Senior Back-End Software Developer - JHB

DataFin; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

An AgriTech start-up in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Back-End Developer to enhance its SaaS platform for the agricultural sector. This role emphasizes creating scalable solutions using Ruby on Rails, managing APIs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should possess a solid background in relational databases, cloud infrastructure, and Agile methodologies, with strong problem-solving skills. Join a dynamic team that values knowledge sharing and innovation.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with Ruby on Rails for API and application development.
• Expertise with relational databases and writing complex SQL.
• Experience designing and building GraphQL APIs.
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain the core Ruby on Rails API and application logic.
• Implement GraphQL APIs to serve internal and external clients.
• Manage the full application lifecycle on cloud infrastructure.
• Maintain and improve data storage strategies.

Skills

Ruby on Rails

PostgreSQL

GraphQL

AWS

Git/GitHub

Docker

Agile methodologies

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or Information Systems

Job description

ENVIRONMENT

Our client, an AgriTech start-up with offices in Johannesburg, is seeking a Senior Back-End Developer to help build a robust and scalable SaaS platform for the agricultural sector. They are looking for a pragmatic, solution-oriented developer who thrives on creating tangible value through software. The role focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining core business logic, APIs, and data storage systems, while developing high-quality, scalable code and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Strong experience in Ruby on Rails, technical leadership, architecture, and managing large codebases is highly valued, alongside a passion for problem-solving and building impactful software solutions.

DUTIES

• Design, develop, and maintain the core Ruby on Rails API and application logic.
• Design and implement GraphQL APIs to efficiently serve internal and external front-end clients and services.
• Manage the full application lifecycle, including deployment and maintenance on cloud infrastructure such as AWS and Heroku for APIs and background workers.
• Maintain and improve data storage strategies, researching sharding and other concepts, as well as different database/storage types (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Snowflake).
• Write maintainable, production-ready code while adhering to software development best practices, including thorough testing and security.
• Conduct deep-dive R&D and architect scalable solutions to complex data and business logic problems.
• Support the continuous improvement of development practices and the technology stack.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to ensure smooth API integration and optimal performance.
• Say your say! They drive a culture of knowledge sharing in workshops/etc. and are always open to questions and feedback on topics like implementation details and product direction.

REQUIREMENTS

• Education: Preferably a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or Information Systems.
• Knowledge, Skills & Experience They require that you have a passion for working in/learning the below, and proficiency is beneficial.
• Required Proficiency/Passion: Strong proficiency in Ruby on Rails for API and application development.
• Relational databases: Expertise with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and writing complex SQL.
• GraphQL: Experience designing and building GraphQL APIs.
• Cloud infrastructure: Familiarity with cloud infrastructure for deployment and maintenance (They run predominantly on AWS and Heroku).
• Version control & CI/CD: Experience with Git/GitHub for source control and CI/CD.
• Agile: Experience with Agile development methodologies.

BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE

• Experience with distributed data processing via ETL/similar processes.
• Familiarity with other databases/storage types (e.g., MongoDB, Snowflake).
• Experience using Docker for local development.
• Contributions to open-source projects or participation in relevant back-end communities.

ATTRIBUTES

• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
• Excellent teamwork, collaboration, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.