Lead backend engineer - cloud services
Summary
Lead a backend engineering team at a cloud infrastructure firm in Vereeniging, South Africa (hybrid): designing scalable microservices and APIs, mentoring engineers, and owning reliability and CI/CD. Core stack includes Java/Python/Go/Node.js, AWS/Azure/GCP, Docker/Kubernetes, SQL/NoSQL, and Kafka/RabbitMQ.
Our client, a prominent innovator in cloud infrastructure solutions, is seeking a Lead Backend Engineer to spearhead development efforts in Vereeniging, Gauteng. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for designing, building, and maintaining scalable, high-performance backend systems that power our client's cutting‑edge cloud services. The ideal candidate will possess a strong architectural vision, deep expertise in distributed systems, and a passion for leading and mentoring engineering teams. You will play a key role in defining technical strategy, ensuring system reliability, and driving innovation in a fast‑paced environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to influence the direction of critical backend infrastructure and contribute to the growth of a leading technology firm located in the bustling region of Vereeniging.
Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and deploy robust, scalable, and secure backend services and APIs. Lead a team of backend engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and code reviews. Define and implement architectural patterns for microservices and distributed systems. Ensure the performance, quality, and responsiveness of applications. Collaborate with frontend developers, Dev Ops, and product managers to deliver integrated solutions. Optimize backend systems for maximum speed, scalability, and efficiency. Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production environments. Stay abreast of emerging backend technologies and best practices. Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 7+ years of professional experience in backend development, with a proven track record of designing and building scalable systems. Expertise in one or more backend languages such as Java, Python, Go, or Node.js. Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes). Deep understanding of microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and database technologies (SQL and No SQL). Experience with message queuing systems (e.g., Kafka, Rabbit MQ). Proficiency in building and consuming APIs. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Benefits Our client offers a highly competitive salary, attractive stock options, and a comprehensive health and wellness program. Employees benefit from a stimulating work environment, significant opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work on transformative cloud technologies. This hybrid role combines the benefits of remote work flexibility with the advantages of collaborative in-office sessions at our Vereeniging campus.