Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python/Django)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Home office stipend

Equipment provided

Professional development

Remote team culture

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable Python/Django backend systems powering data analytics and AI solutions. This fully remote role enables you to contribute from a home office while tackling impactful projects.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, optimize relational databases, and build secure, scalable RESTful APIs, while contributing to architecture and testing efforts in a distributed remote environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional backend experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Django.
• Relational databases experience: PostgreSQL, MySQL or similar.
• Proven experience designing RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with asynchronous programming and task queues (Celery).
• Caching knowledge (Redis, Memcached).
• Git version control experience.
• Cloud exposure (AWS/Azure/GCP) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Build and optimize PostgreSQL/MySQL schemas and queries.
• Implement security and data protection measures in backend systems.
• Integrate with third-party services and APIs.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented code and adhere to best practices.
• Collaborate with frontend, product managers and stakeholders.
• Participate in code reviews and ensure code quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve backend issues for performance and stability.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and tech decisions.
• Develop and maintain automated tests (unit/integration/E2E).
• Stay updated with backend tech trends.

Skills

Python

Django

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

MySQL

Celery

Redis

Git

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/SE or equivalent

Tools

Docker

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing technology firm specializing in data analytics and AI solutions, is looking for a talented Senior Backend Software Engineer with expertise in Python and Django. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to impactful projects from the comfort of your home office. You will play a key role in designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated backend systems that power our client's innovative products. This role demands a deep understanding of server-side logic, database management, and API development. You will work in a highly collaborative environment, tackling complex challenges and contributing to the architectural decisions that shape our backend infrastructure. If you are passionate about building scalable and efficient applications using Python, this is an exceptional opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, and high-performance backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Build and optimize database schemas and queries, primarily utilizing PostgreSQL or similar relational databases.
• Implement security and data protection measures within the backend systems.
• Integrate with third-party services and APIs to extend application functionality.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code, adhering to industry best practices and coding standards.
• Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define and implement new features.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues to ensure application stability and performance.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and technology choices for backend systems.
• Optimize applications for maximum speed, scalability, and reliability.
• Develop and maintain automated tests (unit, integration, and end-to-end).
• Stay current with emerging trends and technologies in backend development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Strong proficiency in Python and experience with the Django framework.
• Extensive experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar.
• Proven experience in designing and developing RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with asynchronous programming and task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Understanding of caching mechanisms (e.g., Redis, Memcached).
• Experience with version control systems, specifically Git.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker is a plus.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is beneficial.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for remote teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Highly attractive annual salary package of R .
• Fully remote position offering unparalleled work-life balance and flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous allocation of paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training.
• Company-provided equipment and a home office stipend.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and challenging projects.
• Supportive and collaborative remote team culture.
• Potential for career growth and advancement within a forward-thinking company.