Senior Java AI Software Engineer – Pretoria (Hybrid) – R1.08m PA

e-Merge IT Recruitment; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 972,000 - 1,188,000; Full time

Job summary

e-Merge IT Recruitment seeks a Senior Java AI Software Engineer for Pretoria on a hybrid basis. You will work across backend and full-stack development, delivering enterprise software while integrating AI-powered coding tools to improve design, development, testing and delivery.

You should bring 8+ years of professional software experience, strong APIs and Git know-how, and a proven ability to translate complex problems into robust software.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software development experience.
• Strong backend and full-stack development experience.
• Experience with AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex or Cursor.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and the ability to work independently.
• Experience building and integrating RESTful APIs.
• Strong Git/version-control experience.
• Ability to understand complex technical problems and turn them into maintainable solutions.

Responsibilities

• Work across backend and full-stack development on enterprise software.
• Leverage AI coding agents to enhance development workflow and delivery.
• Design, implement, test and deliver scalable software solutions.
• Review generated code, challenge solutions and own architectural decisions.

Skills

Java

Backend development

Full-stack development

REST APIs

Git

Independent work

AI coding agents

Tools

AWS

Job description

Senior Java AI Software Engineer – Pretoria (Hybrid) – R1.08m PA

JAVA. AI. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING. THIS IS WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS HEADING.

What happens when a senior software engineer combines deep development experience with AI-powered coding tools?

You build faster.

You solve differently.

And you start engineering at a completely different level.

We’re looking for a Senior Java AI Software Engineer to join a technically driven team working on complex enterprise software and modern technology solutions.

This isn’t simply about writing Java code.

You’ll be expected to think like an engineer, design like an architect and use AI as part of your development workflow.

THE ROLE

You’ll work across backend and full-stack development, tackling challenging engineering problems and building scalable solutions.

A key part of the environment is the practical use of AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex and Cursor — not as a gimmick, but as tools that can improve how experienced engineers design, develop, test and deliver software.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 8+ years of solid professional software development experience.
• Strong backend and full-stack development experience.
• Experience working with AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex or Cursor.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and the ability to work independently.
• Experience building and integrating RESTful APIs.
• Strong Git/version-control experience.
• The ability to understand complex technical problems and turn them into maintainable solutions.

YOUR TECHNICAL TOOLKIT

Experience with some or all of the following will be valuable:

You don’t need to be an expert in every technology listed, we’re looking for a well-rounded senior engineer who can work across modern development environments and adapt quickly.

ADVANTAGEOUS

• AWS experience or certification.
• Strong understanding of cloud-based development.
• Experience working across backend and full-stack environments.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools in real-world software engineering workflows.

THE ENGINEER WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You’re already an experienced software engineer.

You understand that AI coding tools don’t replace engineering expertise, they amplify it.

You know how to review generated code, challenge solutions, make architectural decisions, identify risks and ultimately take ownership of what goes into production.

If you’re excited about Java, modern software engineering and the rapidly evolving world of AI-assisted development, this is a role worth exploring.

THE DETAILS

Reference: GZ61531

Work Model: Hybrid

Type: Permanent

Salary: R1.08m per annum, negotiable based on experience and ability