Senior Backend Engineer (Microservices & API Design)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join a fully remote, globally distributed team. You will design, build, and maintain scalable microservices and APIs, focusing on high availability, security, and performance.

You will guide best practices, mentor junior engineers, and help evolve the technology stack. The role requires strong experience with Java, Python, Go, or Node.js, plus expertise in RESTful and GraphQL APIs, databases, cloud platforms, and containerization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of backend development experience with a focus on microservices architecture.
• Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs.
• Strong proficiency in at least one modern backend language (Java, Python, Go, Node.js).
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases, and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable microservices architecture.
• Architect and implement robust RESTful and GraphQL APIs with clear documentation.
• Manage databases (SQL/NoSQL) and caching systems.
• Apply security, performance, and maintainability best practices in backend systems.
• Collaborate with frontend, product, and stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Write unit, integration, and end-to-end tests.
• Monitor performance, troubleshoot, and ensure high availability.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold code quality standards.
• Contribute to system architecture and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Java

Python

Go

Node.js

Microservices

REST APIs

GraphQL APIs

Databases

Cloud platforms

Docker/Kubernetes

CI/CD

Messaging systems

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

RabbitMQ

Kafka

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Backend Engineer to join their high-performing, fully remote team. This role is critical for designing, developing, and maintaining robust, scalable backend services and APIs that power their cutting-edge applications. You will be instrumental in architecting microservices solutions, ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and optimal performance. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in one or more backend programming languages, a strong understanding of distributed systems, and a passion for building clean, maintainable, and efficient code. This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to collaborate with a talented, geographically dispersed team. You will play a key role in defining technical standards, mentoring junior engineers, and driving innovation in backend development. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver who can contribute significantly to the evolution of our client's technology stack and ensure the seamless operation of their digital platforms. Your expertise in API design will be crucial for enabling seamless integrations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable and resilient microservices using languages such as Java, Python, Go, or Node.js.
• Architect and implement robust RESTful APIs and/or GraphQL APIs, ensuring clear documentation and efficient data exchange.
• Manage and interact with databases (SQL and NoSQL) and caching systems.
• Implement best practices for security, performance, and maintainability in backend systems.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define requirements and deliver features.
• Write comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end tests.
• Monitor application performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to ensure high availability.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and upholding code quality standards.
• Contribute to the design and evolution of the overall system architecture.
• Mentor junior backend engineers and promote knowledge sharing within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional backend development experience, with a significant focus on microservices architecture.
• Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs.
• Strong proficiency in at least one modern backend programming language (e.g., Java, Python, Go, Node.js).
• Experience with database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Understanding of message queuing systems (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and related tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a remote environment.
• Experience with performance tuning and optimization.

Benefits

• This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a flexible work schedule.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off, retirement savings plans, and opportunities for professional growth, including training and conference attendance.
• Our client is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive remote work culture, prioritizing work-life balance and employee well-being.
• You will be part of an innovative and dynamic team, working on challenging and rewarding projects using modern technologies.
• Opportunities for career advancement and leadership are readily available.
• Join a company that values its remote workforce and invests in their development and success, allowing you to contribute from anywhere.