Backend Developer

Overall 4+ years of IT experience

Minimum 4 years of hands-on experience in Python and backend development with exposure to cloud technologies

Key Skills & Responsibilities:

Python Proficiency:

Strong hands-on experience in Python with knowledge of frameworks like Django or Flask.

Ability to write clean, efficient, and maintainable code.

Cloud Exposure:

Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

Hands-on experience with basic services like virtual machines, serverless functions (e.g., AWS Lambda), or storage solutions.

Backend Development:

Proficiency in developing and consuming RESTful APIs.

Knowledge of additional communication protocols (e.g., GraphQL, WebSockets) is a plus.

Database Management:

Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL).

Basic knowledge of NoSQL databases like MongoDB or DynamoDB.

System Design & Problem-Solving:

Ability to understand and implement scalable backend solutions.

Basic exposure to distributed systems or event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ) is a bonus.

Collaboration & Communication:

Good communication skills to work effectively in a team.

Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.

Security & Best Practices:

Awareness of secure coding practices and API security (e.g., OAuth, JWT).

Good-to-Have Skills:

Basic understanding of full-stack development, including front-end technologies (React, Angular, Vue.js).

Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and CI/CD pipelines.

Knowledge of caching strategies using Redis or Memcached.

About Sun King

Sun King is the world’s leading off-grid solar energy company, providing affordable solar solutions to the 1.8 billion people without reliable access to electricity. By combining product design, fintech, and field operations, Sun King has connected over 20 million homes to solar power across Africa and Asia, adding more than 200,000 new homes each month. Through ‘pay-as-you-go’ financing, customers make small payments to eventually own their solar systems, saving money and reducing reliance on harmful energy sources like kerosene.

Sun King employs 2,800 staff across 12 countries, with expertise in product design, data science, logistics, customer service, and more. The company is expanding its product range to include clean cooking, electric mobility, and entertainment solutions, all while supporting a diverse workforce — with women making up 44% of the team.

About the role

The Senior Software Developer - Backend will work as part of the Digitization and Automation team to support Sun King design, develop, and implement intelligent, tech-enabled solutions to help solve a large variety of our business problems. We are looking for candidates with an affinity for technology and automations, curiosity towards advancement in products, and strong coding skills for our in-house software development team.

What you will be expected to do:

• Design and build applications/systems based on wireframes and product requirements documents.
• Design and develop coherent and physical data models to meet application requirements. 
• Identify and correct bottlenecks/bugs according to operational requirements.
• Focus on scalability, performance, service robustness, and cost trade-offs.
• Create prototypes and proof-of-concepts for iterative development.
• Take complete ownership of projects (end to end) and their development cycle.
• Mentoring and guiding team members.
• Unit test code for robustness, including edge cases, usability, and general reliability.
• Integrate existing tools and business systems (in-house tools or business tools like ticketing software and communication tools) with external services.
• Coordinate with Product Manager, development team, & business analysts.

You might be a strong candidate if you have/are:

• A minimum of 4 years of experience.
• Deep knowledge of OOPS concepts and programming skills in Core Java, Spring Framework.
• Experience in web service development and integration (SOAP, REST, JSON, XML).
• Should be very strong in problem solving, data structures, and algorithms.
• Strong experience in SQL.
• Experience in the AWS suite (Ec2, RDS, Lambda, API Gateway).
• Experience in scripting languages like Python.
• Experience in Microservice Architecture.
• Prior managing/mentoring experience.
• Knowledge of best software engineering practices for all stages of the software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, testing, and deployment. 

Good to have:

• Knowledge on messaging systems RabbitMQ, Kafka.
• Container-based application deployment (Docker or equivalent)
• Willing to learn new technologies and implement them in products.

What Sun King offers:

• Professional growth in a dynamic, rapidly expanding, high-social-impact industry.
• An open-minded, collaborative culture made up of enthusiastic colleagues who are driven by the challenge of innovation towards profound impact on people and the planet.
• A truly multicultural experience: you will have the chance to work with and learn from people from different geographies, nationalities, and backgrounds.
• Structured, tailored learning and development programs that help you become a better leader, manager, and professional through the Sun King Center for Leadership.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and experienced Java SpringBoot Microservices Developer

to join our dynamic development team. As a Java SpringBoot Microservices Developer,

you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable and

high-performance microservices-based applications using Java and SpringBoot

frameworks.

Responsibilities:

● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and analyze requirements for

the development of microservices applications.

● Design, develop, and implement robust and scalable microservices using Java

and SpringBoot.

● Build RESTful APIs and integrate them with external systems as required.

● Ensure the performance, security, and reliability of the microservices through

thorough testing and debugging.

● Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence

to coding standards.

● Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to microservices and their

integration with other components

● Continuously research and evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends

related to microservices and recommend improvements to enhance application

development.

Requirements:

● Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

● Strong experience in Java development, specifically with SpringBoot framework.

● Proficiency in designing and developing microservices architectures and

implementing them using industry best practices.

● Solid understanding of RESTful API design principles and experience in building

and consuming APIs.

● Knowledge of cloud platforms and experience with containerization technologies

(e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) is highly desirable.

● Familiarity with agile development methodologies and tools (e.g., Scrum, JIRA) is

a plus.

● Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with a keen attention to detail.

● Effective communication and collaboration skills to work effectively within a team

environment.

If you are a passionate Java developer with a strong focus on building scalable

microservices applications using SpringBoot, we would love to hear from you. Join our

team and contribute to the development of cutting-edge solutions that deliver

exceptional user experiences.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant

experience and achievements in Java SpringBoot microservices development.

• Bachelor's degree in computer sciences, software engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience with Go language programming and other backend technologies such as NodeJS/ExpressJS, preferably in Security/enterprise/SaaS products. 
• Exposure to one or more cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), containers and kubernetes.
• Hands-on experience with microservices architecture, Rest APIs, databases such as PostgreSQL/mongodb, distributed systems, data engineering technologies, etc.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and keen attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the modern SDLC practices, Agile methodologies, tools such as Jira, and software configuration tools such as GitHub.
• Capable of balancing multiple priorities and remaining flexible in a changing environment.

1. Hands on programming skills.
2. Monitoring application and infrastructure health by using monitoring tools
3. Build and deployment automation tools on AWS
4. Design and coding experience in Java/golang
5. Design and coding experience in Java/golang
6. Hands on exposure to GitLab or Github

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
• Programming experience with at least one modern language such as Java, C++, or C# including object-oriented design
• 1+ years of experience contributing to the architecture and design (architecture, design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and current systems.

Additional Job requirements

• BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science/Math or equivalent
• BS in computer science or related field.
• 2+ years of relevant professional software development experience: designing, developing, and delivering software written in Java, C#, or C++, web development.
• Knowledgeable in object-oriented design patterns.
• Experience building highly scalable and distributed systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with service-oriented architecture and application/services development
• Passion for performance debugging and benchmarking
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders across all levels of the organization