Senior Java Developer (R&D)

Role: SeniorJava Developer 

Duration: 12 Months 

Location: South Africa 

Are you a Software Developer who wants to work on more than maintaining existing systems?

We’re partnering with an established technology business operating within the telecommunications sector that is expanding its Research & Development team and investing in the next generation of its software products.

This is an opportunity for a developer who enjoys building, experimenting and solving complex technical problems. You’ll work across both the modernisation of established enterprise platforms and the development of new products, AI capabilities and proof-of-concepts.

AI is a genuine part of the roadmap

The R&D team is actively exploring how AI, LLMs and AI agents can be applied to real-world telecommunications challenges.

This includes experimenting with AI-assisted development tools, investigating self-hosted LLMs, and identifying opportunities to embed AI capabilities directly into products and automate complex processes

You won’t simply be using AI to develop faster — you’ll have the opportunity to help determine where AI can create meaningful value and then build the solution.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Modernising and enhancing established telecommunications software

• Developing new products and features from the ground up

• Designing and developing enterprise-grade software

• Building and integrating REST APIs

• Working with relational databases and complex SQL

• Investigating and solving challenging technical problems

• Working with cloud and container technologies

• Exploring and implementing AI/LLM capabilities

• Building proof-of-concepts around emerging technologies

• Participating in code reviews and technical discussions

• Continuously improving development practices and products

Technology Environment

Java | Spring Boot | REST APIs | SQL | Linux | Git | Docker | Kubernetes | CI/CD | Cloud | AI/LLMs

The cloud environment includes Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) alongside other cloud technologies.

You don't need to tick every technology box. The focus is on finding a strong developer with solid fundamentals who is curious, adaptable and comfortable learning new technologies.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 7-10- years’ professional software development experience

• Strong programming and software engineering fundamentals

• Experience with Java / Spring Boot or comparable backend technologies

• Strong SQL and relational database knowledge

• Experience developing or integrating APIs

• Familiarity with Git and Linux

• Genuine interest in AI, LLMs and emerging technologies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team

• A mindset centred around learning, experimentation and continuous improvement

Telecommunications experience is advantageous, but not essential.

The priority is finding someone who can solve difficult problems and build quality software, rather than someone who has necessarily worked in telecoms before.

Why Consider It?

This isn't a role where you'll spend all your time maintaining legacy systems.

You'll gain exposure to:

New product development

AI, AI agents & self-hosted LLMs

Cloud technologies

Enterprise software modernisation

Complex technical challenges

Telecommunications technology

R&D and experimentation

You'll also have the opportunity to contribute ideas and influence what gets built, rather than simply being handed a predefined development backlog.

If you're a Software Developer who enjoys building, experimenting with new technology and wants meaningful exposure to AI and next-generation software development, I'd be keen to speak with you.

Get in touch directly for a confidential conversation.