Senior Backend Engineer (Node.js)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension fund

Paid time off

Learning & growth

Job summary

Placements24 is helping a rapidly growing fintech startup in Durban recruit a Senior Backend Engineer. You will design, build, and maintain a scalable Node.js backend powering financial technology solutions, with a focus on performance, security, and reliability.

You will develop RESTful APIs, work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB, deploy on AWS/Azure/GCP, use Docker/Kubernetes, and contribute to architecture decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable and high-performance backend services using Node.js.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs for internal and external consumption.
• Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and other engineers to deliver robust features.
• Implement and manage database solutions (SQL and NoSQL).
• Ensure the security, scalability, and reliability of backend systems.
• Write comprehensive unit and integration tests.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues in production environments.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology stack selection.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.

Skills

Node.js

JavaScript (ES6+)

RESTful APIs

Testing (Mocha/Jest/Chai)

Security best practices

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing fintech startup, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Backend Engineer to join their core development team. This is an office-based role located in the bustling heart of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA . You will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the robust and scalable backend infrastructure that powers their cutting-edge financial technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of backend architecture, a passion for writing efficient and maintainable code, and a desire to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment. You will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our client's platform and will have significant impact on the company's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable and high-performance backend services using Node.js.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs for internal and external consumption.
• Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and other engineers to deliver robust features.
• Implement and manage database solutions (SQL and NoSQL).
• Ensure the security, scalability, and reliability of backend systems.
• Write comprehensive unit and integration tests.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues in production environments.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology stack selection.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Backend Engineer with a strong focus on Node.js.
• Expertise in JavaScript (ES6+) and the Node.js ecosystem.
• Proficiency in designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Strong understanding of database technologies, such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB.
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of microservices architecture.
• Experience with testing frameworks (e.g., Mocha, Jest, Chai).
• Understanding of security best practices in web development.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, a pension fund, paid time off, and opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. You will be working in a collaborative and supportive office environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , with access to modern amenities and a vibrant company culture.