Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work in Paarl

Professional development

Collaborative engineering culture

Challenging projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Senior Backend Engineer in Paarl, Western Cape, to design, develop, and maintain robust server-side applications and APIs using Python and Django. The role requires collaboration with frontend teams and stakeholders to build scalable, secure backend systems in a hybrid work setting.

You will mentor junior engineers, participate in architectural decisions, and stay current with backend technologies while delivering high-performance web applications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Django.
• Extensive experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Solid knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience with asynchronous programming and task queues (Celery).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure) is a plus.
• Proficient with Git and version control.
• Understanding of security best practices in web apps.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate server-side logic with user-facing features.
• Optimize applications for speed, scalability, and security.
• Manage database schemas, performance, and migrations.
• Write clean, well-documented, maintainable code adhering to best practices.
• Participate in code reviews and ensure code quality.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues efficiently.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy discussions.
• Stay updated with backend technologies and trends.
• Mentor junior backend engineers to promote technical excellence.

Skills

Python

Django

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Celery

Git

Security best practices

Teamwork

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing SaaS company in Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking a seasoned Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Python and Django to join their innovative development team. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and maintaining robust server-side applications and APIs that power their cutting-edge platform. You will collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to build scalable, efficient, and secure backend systems. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of software architecture, database design, and best practices for building high-performance web applications. This position offers a Hybrid work model, balancing the benefits of remote work with valuable in‑person collaboration at our Paarl, Western Cape office.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable and robust backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate user‑facing elements with server‑side logic.
• Optimize applications for speed, scalability, and security.
• Manage database schemas, performance, and migrations.
• Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code adhering to best practices.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues efficiently.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy discussions.
• Stay updated with the latest backend technologies, frameworks, and industry trends.
• Mentor junior backend engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and a deep understanding of the Django framework.
• Extensive experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Solid knowledge of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Experience with asynchronous programming and task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Experience with version control systems, such as Git.
• Understanding of security best practices in web application development.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, suitable for a Hybrid work setting in Paarl, Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Flexible Hybrid work model, combining remote and in‑office work in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning.
• A dynamic and collaborative engineering culture.
• Work on challenging and impactful projects within a growing company.