Mid Level Backend Developer (Fintech)

Black Pen Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Mid Level Backend Developer to join their fintech client. This hands-on role requires proficiency in Python, Java, or Kotlin, and involves building and maintaining fullstack applications to support lending operations. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, remote environment and have a strong academic background in relevant fields. The position is based in South Africa, Gauteng, Pretoria, and offers a full-time, onsite work opportunity.

Benefits

High autonomy and responsibility

Opportunity to work on impactful fintech projects

Collaborate with groups across borders

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in full stack or backend‑focused development.
• Experience working with relational databases and modern web frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain fullstack applications that support lending operations.
• Ensure performance, reliability, and security across infrastructure components.
• Act as the bridge between South African business and Group tech team.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in Java

Proficiency in Kotlin

Strong written async communication

Collaboration with remote teams

Education

Strong academic record in Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics

Tools

AWS

Docker

Job description

Our client is looking for a technically excellent and ambitious Mid Level Backend Developer to take ownership of our client’s 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.

You’ll 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. You’ll 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 you’re 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

• 2–3 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, client services, 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.