Principal engineer (full-stack / platform / data)
Summary
Leads platform evolution across infrastructure, data, backend, and frontend systems as a Principal Engineer. Solves complex technical challenges, shapes architecture, and contributes hands-on across full-stack (React, APIs, data pipelines) and cloud infrastructure.
Overview
Job Description
Role: Principal Engineer (Full-Stack / Platform / Data). Location: Cape Town, South Africa (Hybrid or On-site). Open to relocation within South Africa for the right candidate.
Role Overview We are hiring a
Principal Engineer
to lead the evolution of our platform across
infrastructure, data, backend, and frontend systems. This is a senior, hands-on role focused on solving complex technical challenges while shaping long-term architecture and engineering direction.
Responsibilities
Define and drive system architecture across frontend, backend, data, and infrastructure
Make high-impact technical decisions with long-term scalability in mind
Contribute hands-on across the stack when needed (backend, frontend, data, infrastructure)
Design and maintain cloud infrastructure and deployment systems
Architect data models and pipelines that support both product and analytics
Improve reliability, observability, and developer experience
Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar across teams
Partner with leadership on technical strategy and execution
Experience
10+ years of hands-on software engineering experience
Proven experience designing, building, and scaling complex, production systems
Demonstrated experience working across backend, frontend, data, and infrastructure domains
Key Competencies
Strong backend engineering experience (APIs, distributed systems, service design)
Solid frontend engineering experience with modern frameworks (e.g., React) and performance optimization
Proven experience designing and operating data systems (data modeling, pipelines, storage)
Deep experience with cloud infrastructure, CI/CD systems, and observability tooling
Technical Ability
Strong technical judgment and ability to make high-quality tradeoffs
Track record of influencing technical direction and mentoring engineers
Clear and effective communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Nice to Have
Leadership
Experience in high-growth or scaling environments
Experience building internal platforms or developer tooling
Experience balancing product delivery with platform/infrastructure investment
Role: Principal Engineer (Full-Stack / Platform / Data). Location: Cape Town, South Africa (Hybrid or On-site). Open to relocation within South Africa for the right candidate.
Role Overview We are hiring a
Principal Engineer
to lead the evolution of our platform across
infrastructure, data, backend, and frontend systems. This is a senior, hands-on role focused on solving complex technical challenges while shaping long-term architecture and engineering direction.
Responsibilities
Define and drive system architecture across frontend, backend, data, and infrastructure
Make high-impact technical decisions with long-term scalability in mind
Contribute hands-on across the stack when needed (backend, frontend, data, infrastructure)
Design and maintain cloud infrastructure and deployment systems
Architect data models and pipelines that support both product and analytics
Improve reliability, observability, and developer experience
Mentor engineers and raise the technical bar across teams
Partner with leadership on technical strategy and execution
Experience
10+ years of hands-on software engineering experience
Proven experience designing, building, and scaling complex, production systems
Demonstrated experience working across backend, frontend, data, and infrastructure domains
Key Competencies
Strong backend engineering experience (APIs, distributed systems, service design)
Solid frontend engineering experience with modern frameworks (e.g., React) and performance optimization
Proven experience designing and operating data systems (data modeling, pipelines, storage)
Deep experience with cloud infrastructure, CI/CD systems, and observability tooling
Technical Ability
Strong technical judgment and ability to make high-quality tradeoffs
Track record of influencing technical direction and mentoring engineers
Clear and effective communication across technical and non-technical stakeholders
Nice to Have
Leadership
Experience in high-growth or scaling environments
Experience building internal platforms or developer tooling
Experience balancing product delivery with platform/infrastructure investment