Senior Backend Developer (Node.js/Express)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Backend Developer specializing in Node.js and Express.js to design, develop, and maintain scalable server-side applications.

You will build robust APIs, manage relational and NoSQL databases, implement security best practices, and collaborate with front-end teams to deliver high-performance software in a hybrid work setting that balances remote flexibility with in-office collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in JavaScript and Node.js with Express.js experience.
• Experience with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (MongoDB).
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Knowledge of authentication/authorization patterns (JWT, OAuth).
• Familiarity with Git and version control.
• Understanding of microservices architecture is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities in a hybrid Paarl environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust and scalable backend services using Node.js and Express.js.
• Build and manage RESTful APIs supporting front-end apps and third-party integrations.
• Work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB including schema design and query optimization.
• Implement security and data protection best practices.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and testable code.
• Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and stakeholders on new features.
• Optimize application performance and ensure high availability.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues to ensure smooth operation.
• Stay current with emerging Node.js trends and best practices.

Skills

JavaScript (Node.js)

Express.js

REST API design

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Git

JWT/OAuth

AWS/GCP/Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a thriving software solutions provider, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Developer specializing in Node.js and Express.js to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This role requires a seasoned professional adept at designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, high-performance server-side applications. You will be integral to building robust APIs, managing databases, and ensuring the seamless integration of our client's software solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of JavaScript on the server-side, experience with various database technologies, and a passion for writing clean, efficient code. This hybrid position offers the benefit of remote work flexibility combined with essential in-office collaboration to foster team synergy and innovation within the picturesque setting of Paarl, Western Cape. You will have the opportunity to influence architectural decisions and contribute to the growth of a dynamic technology company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust and scalable backend services using Node.js and the Express.js framework.


• Build and manage RESTful APIs that support front-end applications and third-party integrations.


• Work with various database systems (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL), including schema design and query optimization.


• Implement security and data protection best practices.


• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and testable code.


• Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define and implement new features.


• Optimize application performance and ensure high availability.


• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.


• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues, ensuring smooth operation of the platform.


• Stay current with emerging Node.js trends and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.


• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend development.


• Strong proficiency in JavaScript and Node.js, with extensive experience using the Express.js framework.


• Demonstrated experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).


• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.


• Knowledge of authentication and authorization patterns (e.g., JWT, OAuth).


• Familiarity with version control systems, particularly Git.


• Understanding of microservices architecture is a plus.


• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities for a hybrid environment in Paarl, Western Cape.


• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is advantageous.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of ZAR.


• Hybrid work model offering a balance of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration in Paarl, Western Cape.


• Opportunity to work on innovative projects with a significant impact.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.


• Generous annual leave and paid time off.


• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth.


• A supportive and dynamic team culture.