Lead Software Engineer - Backend Services
Summary
Lead Software Engineer for backend services at a fintech company in Stellenbosch, South Africa: architect, build and maintain scalable, secure backend systems and APIs while mentoring a team of engineers. Core stack spans backend languages (Java/Python/Go/Node.js/C#), cloud platforms, Docker/Kubernetes, microservices, SQL/NoSQL databases and message queues.
About the Role
Our client, a rapidly growing fintech innovator located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptional Lead Software Engineer to spearhead the development of their core backend services. This is a high-impact leadership position, responsible for architecting, building, and maintaining scalable, reliable, and secure systems that power our cutting-edge financial products. You will lead a team of talented engineers, mentor junior developers, and drive technical excellence across the backend domain. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of distributed systems, cloud technologies, and best practices in software engineering. They should have a proven track record of delivering robust solutions in a fast-paced environment and a passion for solving complex technical challenges. Join a dynamic and collaborative team that is revolutionizing the financial services industry. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of our technology stack and contribute to significant business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of scalable and resilient backend services and APIs.
- Architect robust and efficient solutions using modern technologies and design patterns.
- Mentor and guide a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
- Collaborate with product managers, front-end engineers, and other stakeholders to define technical requirements and roadmaps.
- Ensure the performance, security, and maintainability of our backend systems.
- Implement and enforce coding standards, conduct code reviews, and champion best practices.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across the technology stack.
- Evaluate and adopt new technologies and tools to improve development processes and system capabilities.
- Contribute to system architecture discussions and strategic technical planning.
Requirements
- Minimum 8 years of professional software engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or architect role focused on backend development.
- Expertise in one or more backend languages such as Java, Python, Go, Node.js, or C#.
- Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Proven experience designing and building RESTful APIs and microservices.
- Deep understanding of database technologies (SQL and NoSQL) and data modeling.
- Experience with message queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ) and distributed systems.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience in the FinTech industry is a strong plus.
Benefits
Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, performance bonuses, and generous paid time off. This role is based in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, offering a hybrid work arrangement. Enjoy a collaborative and innovative work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects at the forefront of financial technology.