Senior Software Developer

dentsu; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Global projects exposure

Professional development

Competitive compensation

AI technologies access

Job summary

Dentsu Data in Cape Town is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to design and build scalable distributed systems and cloud-native services. You will work with data platforms, AI solutions and enterprise APIs across a global network.

You will mentor engineers and collaborate with data scientists and product managers to deliver high-quality software in a hybrid Cape Town setting. The role emphasizes engineering excellence and modern cloud technologies.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software engineering experience.
• Strong Python or TypeScript development experience.
• Experience designing and building cloud-native applications.
• A passion for engineering quality, testing and clean architecture.

Responsibilities

• Design and build scalable distributed systems.
• Develop high-performance APIs and backend services.
• Build cloud-native applications on Microsoft Azure.
• Engineer reliable, secure and scalable data platforms.
• Productionise AI and machine learning solutions.
• Design resilient architectures and engineering standards.
• Drive technical excellence through code reviews and mentoring.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, AI Engineers and Product Managers.
• Work with engineering teams across the global network.
• Influence the technical direction of products used by enterprise clients.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

Cloud-native

Distributed systems

Mentoring

Problem solving

Tools

Azure

Docker

Kubernetes

GitHub

Job description

Location: Cape Town, South Africa (Hybrid) Build products used across Africa and the world. At Dentsu Data, we’re building the next generation of AI, data and marketing technology that powers some of the world’s most recognised brands. As part of dentsu, one of the world’s largest marketing and technology networks operating in more than 145 markets with over 65,000 employees, our engineers don’t just build software for one country. We create products, platforms and solutions that can be deployed across multiple regions, industries and global clients. Whether it’s identity platforms, AI assistants, geospatial intelligence, measurement solutions or data products, you’ll be solving complex engineering problems at enterprise scale while working alongside specialists from around the world. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, AI and global innovation.

Job Description

What you’ll build

You’ll work across several flagship platforms including

• AI-powered decision support systems
• Customer identity and data platforms
• Marketing measurement and optimisation platforms
• Geospatial intelligence products
• Enterprise APIs and cloud-native services
• Data platforms processing millions of customer interactions
• Generative AI applications transforming how global businesses make decisions

What you’ll do

As a Senior Software Engineer you will

• Design and build scalable distributed systems
• Develop high-performance APIs and backend services
• Build cloud-native applications on Microsoft Azure
• Engineer reliable, secure and scalable data platforms
• Productionise AI and machine learning solutions
• Design resilient architectures and engineering standards
• Drive technical excellence through code reviews and mentoring
• Collaborate with Data Scientists, AI Engineers and Product Managers
• Work with engineering teams across the global dentsu network
• Influence the technical direction of products used by enterprise clients

Our technology stack

Current technologies include

• Languages
• Python
• TypeScript
• JavaScript
• SQL
• Cloud
• Microsoft Azure
• Azure Functions
• Azure OpenAI
• Azure AI Foundry
• Azure Cosmos DB
• Engineering
• Docker
• Kubernetes
• GitHub
• GitHub Actions
• Terraform
• REST APIs
• CI/CD
• Data & AI
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB
• Databricks
• Spark
• OpenAI
• LangChain
• Semantic Kernel
• Vector Databases
• AI Agents

What we’re looking for

• 7+ years of software engineering experience
• Strong Python or TypeScript development experience
• Experience designing and building cloud‑native applications
• A passion for engineering quality, testing and clean architecture
• Strong problem‑solving and systems thinking skills
• Experience mentoring other engineers
• Curiosity, humility and a desire to continuously learn

Why join Dentsu Data?

Work with exceptional people

We’ve built a team of highly experienced engineers, architects, data scientists and AI specialists who genuinely enjoy solving difficult problems together. We believe great people make each other better, and we’ve created an environment where collaboration, knowledge sharing and technical excellence are part of everyday work.

Global opportunities

As part of dentsu’s global network, you’ll collaborate with engineering teams and specialists across Europe, North America, Asia‑Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. You’ll contribute to products deployed across multiple countries and gain exposure to global clients, diverse technical challenges and international best practices.

Invest in your growth

Learning isn’t something we do once a year—it’s part of our culture. You’ll have access to Dentsu University, one of the industry’s leading learning platforms, offering thousands of courses across engineering, cloud, AI, leadership and business. We actively invest in continuous professional development through certifications, technical training, conferences, workshops and mentoring because we believe our people are our greatest competitive advantage. Whether your ambition is to become a Staff Engineer, Principal Architect, AI Specialist or Engineering Leader, we’ll help you get there.

Build meaningful technology

This isn’t about maintaining legacy systems. You’ll help create AI‑powered platforms, cloud‑native products and data solutions that influence how some of the world’s leading brands make decisions and engage with millions of customers.

What you’ll receive

• Competitive salary and performance incentives
• Hybrid working based in Cape Town
• Access to cutting‑edge AI technologies and modern engineering tools
• Exposure to global clients and international projects
• Learning investment through Dentsu University, certifications and technical development
• Opportunities to collaborate with world‑class engineers across the dentsu network
• A culture built on trust, ownership and innovation
• The chance to shape products from concept through to production

Location: Cape Town Brand: Dentsu Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent

About dentsu

For over 120 years, innovation is a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way.