Senior Java AI Software Engineer – Pretoria (Hybrid) – R1.08m PA

Senior Java AI Software Engineer – Pretoria (Hybrid) – R1.08m PA

JAVA. AI. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING. THIS IS WHERE DEVELOPMENT IS HEADING.

What happens when a senior software engineer combines deep development experience with AI-powered coding tools?

You build faster.

You solve differently.

And you start engineering at a completely different level.

We’re looking for a Senior Java AI Software Engineer to join a technically driven team working on complex enterprise software and modern technology solutions.

This isn’t simply about writing Java code.

You’ll be expected to think like an engineer, design like an architect and use AI as part of your development workflow.

THE ROLE

You’ll work across backend and full-stack development, tackling challenging engineering problems and building scalable solutions.

A key part of the environment is the practical use of AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex and Cursor — not as a gimmick, but as tools that can improve how experienced engineers design, develop, test and deliver software.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 8+ years of solid professional software development experience.
• Strong backend and full-stack development experience.
• Proven Java development experience.
• Experience working with AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Codex or Cursor.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and the ability to work independently.
• Experience building and integrating RESTful APIs.
• Strong Git/version-control experience.
• The ability to understand complex technical problems and turn them into maintainable solutions.

YOUR TECHNICAL TOOLKIT

Experience with some or all of the following will be valuable:

Java | Node.js | TypeScript | Python | PostgreSQL | MySQL | AWS

You don’t need to be an expert in every technology listed, we’re looking for a well-rounded senior engineer who can work across modern development environments and adapt quickly.

ADVANTAGEOUS

• AWS experience or certification.
• Java certification.
• Strong understanding of cloud-based development.
• Experience working across backend and full-stack environments.
• Experience using AI-assisted development tools in real-world software engineering workflows.

THE ENGINEER WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You’re already an experienced software engineer.

You understand that AI coding tools don’t replace engineering expertise, they amplify it.

You know how to review generated code, challenge solutions, make architectural decisions, identify risks and ultimately take ownership of what goes into production.

If you’re excited about Java, modern software engineering and the rapidly evolving world of AI-assisted development, this is a role worth exploring.

THE DETAILS

Reference: GZ61531

Location: Pretoria

Work Model: Hybrid

Type: Permanent

Salary: R1.08m per annum, negotiable based on experience and ability

Contact Garth on garthz@e-merge.co.za or call 011 463 3633 to discuss this and other opportunities.

e-Merge IT Recruitment is a specialist niche recruitment agency connecting technology professionals with opportunities where their skills can make a genuine impact.

Know a developer or technology specialist looking for a new opportunity? We pay cash for successful referrals!

#JavaDeveloper #JavaEngineer #SeniorJavaDeveloper #SoftwareEngineer #AIEngineer #AISoftwareEngineer #AICoding #ClaudeCode #Codex #Cursor #GenerativeAI #ArtificialIntelligence #BackendDeveloper #FullStackDeveloper #Java #NodeJS #TypeScript #Python #AWS #PostgreSQL #MySQL #SoftwareDevelopment #TechJobs #PretoriaJobs #SouthAfricaJobs #HybridJobs