Senior Backend Software Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Career development opportunities

Training initiatives

Office space in Johannesburg

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to design, build and scale robust backend services and APIs, collaborating with product managers, frontend engineers, and QA teams in a hybrid work setting.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of backend experience, strong database and cloud knowledge, and excels in problem-solving and communication within Agile teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of backend software development experience.
• Experience with Python, Java, Node.js, or Go.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB and ORMs.
• RESTful API design and development.
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of software design patterns and data structures.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience with Agile methodologies.
• Experience in Johannesburg or Gauteng is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance backend services and APIs.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and stakeholders to define requirements.
• Write clean, efficient code and adhere to coding standards.
• Manage database schemas and ensure data integrity and performance.
• Develop unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to ensure quality.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement timely solutions.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology choices.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster learning.
• Optimize application performance and scalability under increasing load.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly expanding technology firm based in **Johannesburg, Gauteng**, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer to join their innovative team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to contribute to the development of cutting-edge software solutions that drive business growth and enhance user experiences. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's product suite, working with a talented group of engineers and product managers in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. The role involves tackling complex technical challenges and delivering robust, scalable, and maintainable code. This position offers a blend of on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, ideal for professionals seeking work-life balance within the vibrant tech scene of **Johannesburg**.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain high-performance backend services and APIs using modern programming languages and frameworks.
• Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define software requirements and features.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, adhering to best practices and coding standards.
• Implement and manage database schemas, ensuring data integrity and optimal performance.
• Develop and maintain unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to ensure software quality and reliability.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to team members.
• Troubleshoot and debug production issues, implementing timely and effective solutions.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technology selections, driving technical innovation.
• Mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Optimize application performance and scalability to handle increasing user loads.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proven expertise in at least one modern backend language (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, Go).
• Strong understanding of database technologies (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and ORMs.
• Experience with RESTful API design and development.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Solid understanding of software development principles, design patterns, and data structures.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies.
• Prior experience working in **Johannesburg** or the surrounding **Gauteng** province is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Employees enjoy a flexible working environment with a hybrid model, generous leave policies, and access to the latest technologies. You'll be part of a supportive team culture that values innovation and collaboration. Additional perks include team-building events, a vibrant office space in **Johannesburg**, and ongoing training initiatives designed to keep your skills sharp in the ever-evolving tech landscape.