Principal Software Developer

Mintek; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Randburg is seeking a principal software developer to lead the architectural design and development of software systems. This role involves managing and mentoring teams, ensuring alignment with industry standards, and driving innovation through efficient software development practices. Ideal candidates should have a Master's or PhD in a relevant field and at least 8 years of experience in software development, particularly with proficiency in C/C# and software architecture.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years’ vocational experience in software development.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and architectural design of software systems.
• Manage and mentor development teams to ensure alignment with best practices.
• Extend existing products and design new systems.

Skills

Expert proficiency in C and/or C#

Strong experience with Windows-based applications and services

Sound understanding of software architecture and system design

In-depth knowledge of SDLC and software testing frameworks

Some experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices

Excellent troubleshooting and debugging skills

Strong communication and documentation abilities

Education

NQF level 9 Master’s degree relevant to software development

PhD degree (or NQF level 10)

Job description

Job Location: Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

Introduction

• Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a principal software developer to Lead the development and architectural design of software systems, contribute to strategic and technical planning, manage and mentor development teams, and ensure alignment with industry best practices (e.g., SDLC, Agile, DevOps, Testing).
• Extend existing products, design and implement new systems, support R&D commercialization, and produce comprehensive software documentation.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Leadership

• Lead/guide AO & SP-level Software Developers.
• Lead large development projects/teams, including resource and execution planning.
• Makes technical decisions having an impact on the product development direction and outcomes within the Division.
• Work with complex assignments that require high levels of integration and specialised knowledge and skills.
• Specialise within an area of technologies used in the division’s software products.

Strategy

• Participate in divisional strategic objectives, make recommendations.
• Assess the environment to determine opportunities for product improvement.

Innovation

• Operational: improve workflows, introduce new procedures, drive initiatives to improve product reliability and maintainability, as well as to increase efficiency.
• Technical: introduce new tools/3rd party components to improve product efficiency, reliability and usability, or to expand product capabilities.
• Technical: design new products/enhancements of a complex nature. Co-design major new products.

Execution, People and Planning

• Develop the functional specifications, design and implement high-complexity features/improvements to existing products, requiring professional judgement and independent evaluation, selection or modification of standard techniques or methods, affecting multiple systems.
• Develop functional specifications, design and implement medium complexity systems/products.
• Solve unforeseen and novel problems, requiring ingenuity and the application of software development knowledge to resolve the problem.
• Software testing, troubleshooting and code inspection.
• Advanced technical support for multiple products or systems.
• Training and mentoring of AO & SP-level Software Developers.
• Provide advanced training on the use of the division’s software products to other members of the division and external clients.
• Management of large multiyear projects, including resource and execution planningli>

Governance and Risk Management

• Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies, promote continual improvement in the workplace, adhere to and enforce all SHEQ requirements.
• As a decision maker be responsible for the assessment and management of all risks related to the projects under their direct control.
• Responsible for technical oversight of the work of junior staff.
• Responsible for significant equipment / facilities.

Relationship Management and Reporting

• Present at local and international trade shows.
• Work independently and provides instruction to junior staff. Receive limited guidance and instruction on unusualand complex problems.
• Will lead, mentor and train staff.

Minimum requirements

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum NQF level 9 Masters’s degree relevant to software development.
• Ideal PhD degree (or NQF level 10).
• Minimum 8 years’ vocational experience in software development.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Expert proficiency in C and/or C#
• Strong experience with Windows-based applications and services
• Sound understanding of software architecture and system design
• In-depth knowledge of SDLC, and software testing frameworks
• Some experience with Agile methodologies, DevOps practices
• Excellent troubleshooting and debugging skills
• Strong communication and documentation abilities

Apply by

29 January 2026