Software Engineer: Back-End - Johannesburg - R1m PA

Introduction

We are seeking an experienced Senior Backend Software Engineer with strong Python (FastAPI) and AWS expertise to join a high-performing engineering team delivering scalable, cloud-native systems.

This role is ideal for a technically strong engineer who enjoys building modern backend platforms and contributing to architectural decisions.

Duties & Responsibilities

Requirements: • Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology or a related field (preferred) • 6+ years’ proven experience in backend software development and project delivery • Strong proficiency in Python (FastAPI) for backend services and scripting • Deep experience with AWS cloud services, including: • IAM, EKS, RDS, MSK/Kafka, Lambda, ElastiCache • Hands-on expertise with Terraform, including: • Modules, state management, and environment-specific provisioning • Solid understanding of microservices architecture, REST/gRPC APIs, and event-driven design • Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL) • Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins, or similar • Strong knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) • Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools such as Instana, Prometheus, Grafana, and OpenTelemetry

Nice-to-Have (Bonus Skills): • Proficiency in gRPC and concurrency patterns • Knowledge of the Kafka ecosystem, including Kafka Streams, schema registries, and the outbox pattern • Experience with AWS infrastructure cost optimization • Familiarity with Agile methodologies and Kanban delivery • Prior exposure to cloud security best practices

The Reference Number for this position is GZ61010

This is a contract role based in Johannesburg, offering a cost-to-company salary of up to R1m per annum, negotiable based on experience and ability.

\uD83D\uDCE9 Contact Garth on garthz@e-merge.co.za

\uD83D\uDCDE Or call 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other exciting opportunities.

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