Junior Full Stack Developer (Ruby/Ruby on Rails) (Stellenbosch Hybrid) at 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.