Senior Backend Software Engineer (Python/Django)

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Performance bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, seeks a Senior Backend Software Engineer with Python and Django to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems powering their SaaS platform. You will build APIs, optimize PostgreSQL/MySQL databases, implement asynchronous tasks with Celery, apply REST principles, and participate in code reviews and testing.

Collaborate with product and frontend teams, ensure security and reliability, and contribute to architectural decisions in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 5 years in backend software development
• Strong Python and Django experience
• Experience with relational DBs and ORMs

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs with Python and Django.
• Architect and optimize PostgreSQL/MySQL schemas and performance.
• Collaborate with frontend and product teams to implement features.
• Write clean, tested, well-documented code.
• Develop background tasks with asynchronous processing.
• Ensure security, scalability, and reliability of systems.
• Participate in code reviews and mentor peers.
• Troubleshoot complex backend issues.
• Contribute to technical design discussions.
• Stay updated with best practices and technologies.

Skills

Strong communication and teamwork

Education

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

Tools

Python

Django

PostgreSQL

MySQL

RESTful APIs

Celery

pytest

Git

AWS

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic SaaS provider in Port Elizabeth, ZA , is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Software Engineer with expertise in Python and Django. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining robust, scalable backend systems that power their core platform. This role involves significant contribution to architectural decisions, API development, database management, and ensuring the performance and reliability of their services. The ideal candidate is a seasoned developer passionate about building high-quality software and contributing to a collaborative team environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing company in the picturesque coastal city of Port Elizabeth and make a substantial impact on their technological landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement scalable and efficient backend services and APIs using Python and Django.
• Architect and maintain robust database schemas and optimize database performance (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).
• Collaborate with frontend developers and product managers to define and implement new features.
• Write clean, maintainable, well-tested, and documented code.
• Develop and manage background tasks and asynchronous processing.
• Ensure the security, scalability, and reliability of backend systems.
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex backend issues.
• Contribute to technical design discussions and architectural decisions.
• Stay updated with best practices in backend development and relevant technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend software development.
• Strong proficiency in Python and the Django framework.
• Extensive experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design principles and best practices.
• Experience with asynchronous task queues (e.g., Celery).
• Familiarity with testing frameworks (e.g., pytest, unittest) and TDD principles.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Enjoy a flexible remote work arrangement and the chance to work on exciting projects in Port Elizabeth .