Senior Backend Engineer (Node.js/Express)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer in Soweto to design and maintain scalable server-side services using Node.js and Express. You will implement robust RESTful APIs, work with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB, and help shape the architecture of multiple digital products.

You will collaborate with frontend teams, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality features, optimize performance, and ensure data security.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Software Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of backend development experience.
• Strong expertise in Node.js and the Express.js framework.
• Proven experience designing RESTful APIs.
• Relational (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB) databases.
• Experience with microservices architecture and cloud platforms.
• Familiarity with Docker and version control with Git.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs using Node.js and Express.js.
• Write clean, well-documented, testable code following best practices.
• Collaborate with frontend, product managers, and stakeholders to deliver features.
• Optimize performance for high availability and low latency.
• Manage databases and ensure data integrity and efficient querying.
• Implement security measures and data protection protocols.
• Participate in code reviews and architectural discussions.
• Troubleshoot production issues and contribute to technical decisions.
• Stay updated with backend trends and technologies.

Skills

Node.js

Express.js

RESTful APIs

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Microservices

Cloud platforms

Docker

Git

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Software Eng or related

Tools

Docker

Git

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative technology company with a strong operational base in Soweto , Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Node.js and Express. This role is essential for developing and maintaining the robust server-side logic and APIs that power our client's suite of digital products. You will be instrumental in designing scalable architectures, ensuring data security, and optimizing backend performance. We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled engineer who is passionate about building efficient, reliable, and maintainable backend systems. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a growing tech presence in Gauteng and work within a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain scalable and efficient backend services and APIs using Node.js and Express.js. Write clean, well-documented, and testable code following best practices. Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver new features and functionalities. Optimize application performance, ensuring high availability and low latency. Manage and interact with databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB), ensuring data integrity and efficient querying. Implement robust security measures and data protection protocols. Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments. Contribute to architectural discussions and technical decision-making processes. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in backend development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Minimum of 5 years of professional backend development experience. Proven expertise in Node.js and the Express.js framework. Strong experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs. Solid understanding of database technologies, both relational (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB). Experience with microservices architecture is highly desirable. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker). Proficiency in version control systems, particularly Git. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills. Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Ability to work effectively within a team based in Soweto .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a retirement fund, and performance-based bonuses. We believe in nurturing talent and provide opportunities for professional development through training, workshops, and access to online learning platforms. The role is based in our office in Soweto , providing a vibrant and collaborative workspace. Employees benefit from career advancement opportunities within a growing company, regular team-building events, and the chance to work on impactful projects that contribute to the local tech ecosystem in Gauteng .