Backend Engineer

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Backend Engineer role at VALR

About VALR

VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 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

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.

Our Mission

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.

We’re Dedicated To

• 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committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.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.
  
  

Job Requirements

• 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 WebSockets 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.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Kotlin-based backend services.
  
  
• Implement and integrate REST APIs and/or WebSockets 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.
  
  

Job Benefits

• 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 the forefront of the crypto industry.
  
  
• Competitive Compensation
• Competitive salaries that align with industry standards.
  
  When you contribute to our success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR’s growth.
  
  
• Receive preferential Tier 5 trading fees on VALR, with no monthly trading volume required.
  
  
• Diversity and Inclusion
• A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
  
  
• Wellness
• Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities.
  
  Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.
  
  
• Impact and Contribution
• At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity.
  
  Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
  
  
• Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.
  
  
• Dynamic Team Culture
• Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity.
  
  Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
  
  
• Global Exposure
• Work with colleagues from around the world.
  
  Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.
  
  
• Recognition and Rewards
• Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
  
  Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.
  
  
• Tools for Success
• Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office—yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).
  
  

Required Skill Profession

Networks & Systems