Senior Java Engineer — Scalable Apps & Spring Expert

Upstream; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstream seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Johannesburg to drive Java-based backend development across the full software lifecycle. You will design, implement, test, and release high-quality modules while supporting production systems and documenting designs.

The role emphasizes deep Java expertise, Spring/JPA, asynchronous messaging (RabbitMQ, Kafka), and HTTP services, with a focus on scalable, distributed architectures and mentoring junior developers.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of full time professional experience in designing and developing applications using the Java ecosystem.
• Solid background in Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
• Experience with Spring Framework, JPA/Hibernate.
• Experience with asynchronous messaging technologies (RabbitMQ, Kafka).
• Experience designing and developing HTTP web services.
• Excellent knowledge of SQL and RDBMS concepts.
• Working knowledge of Maven, Git and Continuous Delivery principles.

Responsibilities

• Write well-designed, testable, efficient software modules.
• Ensure designs are in compliance with specifications and that specifications cover all needed aspects of the implementation.
• Prepare and produce releases of software components.
• Provide support for production systems.
• Create/review design documentation and provide feedback on test plans.
• Support continuous improvement by investigating alternatives and technologies and presenting these for architectural review.
• Support and coach junior developers.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

JPA/Hibernate

RabbitMQ

Kafka

HTTP APIs

SQL

RDBMS

Maven

Git

CI/CD

Education

BSc/MSc in Computer Science

Software Engineering degree

Tools

Redis

Elasticsearch

Couchbase

Hazelcast

EhCache

Microservices

Job description

Upstream seeks a Senior Software Engineer in Johannesburg to drive Java-based backend development across the full software lifecycle. You will design, implement, test, and release high-quality modules while supporting production systems and documenting designs.

The role emphasizes deep Java expertise, Spring/JPA, asynchronous messaging (RabbitMQ, Kafka), and HTTP services, with a focus on scalable, distributed architectures and mentoring junior developers.