Pretoria: Senior Backend Engineer posted by DataFin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT

Our client builds software for industries that keep the economy moving construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Their platform supports large, waged workforces with time tracking, payroll, WhatsApp-based communication, and an expanding set of AI-driven capabilities designed to make workforce management simpler and more efficient. They are hiring a Senior Backend Developer who wants to work where AI is already part of everyday development. If youre curious about AI but stuck in an environment where new tools move slowly, experimentation is discouraged, or progress feels incremental, this role offers a different pace. Here, AI-assisted development is embedded in how the team works. Youll deliver production code regularly, work on systems used daily by hundreds of businesses, and build features that directly affect thousands of employees. The focus is practical impact, clean engineering, and shipping work that matters.

DUTIES:

• Solve real problems: Deeply understand problems before solving them. Build robust backend solutions while surfacing technical risks before they become fires.
• Work with the best tools: AI development tools are core to your workflow. You’ll always have access to the latest tools, and they encourage you to challenge their stack. Found something better? Bring it.
• Architect systems that matter: Own architectural decisions for their Spring/Java backend. Help design the AI features that will define the next chapter.
• Own the API layer: Design and evolve their APIs, ensuring clean contracts that let the whole team move fast.
• Lead through influence: Set standards, guide decisions, and raise the bar for those around you.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Deep backend experience: 5+ years building backend systems with strong Spring/Java proficiency. You’ve designed systems at scale and can make intelligent trade-offs.
• An AI-native workflow: You’re already using AI development tools daily. You’ve developed taste for when AI output is ready to ship and when it isn’t.
• NoSQL instincts: Experience working with document databases rather than purely relational systems. You understand how to model data when you’re not working with traditional SQL tables. They use Couchbase, but the underlying experience matters more than the specific technology.
• Architectural thinking: You can reason about large systems, spot problems early, and make smart trade-offs. API design is something you care about.
• Ownership: You take responsibility from concept to production. You identify problems and drive solutions.
• Collaborative: You articulate decisions clearly and enjoy working together to find the best path forward.

Must-have skills:

• Java
• Spring Framework
• Artificial Intelligence

Nice to SKILLS:

• AWS, Docker, some DevOps exposure.