Senior Software Engineer

Datafin IT Recruitment; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology recruitment firm is seeking a Software & Applications Team Lead in Durban. The role involves technical leadership, daily coding, and ownership of major projects, focusing on developing AI-powered features. Candidates should have a degree in computer science, at least 7 years of software development experience, and strong skills in Flutter, Python, and database management. The company offers a collaborative work environment with a focus on innovative technology solutions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant software development experience.
• Strong portfolio of shipped applications and projects.
• Demonstrated success in leading development teams or projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the development team.
• Own the delivery and maintenance of key projects.
• Explore and implement AI-powered enhancements.

Skills

Flutter/Dart for mobile applications

Python 3 for backend services

MySQL/MariaDB database design

NestJS and React framework

TCP/IP networking fundamentals

Linux environments

Git workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent

Tools

Linux

GitLab/GitHub

FortiGate

Nginx

Job description

Environment

Our client is a rapidly expanding technology company specialising in connected systems and data-driven platforms that support asset visibility and operational security. Their solutions include real-time monitoring tools and companion mobile applications used to support critical operations in both local and international markets. The business is currently developing advanced smart platforms, including a centralised asset management portal, built on modern technology stacks with growing use of intelligent automation. The working environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on reliability, scalability, and building systems that support always-on, business-critical operations.

Role Overview

The Software & Applications Team Lead is a hands‑on technical leadership role requiring daily coding, mentoring, and end-to-end ownership of major projects. The position involves guiding a small development team while actively contributing to strategic software initiatives, including the integration of AI-powered features. This is not a pure management role; approximately 50–70% of time will be dedicated to hands‑on development, with the remainder focused on leadership, strategy, and delivery.

Duties

• Provide technical guidance and day-to-day leadership to a team of Flutter developers and contract web developers, including conducting code reviews, pair programming, and skill‑building sessions.
• Collaborate closely with the Support Manager to resolve technical issues swiftly and maintain system reliability.
• Own the delivery and ongoing maintenance of key projects, including:
  • A new SIM asset management portal built with NestJS and React.
  • Existing PHP web assets.
  • Python 3 backend services and MariaDB databases.
  • Core mobile applications built with Flutter.
• Architect, maintain, and scale Python 3 services; optimize MariaDB performance and manage Linux servers (Ubuntu/OpenSUSE).
• Configure and manage Nginx routing, basic TCP/IP networking, and related infrastructure such as FortiGate.
• Explore and implement AI‑powered enhancements, such as predictive analytics and anomaly detection within telemetry data.
• Partner with the R&D Manager to ensure seamless integration between software and hardware telemetry systems.
• Manage software lifecycles, coordinate with external vendors, and ensure high‑quality, timely project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent, supported by a strong portfolio of shipped applications and projects.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant software development experience.
• Proven expertise in Flutter/Dart for mobile applications and Python 3 for backend services.
• Solid experience with MySQL/MariaDB database design, optimization, and management.
• Hands‑on experience with modern web stacks, particularly NestJS and React.
• Proficiency working in Linux environments and with complex Git workflows (GitLab/GitHub).
• Demonstrated success in leading small‑to‑medium development teams or projects through full lifecycles.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals.
• A track record of completed impactful projects—examples must be provided in the application.

Attributes

• High-energy, proactive, and innovative mindset with a passion for exploring AI/ML applications in IoT and telemetry.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and excels at mentoring and developing team members.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a willingness to master new tools and technologies on the job, such as FortiGate and advanced Nginx tuning.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to align technical work with broader business and hardware objectives.
• Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable software.