Modern Systems Engineer

Profile Personnel; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Profile Personnel is looking for a skilled Modern Systems Engineer to enhance their software development team in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The role involves working on diverse projects like web applications and APIs while modernizing existing systems.

Applicants should have strong backend development experience, particularly with Ruby on Rails, and contribute to CI/CD processes and collaboration efforts. A focus on code quality and engineering best practices is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in backend or full-stack software development required.
• Experience with Ruby on Rails or ability to quickly learn Rails.
• Solid understanding of API development and integration is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance Ruby on Rails applications.
• Design and implement RESTful APIs and backend services.
• Support modernization of existing applications and platforms.

Skills

Backend or full-stack software development

Ruby on Rails

API development and integration

Relational databases

Git version control

Collaboration in a development environment

Tools

Docker

CI/CD pipelines

PostgreSQL

Linux server administration

Job description

An established software development environment is seeking a skilled and adaptable Modern Systems Engineer to join its growing engineering team.

This role offers the opportunity to work across a diverse range of projects, including bespoke web applications, client platforms, APIs, mobile application backends, and long-term production systems. The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining and modernising existing applications while contributing to the development of new solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Backend Development

• Develop, maintain, and enhance Ruby on Rails applications
• Design and implement RESTful APIs and backend services
• Improve system architecture, performance, and maintainability
• Build scalable, reliable, and secure software solutions

Technical Modernisation

• Support the modernisation of existing applications and platforms
• Contribute to CI/CD, deployment, and automation initiatives
• Assist with infrastructure improvements and technical enhancements
• Promote engineering best practices and coding standards

Collaboration

• Work closely with technical and operational stakeholders
• Participate in architecture, planning, and technical discussions
• Collaborate with developers and cross‑functional teams to deliver solutions

Ownership & Quality

• Write clean, maintainable, and well‑tested code
• Participate in code reviews and technical knowledge sharing
• Take ownership of technical deliverables and project outcomes
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the engineering team

Minimum Requirements

• Strong experience in backend or full‑stack software development
• Experience with Ruby on Rails, or the ability to learn Rails quickly
• Solid understanding of API development and integration
• Strong knowledge of relational databases
• Understanding of backend architecture and software design principles
• Experience troubleshooting and debugging complex systems
• Experience using Git version control
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative development environment

Advantageous Skills

• Docker
• CI/CD pipelines
• PostgreSQL
• Tailwind CSS
• Hotwire / Turbo
• Sidekiq or background job processing
• Linux server administration
• DevOps practices and automation
• Mobile application backend development

Skills & Competencies

• Strong engineering and problem‑solving mindset
• Ability to take ownership and accountability for deliverables
• Effective communication skills with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Adaptable and able to learn new technologies quickly
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment