Senior Backend Developer - API Design

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Professional growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng is seeking a Senior Backend Developer to design and build robust APIs, lead backend projects, and shape scalable services powering our applications.

You will work with a talented team, own API contracts, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring performance, security, and clean documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional backend development experience with a strong focus on API design.
• Proficiency in Node.js, Python, Java, or Go.
• Deep understanding of REST, GraphQL, data modeling, and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable RESTful APIs and backend services.
• Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms for APIs.
• Optimize database performance and queries for efficient data retrieval and storage.
• Write clean, well-tested, maintainable code using modern backend languages and frameworks.
• Collaborate with frontend developers and other teams to define API contracts and ensure seamless integration.
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and mentor junior developers.

Skills

API design

Problem-solving

Proactive mindset

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Node.js

Python

Java

Go

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Developer to lead the design and development of robust APIs in Mahikeng . This role is critical for building the foundational services that power their applications, ensuring they are scalable, performant, and secure. You will work with a talented team of engineers, taking ownership of significant backend projects and influencing architectural decisions. If you are passionate about creating clean, efficient, and well-documented APIs, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing technology company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable, high-performance RESTful APIs and backend services.
• Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms for APIs.
• Optimize database performance and queries to ensure efficient data retrieval and storage.
• Write clean, well-tested, and maintainable code using modern backend languages and frameworks.
• Collaborate with front-end developers and other teams to define API contracts and ensure seamless integration.
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and mentor junior developers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in backend development , with a strong focus on API design .
• Proficiency in one or more backend languages such as Node.js, Python, Java, or Go.
• Deep understanding of API design principles (REST, GraphQL), data modeling, and database technologies (SQL/NoSQL).
• Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems is highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to technical challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning.
• Flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
• A chance to shape critical backend systems for innovative products in Mahikeng .