Principal Software Engineer

IQbusiness South Africa; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

iqbusiness invites a Principal Software Engineer to join its Technology Division. This hands-on, high-impact role drives architecture decisions, secures scalable software, and delivers client-focused solutions for top wealth and asset management firms globally.

The ideal candidate thrives in a regulated fintech environment, champions secure development practices, and embraces AI-assisted engineering to improve delivery and quality.

Qualifications

• Extensive software engineering experience at senior levels (Senior/Staff/Lead/Principal).
• Proven track record delivering production-ready software from ambiguous requirements to adoption.
• Hands-on experience with TypeScript, JavaScript, React, Node.js and SQL databases.
• Cloud experience with AWS or similar platforms.

Skills

TypeScript

JavaScript

React

Node.js

SQL

Relational databases

AWS

Software architecture

Observability

Production troubleshooting

Stakeholder management

Delivery excellence

Security & compliance

AI-assisted development

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

N/A

Job description

iqx the Technology Division of iqbusiness is looking for an exceptional Principal Software Engineer to join our Product Engineering team.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role for a senior engineer who enjoys solving complex business challenges, influencing technical direction, and owning the full software delivery lifecycle. You will work closely with product managers, designers, and engineers to build secure, scalable, and client-focused solutions used by leading wealth and asset management firms globally.

Operating within a regulated fintech environment, you'll have the opportunity to shape architecture decisions, improve engineering standards, and drive innovation through modern AI-assisted engineering practices.

Required Skills and Experience

• Extensive software engineering experience operating at Senior, Staff, Lead, Principal, or equivalent level.
• Proven track record of delivering production-ready software from ambiguous requirements through to successful adoption.
• Strong commercial experience with:
  • TypeScript
  • JavaScript
  • React
  • Node.js
  • SQL and relational databases
• Hands-on cloud experience with AWS or similar cloud platforms.
• Strong architecture and systems design capabilities.
• Experience with deployment, observability, and production troubleshooting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong ownership mindset with a passion for quality and delivery excellence.
• Knowledge of secure software development practices, accessibility standards, and compliance-driven environments.

AI-First Engineering

We're looking for engineers who have embedded AI into their development workflow. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

• Practical use of AI tools throughout the software delivery lifecycle.
• Strong prompt engineering and AI-assisted development practices.
• Critical evaluation and validation of AI-generated output.
• Awareness of AI limitations, risks, and failure modes.
• Real-world examples where AI has delivered measurable improvements in productivity or quality.

Please Note: As all iqbusiness roles require honesty in the handling of or access to cash, finances, financial systems, or confidential information; our recruitment process requires that the following background checks be completed: credit, criminal, ID, and qualification verification.

iqbusiness is committed to sustainable growth and transformation, we embrace diversity and employ previously disadvantaged individuals