Senior Backend Engineer - API Development

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer to design and implement robust server-side logic, APIs, and data models that power their digital products. You will mentor junior team members, optimize performance, and collaborate with frontend and product teams to deliver scalable solutions on cloud platforms.

The role emphasizes security, maintainability, and a strong engineering culture in a fast-growing environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend development experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Proficiency in backend languages and frameworks (Python, Java, Node.js, Go).
• Strong knowledge of databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL/MongoDB) and ORM frameworks.
• Experience with cloud platforms and microservices architecture is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance RESTful APIs.
• Write clean, tested, and well-documented code.
• Collaborate with frontend developers and product managers to define API requirements.
• Optimize application performance and database queries.
• Implement robust security measures and ensure production stability.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Python/Django/Flask

Java/Spring

Node.js

Go

PostgreSQL/MySQL/MongoDB

AWS/Azure/GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer to join their technology team, based in Port Elizabeth . This role is central to the development of robust, scalable, and secure APIs that power their suite of digital products. You will be responsible for designing and implementing efficient server-side logic, managing databases, and ensuring the smooth integration of various systems. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer to contribute to critical projects, influence architectural decisions, and mentor junior team members in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance, scalable RESTful APIs using modern backend languages and frameworks.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, adhering to best practices in software development.
• Collaborate with front-end developers and product managers to define API requirements and ensure seamless integration.
• Optimize application performance, database queries, and overall system architecture for speed and scalability.
• Implement robust security measures and data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues, ensuring the stability and reliability of services in production.

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 and implementation.
• Proficiency in one or more backend languages such as Python (with Django/Flask), Java (with Spring), Node.js, or Go.
• Solid understanding of database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and ORM frameworks.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent communication abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• A supportive team culture focused on innovation and collaboration.
• The chance to work on impactful projects within a growing company.