Mid Level Backend Developer

Black Pen Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 550 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A fintech recruitment agency is seeking a Mid Level Backend Developer to work in Pretoria. You will take ownership of technology systems, ensuring reliability, security, and efficiency. Responsibilities include building applications and collaborating with international teams. A strong academic background in Computer Science and proficiency in Python, Java, or Kotlin are essential, along with substantial experience in backend development.

Benefits

High autonomy

Mission-driven environment

Cross-border collaboration opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in backend or full stack development.
• Strong academic record in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or similar from a top university.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, or Kotlin with working knowledge of relational databases and modern web frameworks.
• Familiarity with cloud services (preferably AWS) and containerization tools (e.g. Docker).
• Proven ability to collaborate with remote teams and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain fullstack applications supporting lending operations.
• Ensure performance, reliability, and security across local infrastructure.
• Act as a bridge between South African and Group tech teams.

Skills

Python

Java

Kotlin

Relational databases

Cloud services (AWS)

Docker

Analytical thinking

Asynchronous communication

Education

Degree in Computer Science or similar

Tools

Docker

GitHub Actions

AWS

Job description

Our client is looking for a technically excellent and ambitious Mid Level Backend Developer to take ownership of our clients technology systems. This is a hands‑on role for a builder - someone who thrives on solving complex problems writing clean code and designing systems that scale.

Youll be their key developer on the ground with real autonomy and responsibility. Your work will power everything from credit decisions to compliance reporting and internal tools - while ensuring their systems stay reliable efficient and secure. Youll collaborate closely with the South African business team and their Nairobi‑based Group engineering team leveraging shared services while aligning delivery with our in country priorities.

If youre excited about working at the intersection of fintech infrastructure and impact - this role offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills while contributing to financial inclusion across South Africa.

Job type: Full time / Permanent

Location: Cape Town

Workplace: Onsite

Requirements

• 23 years of experience in full stack or backend‑focused development
• Strong academic record in Computer Science Engineering Mathematics or similar (top university preferred)
• Proficiency in Python Java or Kotlin with working knowledge of relational databases and modern web frameworks
• Familiarity with cloud services (preferably AWS) and containerization tools (e.g. Docker)
• Proven ability to collaborate with remote / cross‑country teams; strong written async communication.

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Experience in fintech lending or working with data‑heavy systems
• Exposure to system architecture microservices and API design
• Familiarity with financial integrations (e.g. credit bureaus ID verification payments)
• Experience managing partner / vendor deliverables or contributing to a shared platform team.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical thinker with high attention to detail
• Independent and self‑motivated - able to manage your own workload and timelines
• Pragmatic problem‑solver who enjoys full ownership
• Clear communicator able to bridge technical and business contexts
• Curious adaptable and committed to building for impact

Responsibilities

Technical Development

• Build and maintain fullstack applications that support lending operations clientservices and internal tools.
• Extend and integrate with our loan management system middleware APIs and data dashboards.
• Write clean testable code and conduct reviews where relevant.

System Ownership

• Ensure performance reliability and security across local infrastructure components.
• Implement and maintain system enhancements and data flows for reporting compliance and credit decisioning.
• Manage deployments configuration and version control for country‑specific modules.

Collaboration

• Act as the bridge between our South African business team and Group tech team.
• Work closely with credit and operations to scope new features or improve existing processes.
• Help shape the local tech roadmap in collaboration with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Translate local requirements into clear specs / tickets and align scope / timelines with Group sprints.
• Own the integration backlog with Group services (LMS APIs data lake) and track to closure. Coordinate releases and handovers with Group; test sign off and elevate blockers quickly.

Their Stack

• Backend : Java (Fineract) Kotlin (Quarkus) Python (Django)
• Frontend : Internal UIs and dashboards via Superset
• Data & Storage : Supabase (Postgres) AWS (Parquet Data Lake)
• DevOps : Docker GitHub Actions AWS

Why work with our client

• Build for real‑world impact : Help make housing finance more accessible through better technology.
• Own your work : This is a high‑autonomy high‑responsibility role with tangible results.
• Work with purpose : Join a mission‑driven fintech with clear social value.
• Collaborate across disciplines : Gain exposure to credit data compliance and strategic decision making.
• Scale with us : Be part of a business that blends startup pace with operational discipline.
• Cross‑border collaboration : Work with an experienced Group engineering team in Kenya.