PURPOSE
We're looking for an experienced Senior Back-End Developer to join our team in helping build out a robust, scalable SaaS platform for the agricultural sector. We're an AgTech startup with an ever-growing software development team, and we're dedicated to delivering tangible value to our users. Our offices are located in Stellenbosch and Johannesburg.
We are looking for an experienced candidate who is pragmatic and enjoys seeing their creations bring tangible value to people. We don't hire for specific skills, languages, or library knowledge; but rather for sharp people that love software and problem solving.
As a senior back-end developer, you will be primarily responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the core business logic, APIs, and data storage systems of our web applications. Your focus will be on developing high-quality, scalable code and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Proficiency in technical leadership, architecture, project planning, and maintaining large Ruby on Rails codebases would set you apart.
OBJECTIVES (main duties and responsibilities)
The responsibilities for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Design, develop, and maintain our core Ruby on Rails API and application logic.
- Design and implement our GraphQL schema and resolvers to efficiently serve front-end clients.
- Manage the full application lifecycle including deployment and maintenance on cloud infrastructure like AWS and Heroku (for API and background workers).
- Maintain and improve our data storage strategies — research sharding and other concepts, as well as different DB/storage types (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Snowflake).
- Write maintainable production-ready code while adhering to software development best practices (e.g., thorough testing and security).
- Deep dive R&D and architect scalable solutions to complex data and business logic problems.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of our development practices and technology stack.
- Collaborate with front-end developers to ensure smooth API integration and performance.
- Say your say! We drive a culture of knowledge sharing in workshops/etc. and are always open to questions and feedback on topics like implementation details and product direction.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
Formal Qualifications
- Preferably a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or Information Systems.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
We require that you have a passion for working in/learning the below, and proficiency is beneficial.
Relevant Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in back-end development.
Required Proficiency/Passion:
- Strong proficiency in Ruby on Rails for API and application development.
- Expertise with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and writing complex SQL.
- Experience designing and building GraphQL APIs.
- Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, specifically AWS and/or Heroku, for deployment and maintenance.
- Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.
- Experience with Git/GitHub for source control and CI/CD.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies.
- Excellent teamwork, collaboration, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
Beneficial Experience:
- Experience with distributed data processing via ETL/similar processes.
- Familiarity with other databases/storage types (e.g., MongoDB, Snowflake).
- Experience using Docker for local development.
- Contributions to open-source projects or participation in relevant back-end communities.
Languages
English
Afrikaans (Beneficial)
CULTURE
- Someone to enhance the positive company culture with a high emphasis on morals, values and diversity
- Preferably someone with a passion for/experience in the agriculture and /or logistics & technology industries
- A go-getter that can grow with the company.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Visit our About Us page to discover more about our culture, work ethic, and vision.