Senior Back-End Software Developer (Ruby on Rails API) (JHB/Stellenbosch) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• DESIGN, implement, and maintain the core business logic, APIs, and data storage systems of web applications of a dynamic AgriTech company seeking your coding expertise to be its next Senior Back-End Software Developer.
• 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.

DUTIES:

• Design, develop, and maintain the core Ruby on Rails API and application logic.
• Design and implement 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 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 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications –

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

Experience/Skills –

• 5+ Years of professional experience in Back-End Development.
• 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.

Advantageous –

• 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.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Excellent teamwork, collaboration, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.