Senior Software Engineer - Backend (Java)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Software Engineer with strong Java backend expertise to design, develop, and maintain scalable systems powering critical financial applications. You will work across product, frontend, and QA teams, participate in code reviews, and mentor peers while delivering robust, secure software in a Banking & Finance context.

The role follows a Hybrid work model in Polokwane with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional backend development with Java.
• Proficiency in Java frameworks: Spring Boot, Hibernate, or Micronaut.
• Strong understanding of microservices and RESTful API design.
• Experience with relational and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Familiarity with Kafka or RabbitMQ.
• Experience with Maven/Gradle and Git.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in CS/Engineering or related field.
• Banking & Finance industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Java backend services and APIs.
• Write clean, maintainable code following best practices.
• Collaborate with product managers, frontend developers, and QA engineers to deliver solutions.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues.
• Contribute to architectural design discussions and technology selection.
• Develop and maintain unit and integration tests for reliability.
• Optimize performance and database queries.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.
• Stay current with emerging backend technologies and trends.

Skills

Java

Backend development

Microservices

RESTful APIs

SQL / NoSQL

Cloud basics

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Spring Boot

Hibernate

Micronaut

PostgreSQL

MySQL

MongoDB

Cassandra

Kafka

RabbitMQ

Maven

Gradle

Git

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS / Azure / GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the Banking & Finance sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Java backend development to join their dynamic technology team in Polokwane. This role is integral to the design, development, and maintenance of scalable, high-performance backend systems that power critical financial applications. You will be involved in the entire software development lifecycle, from requirement gathering and system design to coding, testing, and deployment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong command of Java and related frameworks, a deep understanding of software architecture patterns, and a passion for building robust, efficient, and secure software solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to significant projects within a collaborative and innovative environment in Polokwane, Limpopo.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust, scalable, and high-performance backend services and APIs using Java.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code following best practices and coding standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, frontend developers, and QA engineers, to deliver software solutions.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and share knowledge.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments.
• Contribute to architectural design discussions and technology selection decisions.
• Develop and maintain unit and integration tests to ensure software reliability.
• Optimize application performance and database queries.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices within the team.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in backend development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in backend software development, with a strong focus on Java.
• Proficiency in Java and related frameworks such as Spring Boot, Hibernate, or Micronaut.
• Solid understanding of microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and related design patterns.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra).
• Familiarity with message queuing systems (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Experience with build tools (e.g., Maven, Gradle) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience in the Banking & Finance industry is highly preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, retirement fund, and life insurance. This role follows a Hybrid work model, offering a balanced approach between in-office collaboration at our Polokwane location and remote work flexibility. You will have opportunities for professional development, access to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to work on impactful projects within the Limpopo region. Join a team that values innovation and continuous improvement in the Banking & Finance sector.