Senior Backend Developer (remote)
Summary
Fully remote (within South Africa) senior backend role at a placement agency's client: designing, building, and maintaining backend systems and APIs for digital products, optimizing databases, and mentoring juniors. Core stack: a modern backend language (Python, Java, Node.js, C#, or Go), relational/NoSQL databases, and REST APIs.
Our client is actively seeking a highly skilled Senior Backend Developer to join their fully remote team. This role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, though the company maintains a strong operational presence. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and maintaining robust backend systems and APIs that power their innovative digital products. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of building scalable, high-performance applications, possesses deep expertise in server-side languages and database management, and thrives in an asynchronous, remote-first work environment. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, contribute to architectural decisions, and mentor junior developers, all while enjoying the autonomy and work-life balance that remote work provides. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your skills and contribute to a forward-thinking company from the comfort of your home office, regardless of your specific location, with the operational core connected to Richards Bay, Kwa Zulu-Natal.
Key Responsibilities- Design, develop, and implement efficient, reusable, and reliable backend code.
- Build and maintain robust APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.
- Manage and optimize database performance and integrity.
- Collaborate with frontend developers, product managers, and designers in an agile, remote setting.
- Write unit and integration tests to ensure code quality and application stability.
- Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems.
- Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
- Contribute to architectural discussions and technology selection.
- Mentor junior backend developers and promote best practices.
- Ensure the scalability and performance of backend services.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of professional experience in backend development.
- Expertise in at least one modern backend programming language (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, C#, Go).
- Strong experience with relational (e.g., Postgre SQL, My SQL) and/or No SQL databases.
- Proficiency in designing and developing RESTful APIs.
- Familiarity with microservices architecture and design patterns.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
- Solid understanding of software development best practices, including testing, version control (Git), and CI/CD.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a remote team.
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote environment.
- This is a fully remote position offering a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and flexible working hours.
- You will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects, access continuous learning resources, and be part of a supportive, globally distributed team.
- While based operationally near Richards Bay, Kwa Zulu-Natal , your role is 100% remote.
- We foster a culture of trust and autonomy, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.