About Company
Sasol Limited is a global integrated chemicals and energy company. Through our talented people, we use our expertise and technologies to create and commercialize solutions safely and sustainably, contributing to the prosperity of our planet. We develop and commercialize technologies, and build and operate world-scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product streams, including fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon energy solutions. Sasol’s Sasolburg operations are a cornerstone of our manufacturing prowess in South Africa, focusing on a variety of chemical products and playing a vital role in the national economy. We are on a journey of profound digital transformation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across our complex industrial landscapes. Join a team dedicated to innovation and making a real impact on industry and the environment.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Backend API Engineer to join our innovative digital transformation team at our Sasolburg operations. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in designing, developing, and maintaining robust, scalable, and secure API solutions that power our next-generation industrial applications and integrate seamlessly with our diverse enterprise systems. As a Backend API Engineer, you will be at the forefront of building the digital backbone that connects our operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT), enabling critical data flows, real-time analytics, and advanced automation across our extensive manufacturing and chemical processing facilities.
Your work will directly contribute to enhancing operational efficiency, improving safety protocols, and unlocking new opportunities for data-driven decision-making. You will work within an agile development environment, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including front-end developers, data engineers, infrastructure specialists, and business stakeholders. This role demands a strong understanding of API design principles, microservices architecture, and a commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and high-performance code. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of API development, from conceptualization and design through to deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
We are looking for someone who thrives on solving complex technical challenges, has a keen eye for detail, and is passionate about leveraging technology to drive business value in an industrial setting. You will have the opportunity to work with modern technology stacks, contribute to architectural discussions, and help shape the future of digital solutions at Sasol. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a solid foundation in backend development and a desire to make a tangible impact in a leading global company, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and maintain high-performance, scalable, and secure RESTful and/or GraphQL APIs using modern programming languages and frameworks.
- Integrate APIs with various internal and external systems, including ERP (SAP), SCADA, MES, IoT platforms, and other enterprise applications.
- Implement robust authentication, authorization, and security measures to protect API endpoints and sensitive data.
- Collaborate with front-end developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define API requirements and specifications.
- Write comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end tests to ensure the reliability and quality of API services.
- Participate in code reviews, ensuring adherence to coding standards, best practices, and architectural guidelines.
- Optimize API performance, scalability, and stability, identifying and resolving bottlenecks and technical debt.
- Contribute to architectural discussions and decisions regarding API design, microservices, and system integrations.
- Develop and maintain clear API documentation for both internal and external consumption.
- Troubleshoot and debug production issues, providing timely resolution and post-mortem analysis.
- Stay abreast of emerging backend technologies, API trends, and security best practices.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in at least one modern backend programming language (e.g., Python, Java, Node.js, C#)
- Strong experience with designing and implementing RESTful APIs, including API versioning and documentation (e.g., OpenAPI/Swagger)
- Solid understanding of database technologies (SQL and/or NoSQL databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB)
- Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems
- Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
- Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control (Git), CI/CD, and agile methodologies
- Understanding of security principles and practices for API development (OAuth, JWT, encryption)
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field
- Experience with GraphQL API development
- Familiarity with messaging queues and event-driven architectures (e.g., Kafka, RabbitMQ)
- Experience working in an industrial, manufacturing, or chemical processing environment
- Knowledge of industrial protocols or data integration patterns relevant to OT/IT convergence
- Experience with API Gateway solutions and management platforms
- Certifications in relevant cloud technologies or programming languages
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive medical aid and retirement planning benefits
- Generous leave policy, including annual, sick, and family responsibility leave
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement
- Access to a dynamic and innovative work environment
- Employee wellness programs and support
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
- On-site facilities and amenities within our Sasolburg complex
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to click on the application link below to submit their detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience relevant to this role. Please ensure all required fields are completed accurately.