Lead Software Engineer - Backend Services

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health & wellness benefits

Performance bonus

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive backend design, architecture, and delivery of scalable services. You will mentor a team and shape the technology stack for fintech products, collaborating closely with product, frontend, and security teams.

You should bring 8+ years in software engineering, strong cloud and container skills, and a track record delivering robust fintech-grade systems. Hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in software engineering with 3+ years in lead/architect backend.
• Proficient in Java, Python, Go, Node.js, or C#.
• Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and containerization (Docker/Kubernetes).
• RESTful APIs and microservices design expertise.
• SQL and NoSQL database expertise and data modelling.
• Experience with Kafka or RabbitMQ and distributed systems.
• Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent.
• FinTech experience is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable backend services.
• Architect robust solutions using modern patterns and tech.
• Mentor engineers and promote technical excellence.
• Collaborate with product, front-end, and stakeholders on roadmaps.
• Ensure performance, security, and maintainability of backends.
• Enforce coding standards and conduct code reviews.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across the stack.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve systems.

Skills

Backend leadership

Distributed systems

Cloud platforms

APIs & microservices

Database design

Message queues

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing fintech innovator located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptional Lead Software Engineer to spearhead the development of their core backend services. This is a high-impact leadership position, responsible for architecting, building, and maintaining scalable, reliable, and secure systems that power our cutting-edge financial products. You will lead a team of talented engineers, mentor junior developers, and drive technical excellence across the backend domain. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of distributed systems, cloud technologies, and best practices in software engineering. They should have a proven track record of delivering robust solutions in a fast-paced environment and a passion for solving complex technical challenges. Join a dynamic and collaborative team that is revolutionizing the financial services industry. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of our technology stack and contribute to significant business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable and resilient backend services and APIs.
• Architect robust and efficient solutions using modern technologies and design patterns.
• Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with product managers, front-end engineers, and other stakeholders to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
• Ensure the performance, security, and maintainability of our backend systems.
• Implement and enforce coding standards, conduct code reviews, and champion best practices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across the technology stack.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies and tools to improve development processes and system capabilities.
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and strategic technical planning.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or architect role focused on backend development.
• Expertise in one or more backend languages such as Java, Python, Go, Node.js, or C#.
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs and microservices.
• Deep understanding of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and data modeling.
• Experience with message queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ) and distributed systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in the FinTech industry is a strong plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, performance bonuses, and generous paid time off. This role is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, offering a hybrid work arrangement. Enjoy a collaborative and innovative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects at the forefront of financial technology.