Senior Backend Engineer (Python/Django)
Summary
Senior Backend Engineer building and maintaining server-side services in Python/Django: designing REST APIs, optimizing performance and database queries, and ensuring data security. Fully remote role (work from anywhere within South Africa) on a globally distributed team.
About the Role
Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm dedicated to building scalable and robust web applications, is looking for an experienced Senior Backend Engineer with expertise in Python and Django. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere within South Africa , offering maximum flexibility and autonomy. You will play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side logic of our client's innovative platform. The ideal candidate is a seasoned developer with a proven track record of building complex backend systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring data security. You will collaborate closely with frontend developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality software solutions. This remote-first role emphasizes asynchronous communication, strong documentation, and self-driven project management. We are seeking a proactive and skilled engineer who is passionate about clean code, efficient architecture, and contributing to a collaborative, globally distributed team. Join us to make a significant impact on a product used by thousands.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain robust, scalable, and secure backend services using Python and Django.
- Build and consume RESTful APIs to support frontend applications and third-party integrations.
- Optimize application performance, database queries, and server response times.
- Implement data security and protection measures.
- Write clean, efficient, well-documented, and testable code.
- Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a remote environment.
- Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve backend issues.
- Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy discussions.
- Stay updated with the latest backend technologies and best practices.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Senior Backend Engineer or similar role.
- Strong proficiency in Python and the Django framework.
- Extensive experience designing and developing RESTful APIs.
- Solid understanding of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORMs.
- Experience with asynchronous task queues (e.g., Celery).
- Familiarity with frontend technologies (e.g., JavaScript, HTML, CSS) is a plus.
- Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git.
- Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is advantageous.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for a remote setting.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and learning resources.
- Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
- Opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects.
- Collaborative and supportive team culture.