Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django) - Remote

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Flexible hours

Health coverage

Professional development budget

Cutting-edge AI tech

Team-building events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer in South Africa. You will design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Python and Django, focusing on RESTful APIs, relational databases, and AI-enabled features.

You will collaborate with front-end teams, ensure performance, and uphold code quality in a fully remote SA role. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in backend development, strong Django/REST skills, database expertise, and experience with cloud platforms and testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional backend development experience.
• Expertise in Python and the Django framework.
• Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs.
• Strong knowledge of relational databases and ORMs, e.g., PostgreSQL/MySQL.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and maintain robust RESTful APIs to support web and mobile applications.
• Work with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ensure efficient data management.
• Implement complex business logic and algorithms to drive AI-powered features.
• Write clean, well-documented, maintainable code following best practices.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate server-side logic with UI.
• Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology selection.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in Python development and AI technologies.

Skills

Python

Django

RESTful APIs

Database design

TDD / Pytest

Cloud platforms

Docker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Docker

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding SaaS company specializing in AI-driven analytics solutions, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Python and Django . This is a fully remote position, offering you the freedom to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable and robust backend services that power our innovative platform. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of building RESTful APIs, working with databases, and implementing complex business logic. You will collaborate closely with front-end developers, product managers, and other engineers to deliver high-quality features and ensure the performance and reliability of our system. Join our client and be a key contributor to building the next generation of data intelligence tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy scalable backend services using Python and Django.
• Build and maintain robust RESTful APIs to support web and mobile applications.
• Work with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ensure efficient data management.
• Implement complex business logic and algorithms to drive AI-powered features.
• Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code following best practices.
• Optimize application performance, scalability, and reliability.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Participate in code reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology selection.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in Python development and AI technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in backend development.
• Expertise in Python and the Django framework.
• Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs.
• Strong knowledge of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Familiarity with front-end technologies (e.g., JavaScript, React, Vue.js) is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Understanding of containerization technologies like Docker.
• Experience with testing frameworks (e.g., Pytest) and TDD principles.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Fully remote work opportunity with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI and data analytics technologies.
• A collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work culture.
• Regular virtual team-building events and social activities.
• Contribute to a product with a significant market impact.
• Supportive management focused on employee growth and well-being.