Senior Back End Engineer

Role Purpose

The Software Engineer II is tasked with analyzing, designing, developing, implementing, and testing back-end services and applications of medium to high complexity. This position focuses on creating scalable, efficient, and secure systems based on Go that support enterprise channels and operational platforms. Responsibilities include identifying and fixing transactional data issues, contributing to integration solutions, applying Go-specific concurrency patterns, and maintaining existing services. The engineer works collaboratively with systems designers, architects, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions that adhere to both business and technical standards.

Role Description

Back-End Development & Engineering:

• Design, develop, and implement Go-based back-end services and APIs tailored for enterprise channels and high-volume systems.

• Write clean, maintainable, idiomatic Go code utilizing suitable design patterns and concurrency techniques (such as goroutines and channels).

• Construct modular, testable components that align with organizational frameworks, engineering standards, and secure coding practices.

• Engage in architectural discussions and propose alternative solutions for medium to high-complexity engineering challenges.

Systems Analysis & Solution Design:

• Perform system analysis on medium to high-complexity services, integrations, and data flows, particularly within enterprise channel contexts.

• Convert technical and business requirements into scalable back-end architectures using Go, microservices, distributed patterns, and contemporary integration methods.

Testing, Quality & Performance:

• Develop and maintain unit, integration, and performance tests specific to Go to ensure system reliability.

• Participate in peer code reviews to verify compliance with Go best practices, performance criteria, and engineering quality benchmarks.

• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues across Go services, including transactional data irregularities, integration failures, and concurrency-related defects.

Service Integration & Deployment:

• Examine and analyze integration requirements for Go-based services while supporting system interoperability among applications.

• Collaborate with DevOps, QA, and front-end teams to facilitate smooth deployment, containerization, CI/CD automation, and operational readiness.

• Assist in supporting production systems, troubleshooting data-related challenges, and implementing enhancements to boost system stability and performance.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement:

• Generate technical documentation for Go services, encompassing solution designs, sequence diagrams, interface definitions, and configuration specifics.

• Contribute to advancements in engineering practices, coding standards, and initiatives for continuous learning.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related discipline – (essential)

• 4+ years of experience in software engineering or a similar role – (essential)

• Proficiency in Go (Golang), with knowledge in concurrency (goroutines, channels), modules, and Go tooling – (essential)

• Experience with Go unit, integration, and performance testing – (essential)

• Experience developing RESTful APIs, back-end services, and system integrations – (essential)

• Familiarity with SQL/NoSQL databases and database optimization – (essential)

• Practical experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, and Git-based version control – (essential)

• Understanding of secure coding principles and modern security methodologies – (essential)

Key Competencies and Work Ethic

• Collaborative Partner – Fosters strong relationships with stakeholders while leading cross-functional teams and projects. Communicates openly, honestly, and directly, and is comfortable both giving and receiving constructive feedback. Capable of independent and collaborative thinking and action.

• Technology Expert – Provides high-quality expertise to prioritize tasks while introducing new tools and methodologies. Displays curiosity and adaptability, discovering agile and quick methods to implement solutions.

• Analytical and Detail-oriented – Quickly comprehends new concepts and information, explores various courses of action, and synthesizes multiple data sources to inform decision-making and identify the best solutions.

• Innovative and Solution-oriented – Thinks creatively. Exhibits sound judgment, quick decision-making abilities, and the capacity to generate solutions that facilitate workflow and meet deadlines.

• Results-driven – Actively pursues results, setting ambitious goals for oneself and others while remaining focused and diligently working to meet or surpass expectations within quality standards.

• Planning and Organizing – Efficiently prioritizes and executes multiple competing demands in a fast-paced setting. Recognizes urgent and important tasks/priorities to ensure timely delivery.

• Business Acumen – Understands the operational aspects of the business and the issues and risks that affect technological success and commercial viability.

• Communication Skills – Effectively communicates, translating complex concepts into clear messages. Adopts various influencing styles to navigate and address challenges both internally and externally.

• Team Collaboration Skills – Cultivates a safe team environment that encourages acceptance of failure; understands when and how to involve diverse parties; actively motivates others to embody company values.

• Stakeholder Management Skills – Embodies a "one team" ethos with key stakeholders; proactively collaborates with them to eliminate obstacles and ensure results are achieved.

• Flexible and Resilient – Thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple competing priorities while managing uncertainty and adapting to evolving business needs.

• Digital-Centric and Savvy – Passionate about the potential of digital technologies and their value to the business. A self-starter who can quickly familiarize themselves with our applications, technologies, and processes.

Our Group and all operating companies are dedicated to fostering, embracing, and maintaining a diverse workplace that appreciates the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enhance our organization. A place where everyone is valued and feels included.

We are committed to Employment Equity in our internal and external recruitment processes.

Please note that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you confirm your explicit and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliated companies to process your personal information for the purpose of considering your application for this position. All personal information provided to the Company will be used and/or retained solely for the purposes for which it was collected, after which it will be permanently discarded. Your information will only be retained if required by law or if you have consented to its retention for an extended period.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be securely destroyed in accordance with South African legislation.