Stellenbosch: Junior Full Stack Developer (Ruby/Ruby on Rails) (Stellenbosch Hybrid) posted by DataFin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

A dynamic AgriTech company seeks a Junior Full Stack Developer with an interest in building software that interfaces with industrial control systems. This role supports their broader mission of transforming Agricultural operations through automation, data-driven systems, and innovative technology. The ideal candidate is someone who is eager to learn, pragmatic, and driven to create solutions delivering tangible customer value. You will learn, build, and travel alongside a small, pragmatic team, gaining experience across the stack while helping deliver tangible value to customers in a rapidly evolving sector. You will also preferably need a Degree in Computer Science/Mathematics/Engineering or a related field with 1+ years experience in a similar role with skills in Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Git, GitHub, Linux, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts & REST APIs.

DUTIES:

• Develop, improve, and maintain our in-house Ruby-based web framework and PostgreSQL-backed systems that run packhouse and IoT operations.
• Deliver clean, maintainable, and efficient Full-Stack code while following solid development practices, testing, and documentation standards.
• Contribute to both Front-End and Back-End features, including UI improvements, business logic, data workflows, and performance tuning.
• Integrate with IoT and industrial devices using RESTful APIs and common communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, and Modbus.
• Assist with on-site installation and configuration of software, networking, and IoT hardware at packhouses.
• Collaborate with Designers, Product teams, Quality Assurance and Engineers to translate requirements into reliable, user-focused technical solutions.
• Solve production issues quickly through debugging, troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving.
• Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions to continuously improve team standards and practices.
• Help improve the Front-End stack where needed (e.g., Tailwind CSS adoption, UI/UX refinements) even if not the primary focus.
• Work with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and internal tooling to ensure stable deployments and smooth team collaboration.
• Apply basic networking knowledge (e.g., IPs, subnets, VLANs, topologies) to assist with system setups and connectivity challenges.
• Contribute to R&D efforts, exploring new approaches to data, architecture, and device integration.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications

• Preferably a Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.

Experience/Skills

• 1+ Years experience in a similar role.
• Basic knowledge of Ruby, Ruby on Rails, and a willingness to learn new frameworks.
• Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts, REST APIs, and software design principles.
• Familiarity with Version Control systems, such as Git/GitHub.
• Strong problem-solving, debugging ability, and comfort working in Linux/terminal environments.
• Willingness to travel for on-site client installations.

Advantageous –

• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS), microcontrollers/IoT methods, and low-level protocols like RS232.
• Understanding of networking concepts (IPs, subnetting, TCP/UDP, Modbus)
• Basic Java exposure, especially for IoT device communication.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams.
• Comfortable handling multiple tasks with or without guidance.