Senior Backend Developer (Node.js)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Impactful projects

Startup culture in Nelspruit

Professional development budget

Health and wellness benefits

Generous paid time off

Regular team social events

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Developer with Node.js to design, build and maintain scalable server-side applications and APIs that power innovative digital products. You will mentor juniors, contribute to architecture decisions, optimize performance and collaborate with frontend teams in a vibrant startup environment based in Nelspruit.

The role requires deep knowledge of JavaScript, Node.js, and databases like PostgreSQL/MongoDB/MySQL, with experience in

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Backend Developer with Node.js focus.
• Knowledge of JavaScript (ES6+) and Express.js.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, MongoDB or MySQL databases.
• Proficiency in building and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Understanding of microservices architecture and design patterns.
• Git version control experience.
• Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) a plus.
• Knowledge of Docker is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust backend services and APIs with Node.js.
• Write clean, well-tested, and maintainable code.
• Collaborate with frontend, product, and stakeholders to implement features.
• Design and manage database schemas for performance and integrity.
• Integrate with third-party services and external APIs.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews and provide feedback.
• Troubleshoot production issues and provide timely resolutions.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and tech decisions.
• Stay updated with backend innovations and trends.

Skills

Node.js

JavaScript

Express.js

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

MySQL

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Git

Docker

Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Docker

Git

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing technology startup based in Nelspruit , is looking for a highly skilled Senior Backend Developer with expertise in Node.js to join their core engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to design, build, and maintain scalable server-side applications and APIs that power innovative digital products. You will play a key role in architectural decisions, contribute to code quality, and mentor junior engineers. The position is office-based in Nelspruit , offering a vibrant and collaborative startup atmosphere. We are seeking a proactive and experienced developer who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about building high-performance backend systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust and scalable backend services and APIs using Node.js.
• Write efficient, well-tested, and maintainable code following best practices.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define and implement new features.
• Design and manage database schemas, ensuring data integrity and performance.
• Implement and integrate with third-party services and external APIs.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to team members.
• Troubleshoot and debug production issues, providing timely resolutions.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and technical decision-making.
• Stay current with emerging backend technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Senior Backend Developer with a strong focus on Node.js.
• In-depth knowledge of JavaScript (ES6+), Node.js, and associated frameworks (e.g., Express.js).
• Experience designing and interacting with databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL).
• Proficiency in building and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Understanding of microservices architecture and design patterns.
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance incentives.
• Opportunity to work on innovative projects with a significant impact.
• Vibrant and collaborative startup culture in Nelspruit .
• Professional development opportunities and training budgets.
• Direct contribution to product strategy and architecture.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Regular team social events.