Senior Backend Software Engineer (Java/Spring)
Summary
Senior backend engineer building and maintaining scalable, secure Java/Spring services and REST APIs for a fast-growing fintech client in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Day-to-day involves Spring Boot development, relational database work (PostgreSQL/MySQL), performance optimization, code reviews, and mentoring junior engineers in a hybrid model.
About the Role
Our client, a fast-growing fintech company, is seeking an experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer with a strong focus on Java and the Spring framework. This position is based in the vibrant academic and tech hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will play a key role in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, high-performance backend systems that power our client's innovative financial products. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of enterprise-level application development, database management, and API design. You will contribute to architectural decisions, mentor junior engineers, and ensure the reliability and security of our backend services. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a team that is shaping the future of financial technology in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, working in a dynamic hybrid model.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain robust and scalable backend services using Java and the Spring ecosystem (Spring Boot, Spring Data, Spring Security).
- Develop and manage RESTful APIs, ensuring seamless integration with front-end applications and third-party services.
- Work with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and potentially NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB).
- Implement security and data protection best practices.
- Optimize applications for performance, scalability, and efficiency.
- Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback and ensuring code quality.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including front-end developers, DevOps engineers, and product managers.
- Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve production issues in a timely manner.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical growth of the team.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in backend development.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional backend development experience.
- Extensive experience with Java and the Spring Framework (Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Data JPA).
- Proficiency in designing and implementing RESTful APIs.
- Strong understanding of relational database design and SQL.
- Experience with messaging queues (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ) is a plus.
- Familiarity with microservices architecture.
- Experience with version control systems (Git).
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Benefits
Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits, opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, a modern office environment, and a culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and grow your career within a respected fintech organization.