Senior Software Developer (React, Node.js, TypeScript) (In Office)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
ENVIRONMENT: An Investment company is seeking a Senior Software Developer to join their team in Durbanville, Cape Town. The Mid-level Software Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining features across the full technology stack of our web platform. The role works across the React\/TypeScript frontend, the Node.js\/Express backend, and the PostgreSQL database layer, taking ownership of features from specification through to production deployment. Having grown beyond junior responsibilities, this role is expected to deliver production-ready features independently, contribute to technical decisions, handle deployments through our CI\/CD pipeline, and integrate the platform with third-party services such as PayFast and transactional email providers.   DUTIES: •       Translate product specifications and designs into working, production-ready features across the full stack. •       Build and maintain frontend interfaces using React 18, Vite, TailwindCSS, and shadcn\/ui (Radix UI), ensuring accessibility and responsive behaviour. •       Develop backend REST API endpoints using Node.js and Express, following established conventions for authentication, validation, and error handling. •       Implement client-side state management using TanStack Query and form handling with React Hook Form and Zod validation. •       Design and maintain PostgreSQL 16 schemas, write efficient SQL queries using the pg. (node-postgres) driver, and manage database migrations. •       Implement data models that balance performance, integrity, and future extensibility. •       Ensure backend security through proper use of Helmet, express-rate-limit, and Better Auth session-based authentication (HTTP Only cookies). •       Convert UI\/UX designs into pixel-accurate, accessible interfaces using TailwindCSS and Radix UI component primitives. •       Implement client-side routing with React Router v6 and add polish through Framer Motion animations where appropriate. •       Integrate map functionality using Leaflet and maintain a consistent visual language through the Lucide React icon library. •       Build and maintain integrations with PayFast for payment processing, including handling of ITN (Instant Transaction Notification) callbacks and reconciliation. •       Implement transactional email flows using NodeMailer (e.g. password reset, account notifications). •       Integrate additional third-party APIs as required, ensuring secure credential management and graceful error handling. •       Handle file and image uploads via Multer, including validation, storage management, and persistence through named Docker volumes. •       Manage container orchestration using Docker Compose and ensure local and staging environments mirror production. •       Configure and maintain Caddy as a reverse proxy, including automatic HTTPS provisioning. •       Maintain and improve the CI\/CD pipeline using self-hosted GitHub Actions, including staging deploys triggered on push to main. •       Monitor Better Auth cloud dashboard (dash and sentinel plugins) and respond to authentication-related signals. •       Diagnose and resolve bugs reported by users, internal stakeholders, or surfaced through monitoring. •       Refactor and improve existing code to reduce technical debt and improve maintainability. •       Write clear commit messages, meaningful pull request descriptions, and inline documentation where logic is non-obvious. •       Ensure security best practices are applied across the stack (input validation, secure cookies, rate limiting, dependency updates).   REQUIREMENTS: •       Minimum 2 years of professional software development experience. •       Demonstrated experience building and maintaining production web applications across the full stack. •       Proven track record of shipping features from specification through to deployment. •       Experience working in a Git-based collaborative development environment. •       Self-motivated learner who keeps up with developments in the JavaScript \/ React \/ Node.js ecosystem. •       Reliable, accountable, and proactive in flagging blockers or risks early. •       React 18 with hooks and modern functional component patterns. •       Vite as a build tool, including environment configuration. •       React Router v6 for client-side routing. •       TanStack Query for server-state management and caching strategies. •       React Hook Form with Zod schemas for type-safe form validation. •       Framer Motion for UI animations. •       Leaflet for map-based interfaces. •       Node.js with Express framework — routing, middleware, and REST API design. •       PostgreSQL 16 and SQL fluency, including the pg. (node-postgres) driver. •       Better Auth (and @better-auth\/infra) for session-based authentication using HTTP Only cookies. •       Multer for file and image upload handling. •       NodeMailer for transactional email delivery. •       HTTP security via Helmet and rate limiting via express-rate-limit. •       PayFast payment integration, including signature validation and ITN handling. •       Strong proficiency in JavaScript \/ TypeScript. •       Git workflows — feature branches, pull requests, code reviews. •       Understanding of REST API design principles and HTTP fundamentals.   ATTRIBUTES: •       Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail. •       Ability to work independently and take ownership of features end-to-end. •       Clear written and verbal communication, particularly when discussing technical trade-offs. •       Collaborative mindset — willing to give and receive constructive code review feedback.