Senior Backend Software Engineer (Remote-First)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and stock options

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Fully remote work arrangement

Home office setup budget

Unlimited paid time off

Opportunity to shape product and code

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Backend Software Engineer to join a remote-first startup building a scalable e-learning platform. You will design server-side logic, efficient databases, and robust APIs used by thousands of users globally.

The role emphasizes asynchronous collaboration, strong documentation, and trust in a remote culture. Requires 5+ years backend experience, proficiency in at least one modern language, and hands-on experience with databases, APIs, and cloud tech.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend development experience.
• Proficiency in at least one modern backend language (Python/Node.js/Go/Ruby/Java).
• Experience with backend frameworks (Django/Flask/Express.js/Ruby on Rails).
• Designing relational (PostgreSQL/MySQL) and/or NoSQL (MongoDB/Cassandra) databases.
• Strong understanding of RESTful API design; cloud and Docker experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy scalable backend services and APIs.
• Design and maintain robust database schemas (SQL and NoSQL).
• Write clean, well-documented code following best practices.
• Collaborate with remote engineers, PMs, and designers using Agile.
• Optimize performance, ensure security, and participate in code reviews.

Skills

Backend development

REST APIs

Database design

Cloud platforms

Asynchronous programming

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Django

Flask

Express.js

Ruby on Rails

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

RabbitMQ

Kafka

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking technology startup disrupting the online education sector, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Backend Software Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the development of a scalable and innovative e-learning platform. You will be instrumental in building robust server-side logic, designing efficient databases, and creating seamless APIs that will be utilized by thousands of users globally. As a remote-first company, we emphasize asynchronous communication, strong documentation, and a culture of trust and autonomy. This role is perfect for an experienced engineer who thrives in a flexible, work-from-anywhere environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy high-quality, scalable, and performant backend services and APIs.
• Design and manage efficient, robust, and scalable database schemas (SQL and NoSQL).
• Write clean, well-documented, and maintainable code following best practices.
• Collaborate effectively with remote front-end engineers, product managers, and designers using agile methodologies.
• Optimize application performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions.
• Ensure the security and integrity of data through robust implementation of security measures.
• Participate actively in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and promoting knowledge sharing.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and technology choices for the backend stack.
• Champion best practices in software development, testing, and deployment within a remote setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in backend development.
• Strong proficiency in at least one modern backend language (e.g., Python, Node.js, Go, Ruby, Java).
• Demonstrated experience with backend frameworks (e.g., Django, Flask, Express.js, Ruby on Rails).
• Expertise in designing and working with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and/or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design principles and best practices.
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with asynchronous programming and message queues (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).
• Proficiency with Git version control.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for stock options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible working hours and fully remote work arrangement.
• Generous budget for home office setup and professional development.
• Unlimited paid time off policy.
• Opportunity to shape the product and culture of a growing startup.
• Virtual team-building activities and social events.
• Access to online learning platforms and training resources.
• Pension/retirement contributions.