Backend Engineer

Overview

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VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Serving over 1 million users globally, including corporate and institutional clients, we're licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai's VARA.

Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides.

Our name, derived from the word "valour" without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being.

These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.

At our core, we're a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity.

We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.

Serving all Humanity :
Inspired by the adage "it is expensive to be poor," we're committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.

Promoting for Unity :
Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution.

We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.

Practical experience is more relevant than a formal qualification.

Extensive experience in backend development with proficiency in Kotlin, Java, or other JVM-based languages.

6+ years experience working in production environments.

Strong understanding of REST APIs and / or Web Sockets for building scalable and real‑time communication systems.

Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms like AWS and GCP, along with knowledge of associated services and tools.

Familiarity with CI / CD concepts, version control systems (e.g., Git), and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to tackle complex technical challenges.

Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate within cross‑functional teams.

Passion for cryptocurrencies and alternative financial systems.

A natural inclination to help people and the ability to explain technical details simply.

Design, develop, and maintain Kotlin‑based backend services.

Implement and integrate REST APIs and / or Web Sockets for seamless communication between different components of the exchange platform, while also extending and improving our API.

Leverage Google Cloud Platform to deploy and manage scalable infrastructure.

Incorporate CI / CD concepts, version control, and containerization to streamline the development and deployment processes.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including frontend engineers, designers, and product managers, to deliver high‑quality features and products.

Develop RESTful APIs and microservices to build best‑in‑class product features, extend our platform's functionality, and enhance user experience.

Optimise and scale backend systems to handle high traffic volumes and ensure low‑latency responses.

Create troubleshooting tools and participate in code reviews, automated testing, and continuous integration to maintain code quality.

Implement internal processes and tooling to improve development efficiency and streamline workflows.

Write easy‑to‑read, maintainable code and adhere to coding standards and best practices.

Innovative Work Environment

Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.

Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.

Career Development

Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at…