Senior Backend Software Engineer

Placements24; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

retirement savings plans

paid time off

continuous learning and development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to join our team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will design and maintain scalable backend services, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high performance and security across products.

You will work with Java, Python, or Go, implement RESTful APIs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into robust software solutions. An agile environment and cloud/container experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in backend software development with scalable systems.
• Proven expertise in Java, Python, Go, or Node.js.
• Strong RESTful API design and database experience (SQL/NoSQL).
• Experience with cloud platforms and containerization tools is required.
• Solid software fundamentals and good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs.
• Collaborate with frontend, product, and QA teams to deliver solutions.
• Optimize performance, identify bottlenecks, and improve efficiency.
• Write clean, tested code and participate in code reviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to architectural decisions.
• Design database schemas and queries; troubleshoot production issues.

Skills

Backend languages

RESTful APIs

Agile methodologies

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology solutions provider, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Backend Software Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting opportunity to work on innovative projects, contribute to the architecture of scalable systems, and mentor junior engineers. The role requires a proactive individual with a passion for clean code, robust design patterns, and a deep understanding of backend development principles. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's cutting-edge products and services, ensuring high performance, reliability, and security. We are looking for a strategic thinker who can translate complex business requirements into efficient and maintainable software solutions. Your expertise will be crucial in driving technical excellence and fostering a collaborative engineering culture. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact within a growing organization that values innovation and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable and robust backend services and APIs using modern programming languages (e.g., Java, Python, Go).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including frontend developers, product managers, and QA engineers, to deliver high-quality software solutions.
• Optimize application performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement effective solutions for improved efficiency.
• Write clean, well-documented, and thoroughly tested code following best practices.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality, consistency, and adherence to architectural standards.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of database schemas and queries.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues in a timely and efficient manner.
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, fostering their technical growth and development.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends, evaluating their potential application.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Proven expertise in one or more backend programming languages such as Java, Python, Go, or Node.js.
• Strong understanding of RESTful API design principles and best practices.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Solid understanding of software development principles, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. This includes health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and opportunities for continuous learning and development. You will be part of a supportive and innovative work environment located in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .