, and high-performance applications. The position offers a hybrid work model, combining the benefits of in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will play a key role in shaping our technology stack, mentoring team members, and driving key architectural decisions. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing organization and advance your leadership career.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of scalable and high-performance backend systems and APIs.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of software engineers.
• Collaborate with product managers, architects, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and technical solutions.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and architectural guidelines.
• Oversee code reviews, ensuring code quality, maintainability, and security.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to improve development processes and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production and development environments.
• Contribute to strategic architectural decisions and technology roadmap planning.
• Foster a collaborative and productive team environment.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of backend services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of professional experience in software development, with a strong focus on backend systems.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Expertise in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go, C#) and associated frameworks.
• Proficiency in designing and working with relational and/or NoSQL databases.
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture, distributed systems, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Experience with RESTful API design and implementation.
• Proficiency in version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience in a hybrid work setup is beneficial.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• Hybrid work model for optimal work-life balance.
• Modern office environment in Vereeniging, Gauteng.
• Regular team-building events and social activities.