Senior Backend Engineer (Node.js/Python)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work option

Flexible working hours

Health insurance

Life cover

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs using Node.js and/or Python. You will work with frontend, product, and QA teams in a remote-friendly role that supports flexible work arrangements.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in backend development, strong Node.js/Python skills, experience with RESTful APIs, databases (SQL or NoSQL), and familiarity with cloud platforms and Docker.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4+ years of professional backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Node.js and/or Python with solid ecosystem knowledge.
• Experience with Express.js (Node.js) or Django/Flask (Python).
• Relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and/or NoSQL (MongoDB).
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Git version control proficiency.
• Understanding of asynchronous programming concepts.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and Docker is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain backend code using Node.js and/or Python.
• Develop and manage robust APIs and microservices.
• Integrate server-side logic with frontend elements.
• Implement security and data protection measures.
• Design and optimize database schemas for performance and scalability.
• Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and ship features.
• Troubleshoot backend issues and performance bottlenecks.
• Participate in code reviews and provide feedback.
• Stay updated with emerging backend technologies and best practices.

Skills

Node.js

Python

Express.js

Django/Flask

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Git

Docker

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Docker

Git

AWS

GCP

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative SaaS provider in Port Elizabeth , is seeking a talented Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Node.js and/or Python to join their growing technology team. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs that power their flagship product. This role requires a deep understanding of server-side logic, database management, and system architecture. You will work closely with frontend developers, product managers, and QA engineers to deliver robust and reliable software solutions. The ideal candidate is passionate about writing clean, efficient code, solving complex technical challenges, and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture. This is a remote-friendly position, offering flexibility to work from anywhere, while being part of a forward-thinking company in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain efficient, reusable, and reliable backend code using Node.js and/or Python.
• Develop and manage robust APIs and microservices.
• Integrate user-facing elements developed by frontend developers with server-side logic.
• Implement security and data protection measures.
• Design and optimize database schemas and queries for performance and scalability.
• Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and application stability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues and performance bottlenecks.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Stay updated with emerging backend technologies and best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 4+ years of professional experience in backend development.
• Strong proficiency in Node.js and/or Python, with a solid understanding of their ecosystems.
• Experience with frameworks like Express.js (Node.js) or Django/Flask (Python).
• Proficiency in working with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Knowledge of version control systems, particularly Git.
• Understanding of asynchronous programming concepts.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a fully remote work environment, allowing for excellent work-life integration. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, life cover, and generous annual leave. Employees are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities, with budgets allocated for training and conferences. This is an exciting chance to join a growing tech company and contribute to cutting‑edge projects from anywhere, bringing innovation from **Port Elizabeth** to the global stage. We value autonomy, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality software.