Senior Backend Engineer

About Kifiya

Kifiya is an AI-powered ecosystem technology company specializing in:

• Intelligent data-driven decisioning
• Financial services
• Digital agriculture
• Smart mobility infrastructure solutions

For over a decade, we have built robust technological infrastructures and implemented transformative initiatives that address market failures. We empower MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and low- to middle-income consumers by providing access to financial services and markets. Kifiya is scaling its technology infrastructure to create a more inclusive and sustainable future in Africa.

Over the past 14 years, Kifiya has grown from a startup into a leader in digital financial services and AI-driven technology, showcasing the power of data and innovation to drive meaningful change.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Backend Engineer to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend systems in a dynamic, Agile-driven environment. The ideal candidate is deeply experienced in:

• Building microservices
• Modernizing legacy systems
• Implementing SOLID principles to deliver high-quality, maintainable software

This role is perfect for someone passionate about backend architecture, performance, and mentoring others while working with modern technologies and cloud platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust, secure, and scalable backend services using Java and Spring Boot.
• Architect and maintain microservices-based systems, ensuring seamless communication via gRPC and GraphQL.
• Develop and optimize data-intensive applications using RDBMS (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, DynamoDB).
• Refactor and modernize legacy codebases, adhering to Object-Oriented Design (OOD) and design patterns.
• Work with event-driven architectures and message queues such as RabbitMQ or Kafka.
• Design and implement APIs and system integrations with a focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Utilize AWS and other cloud-native tools to build, deploy, and manage applications.
• Containerize applications with Docker and orchestrate them using Kubernetes.
• Manage and optimize CI/CD pipelines with tools like Jenkins, Git, and GitLab.
• Conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and promote engineering best practices.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement in line with Agile methodologies.

Required Skills and Experience

• 6+ years of backend development experience, with deep expertise in Java and Spring Boot.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing microservices and distributed systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and DynamoDB.
• Proficiency with Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab).
• Solid understanding of gRPC, GraphQL, and RESTful API design.
• Strong grasp of OOP, design patterns, SOLID principles, and event-driven architecture.
• Experience with message brokers like RabbitMQ and Kafka.
• Familiarity with networking protocols and system deployment strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and ship production-ready code in fast-paced environments.
• Comfortable working in Agile cross-functional teams.

General Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Team player with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset.
• Eagerness to learn, adapt, and stay updated with emerging technologies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and continuously evolving environment.

Skills Required:

• Computer / Software / It / Data