Junior Platform Engineer

Old Mutual, a prominent financial services organisation deeply rooted in the African continent, is on the lookout for a budding talent to join its technology division. The company, which champions the vast opportunities Africa presents, is seeking a Junior Platform Engineer to contribute to its dynamic and evolving technical landscape. This role is an excellent springboard for individuals passionate about the intricacies of software development, the robustness of enterprise platforms, and the continuous pursuit of system optimisation.

About the role

The Junior Platform Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting, refining, and maintaining the critical platforms that underpin Old Mutual's operations. This position demands a proactive approach to ensuring the highest standards of stability, performance, reliability, and availability across these systems. Working in close collaboration with a diverse group of professionals, including developers, business analysts, solution specialists, DevOps engineers, and support teams, the successful candidate will be instrumental in driving platform enhancements, tackling technical challenges, developing integrations, and delivering scalable software solutions that align with overarching business objectives.

The responsibilities within this role are multifaceted, encompassing several key areas of platform engineering and software development.

• **Platform Development and Enhancement:** This involves actively contributing to the development, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of platform functionalities and system improvements. You will assist in the implementation of new features, essential integrations, and the translation of business requirements into technical solutions. Customisation and development activities for applications will also form part of your remit, alongside supporting initiatives aimed at continuous improvement and the modernisation of existing platforms.
• **Platform Stability and Support:** A significant aspect of the role will be the proactive monitoring of platform health, performance, and availability. You will be involved in investigating and resolving application defects, critical incidents, and performance-related issues. Furthermore, participation in root cause analysis and the implementation of preventative measures will be key, as will supporting routine platform maintenance and production support requirements.
• **Software Engineering Practices:** The Junior Platform Engineer will contribute to the development of software solutions that are not only functional but also high-quality, maintainable, and scalable. Engagement in code reviews and technical design discussions is expected, as is support across all stages of the software development lifecycle. Adherence to development standards, security principles, and best practices will be paramount.
• **Integration and Data Services:** This area involves supporting and developing system integrations and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Troubleshooting and resolving integration challenges will be a regular duty, ensuring that data exchange between various systems and platforms is both reliable and secure.
• **Performance and Optimisation:** Identifying opportunities to boost platform performance and enhance reliability will be a continuous effort. You will support optimisation and tuning activities for applications and services, contributing to the reduction of technical debt and the improvement of overall system maintainability.
• **Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:** Effective teamwork is central to this role. You will work closely with both business and technical teams to deliver robust platform solutions. Participation in Agile ceremonies and delivery processes will be expected, along with contributing to technical documentation and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the team.

What they're looking for

Old Mutual is seeking an individual with a solid educational foundation and practical experience. A National Diploma, Degree, or an equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field is required.

In terms of experience, candidates should possess between one to three years of hands-on experience in software development, application support, platform engineering, or a comparable technical role. Exposure to enterprise applications, system integrations, or environments focused on software delivery would be highly beneficial. Previous experience working within Agile delivery teams would be considered an advantage.

On the technical front, basic proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Java, C#, .NET, JavaScript, or Python, is essential. A foundational understanding of APIs, integrations, and core software development principles is necessary. Familiarity with SQL and relational databases is also a requirement, as is experience with source control tools like Git. While not mandatory, exposure to cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, or GCP would be advantageous. A general understanding of application support, troubleshooting techniques, and performance optimisation concepts is also expected.

Beyond technical skills, Old Mutual values strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, coupled with a genuine passion for software engineering and platform technologies. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are vital for success in this team-oriented environment. The ability to learn quickly, adapt to new technologies, maintain a keen attention to detail, and adopt a customer-focused approach are also key attributes. A sense of accountability and ownership for deliverables will be highly regarded.

For candidates in South Africa, roles like this often offer a starting point for a career in technology within the financial services sector. While salary can vary significantly based on experience and specific company structures, entry-level technology positions in larger organisations can typically range from R25,000 to R40,000 per month. Major financial institutions like Old Mutual, as well as banks and insurance companies, are common employers for such roles, providing opportunities for professional growth and specialisation within platform engineering and related IT fields.

Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
• National Diploma, Degree or equivalent qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field.
Experience
•1-3 years' experience in software development, application support, platform engineering, or a related technical role.
•Exposure to enterprise applications, system integrations, or software delivery environments.
•Experience working in Agile delivery teams will be advantageous.
Technical Knowledge
•Basic proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, .NET, JavaScript, Python).
•Understanding of APIs, integrations, and software development principles.
•Experience with SQL and relational databases.
•Familiarity with Git or other source control tools.
•Exposure to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) is advantageous.
•Understanding of application support, troubleshooting, and performance optimization concepts.
Competencies
•Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
•Passion for software engineering and platform technologies.
•Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
•Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies.
•Strong attention to detail and a customer-focused mindset.
•Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
•Accountability and ownership of deliverables.

 

 

Skills

Competencies

Action Oriented

Collaborates

Communicates Effectively

Cultivates Innovation

Customer Focus

Decision Quality

Ensures Accountability

Manages Complexity

Education

Closing Date

17 September 2026 , 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

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