Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Fully remote work

Professional development budget

Bonuses

Flexible working hours

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer to join a cloud-native software company operating in a remote-first setup across South Africa. You will design, develop, and deploy robust backend systems using Python and Django, and mentor junior engineers in a distributed team.

You will collaborate with frontend teams, product managers, and stakeholders to implement scalable features, optimize performance, and contribute to architectural decisions while maintaining high standards for code

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Backend Engineer with Python and Django.
• Strong RESTful API design and database skills (PostgreSQL/MySQL).

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Python and the Django framework.

Skills

Python

Django

REST APIs

Async programming

Mentoring

Code reviews

Problem solving

Time management

Tools

Celery

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Git

AWS

GCP

Azure

React

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge software development company specializing in cloud-native solutions, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Backend Engineer with a strong command of Python and Django. This is a fully remote, remote-first position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and deploying robust backend systems that power our client's innovative platforms. This role demands a proactive individual who can take ownership of complex technical challenges, mentor junior engineers, and contribute significantly to architectural decisions. If you are passionate about building scalable, high-performance applications and thrive in a collaborative, distributed team environment, this opportunity is ideal for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable and efficient backend services using Python and the Django framework.
• Develop and integrate RESTful APIs for various applications and services.
• Implement and manage database solutions (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) ensuring data integrity and performance.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented, and thoroughly tested code.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define and implement new features.
• Optimize application performance and troubleshoot complex backend issues.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and decision-making processes.
• Ensure the security and efficiency of backend systems.
• Mentor junior backend engineers and promote best practices within the team.
• Engage actively in our remote-first culture, contributing to team communication and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Backend Engineer, with a significant focus on Python and Django.
• Strong understanding of Django's ORM, template engine, and core components.
• Proficiency in designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and SQL.
• Solid understanding of software development principles, data structures, and algorithms.
• Experience with asynchronous programming and task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with version control systems, preferably Git.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with frontend technologies (e.g., JavaScript, React) is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering ultimate flexibility.
• Generous professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work on challenging and innovative projects.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and social events.
• Flexible working hours.
• Access to a wide range of online learning resources.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition.