Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Health insurance and retirement funds

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to design, develop and maintain robust Python/Django backend systems. This hybrid role combines remote flexibility with in-office collaboration to power an innovative e-commerce platform.

You will build RESTful APIs, optimize PostgreSQL/MySQL databases, and ensure scalable, secure server-side logic. Strong Python/Django experience, API design, and cloud familiarity are essential for shaping architecture and delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Django.
• Relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with frontend basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Experience with Git version control.
• Cloud platform knowledge (AWS/Azure/GCP) is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs for frontend apps and integrations.
• Manage and optimize database schemas and queries (PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Implement data validation and business logic efficiently.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and testable code.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate server-side logic.
• Optimize applications for speed, scalability, and security.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and technology choices.

Tools

Python

Django

PostgreSQL

MySQL

REST APIs

Git

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing tech startup focused on innovative solutions in the e-commerce space, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer specializing in Python and Django. This role is based in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, and offers a hybrid working model, blending remote flexibility with in-office team synergy. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining robust and scalable backend systems that power our client's core product. This involves building APIs, managing databases, and ensuring the efficiency and performance of server-side logic. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of software architecture, a passion for writing clean and efficient code, and experience with cloud environments. You will work closely with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality features and contribute to the technical direction of the platform. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust, scalable, and high-performance backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.
• Manage and optimize database schemas and queries (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Implement efficient data validation and business logic.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and testable code.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Optimize applications for maximum speed, scalability, and security.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and technology selection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend development.
• Strong proficiency in Python and extensive experience with the Django framework.
• Solid understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and experience with ORMs.
• Experience designing and consuming RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with frontend technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and how they interact with backend services.
• Experience with version control systems (Git).
• Understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and deployment practices is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Hybrid work model for work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on innovative projects in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Contribution to health insurance and retirement funds.
• Modern office space with amenities.