Senior Software Architect (Backend Focus)

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Fintech projects

Startup culture

Conferences budget

Team events

Modern office

Performance bonuses

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Software Architect with a strong backend focus to design scalable distributed systems in Centurion. You will mentor engineers, define technical strategy, and ensure performance, security, and reliability of core fintech platforms.

The role demands 8+ years of experience, expertise in Java/Python/Go/Node.js, microservices, databases, cloud, and modern tooling (Docker, Kubernetes).

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 3 years in a senior architect or lead role.
• Extensive backend experience with Java, Python, Go, or Node.js.
• Proficient in microservices, RESTful APIs, and asynchronous messaging (Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Strong database skills (SQL and NoSQL) with performance tuning.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP) and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of system security best practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities; excellent problem-solving and communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs.
• Lead the technical design and implementation of new features and platform enhancements.
• Define and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and best practices.
• Collaborate with product managers, frontend developers, and DevOps to deliver robust solutions.
• Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to development teams.
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers.
• Address technical debt and ensure long-term maintainability.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve development efficiency and system performance.
• Ensure security and integrity of backend systems and data.

Skills

Backend architecture

Distributed systems

Microservices

RESTful APIs

Java

Python

Go

Node.js

Kafka

RabbitMQ

SQL/NoSQL databases

Cloud platforms

AWS

Azure

GCP

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Security best practices

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Kafka

RabbitMQ

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding fintech startup, is looking for a highly accomplished Senior Software Architect with a strong backend focus. This is an on-site role located in the vibrant business district of Centurion, Gauteng . You will be at the forefront of designing and building the next generation of their financial technology platform, driving innovation and ensuring the scalability, reliability, and security of their core systems. This role demands a deep technical expertise, a passion for clean code, and the ability to mentor and guide a talented engineering team. You will be instrumental in defining technical strategies, selecting appropriate technologies, and establishing best practices for software development. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of architecting complex distributed systems and a keen eye for performance optimization and robust error handling. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a high-growth company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect scalable, high-performance backend services and APIs using modern technologies.
• Lead the technical design and implementation of new features and platform enhancements.
• Define and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and development best practices.
• Collaborate with product managers, frontend developers, and DevOps engineers to deliver robust solutions.
• Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to development teams.
• Mentor and guide junior software engineers, fostering their technical growth.
• Identify and address technical debt, ensuring the long-term maintainability of the codebase.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to improve development efficiency and system performance.
• Ensure the security and integrity of the backend systems and data.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 3 years in a senior architect or lead role.
• Extensive experience in designing and building complex backend systems using languages like Java, Python, Go, or Node.js.
• Proficiency with microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and asynchronous communication patterns (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Strong understanding of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL), including performance tuning and schema design.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of system security best practices and common vulnerabilities.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a strong analytical mindset.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to articulate technical decisions clearly.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

• Generous base salary and potential for stock options.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Opportunity to work on innovative fintech solutions.
• Collaborative and dynamic startup environment.
• Professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Regular team-building events and social activities.
• Modern office facilities in a convenient location.
• Performance bonuses and career advancement opportunities.