Lead Software Engineer (Backend)

Placements24; Welkom; Hybrid; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Fully remote

Leadership opportunities

Cutting-edge tech

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Dev budget

Retirement match

Flexible hours

Remote team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Software Engineer (Backend) based in Welkom, Free State, SA, with a remote-first arrangement across South Africa. You will shape and lead critical backend platforms, mentor engineers, and drive architectural decisions to deliver scalable services.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years in backend development, strong leadership, and expertise in RESTful APIs, microservices, and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of backend software development experience.
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams.
• Deep expertise in one or more backend languages (Java, Python, Go, C#, Node.js).
• Strong database design with SQL and NoSQL.
• Experience designing RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and Docker/Kubernetes.
• Proficient testing methodologies and frameworks.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of robust and scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering technical growth and best practices.
• Drive architectural decisions and technical strategy for backend services.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and security standards are met through rigorous code reviews and testing.
• Collaborate with product managers, front-end developers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Identify and address technical debt and implement solutions for system improvements.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and development methodologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues in a timely manner.
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in backend development.

Skills

Lead teams

Backend development

RESTful APIs

Cloud platforms

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a talented and experienced Lead Software Engineer specializing in backend development. This pivotal role will be based in Welkom, Free State , and offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead the development of critical backend systems and services. You will be responsible for driving technical direction, mentoring a team of skilled engineers, and ensuring the delivery of high-performance, scalable, and reliable software solutions. As a leader, you will play a key part in architectural decisions, code quality, and best practices within the engineering department. This is a remote-first position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about technology, driven by innovation, and committed to fostering a collaborative and high-performing engineering culture. Join our client to make a substantial impact on their core technology platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of robust and scalable backend systems and APIs.
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering technical growth and best practices.
• Drive architectural decisions and technical strategy for backend services.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and security standards are met through rigorous code reviews and testing.
• Collaborate with product managers, front-end developers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Identify and address technical debt and implement solutions for system improvements.
• Champion the adoption of new technologies and development methodologies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues in a timely manner.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in backend development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of professional experience in software development, with a strong focus on backend systems.
• Proven experience leading software engineering teams and projects.
• Deep expertise in one or more backend programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go, C#, Node.js).
• Strong understanding of database design and management (SQL and NoSQL).
• Experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs and microservices architecture.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in testing methodologies and frameworks.
• Excellent understanding of software development principles, design patterns, and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance bonuses.
• Fully remote work arrangement.
• Opportunities for significant technical leadership and impact.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and development tools.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development budget for courses, certifications, and conferences.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Flexible working hours.
• Supportive and collaborative remote team culture.