Senior Backend Engineer

STAFF RECRUIT; Wes-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join their dynamic team in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in backend engineering, particularly within fintech or technology startups. This role involves designing scalable systems, ensuring reliability, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. You will thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment, contributing to projects that empower businesses across Africa. If you are passionate about backend development and eager to make an impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of backend engineering experience in fintech or tech startups.
• Proficient in SQL and NoSQL databases, with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design scalable backend systems and ensure reliability.
• Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams to deliver projects.

Skills

Backend Development

Unit and Integration Testing

API Design

System Architecture

Containerization (Docker)

Orchestration Tools (Kubernetes)

Cloud Infrastructure (AWS)

SQL Databases

NoSQL Databases (MySQL, MongoDB)

Communication Skills

Tools

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Express.js

Sails.js

Job description

City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

STAFF RECRUIT

Position: Senior Backend Engineer

Location: Hybrid, South Africa

What we are looking for

Paystack is hiring a Senior Backend Engineer who has held a senior or lead engineering role and is confident working within backend engineering frameworks to design scalable systems. You must be based in South Africa and legally authorized to work. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in fintech or technology startups, a deep understanding of backend system architecture, and thrives in a remote, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on backend development experience with a focus on reliability and scalability
• Proficiency in writing and maintaining unit and integration tests
• Sound knowledge of API design, system architecture, and best development practices
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration tools (Kubernetes)
• Experience working with cloud infrastructure, especially AWS
• Ability to thrive in cross-functional teams with product managers, designers, and customer support

Non-Negotiables

• Currently residing in South Africa with legal work authorization
• 5+ years of backend engineering experience, with at least 2+ years in a senior role
• Proven experience in a fintech company or fast-growing technology organization
• Deep understanding of backend engineering frameworks and architectural patterns
• Experience working on large, distributed systems at scale
• Proficient in SQL and NoSQL databases (MySQL, MongoDB)
• Experience with backend frameworks such as Express.js or Sails.js
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote-first environment
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from concept to deployment
• A passion for building tools that empower African businesses

Qualified Applicants should send CV to [e-mail], also include your LinkedIn profile link on the CV or the body of the mail

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Information Technology, Design, and Engineering

Industries

Telecommunications, Financial Services, and Technology, Information and Media