Junior Software Developer (AI-Enabled)

Ozow is a leading fintech company that's redefining digital payments in South Africa and beyond. We're dedicated to making payments more accessible, secure, and convenient for both businesses and consumers. As a fast-growing player in the financial technology sector, Ozow fosters a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusivity. We believe in pushing the boundaries of what's possible and are committed to making a positive impact on the world through our payment solutions. 

Ozow is seeking a Junior Software Engineer (AI Enabled) to join our development team. You'll help build and maintain the solutions that power our digital payment platforms, learning from experienced engineers as we replatform and modernise our systems with AI. You'll use AI tools from day one, and we'll help you use them well: with discipline, care and an understanding of the code you ship.

This is an early-career, hands-on engineering role, not an agentic AI role. Your focus is building software with AI, rather than designing autonomous, long-running agent workflows.

Software Development

• →Work with cross-functional teams to build and maintain software solutions that meet high-quality standards and business requirements.

AI-Enabled Replatforming

• →Contribute to replatforming existing systems onto modern, AI-native services, migrating well-defined pieces of functionality under the guidance of senior engineers.

AI Feature Development

• →Help build features that integrate with large language models (LLMs), learning techniques such as context management, embeddings and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).

Coding

• →Write clean, efficient and maintainable code following our coding standards, using AI coding tools to learn and move faster while understanding and being able to explain everything you commit.

Responsible AI Delivery

• →Follow the team's standards for using AI safely across the software development lifecycle, including checking AI-generated output and protecting sensitive and payment data.

Technical Problem Solving

• →Investigate and fix bugs and technical issues, escalating early when you're stuck.

System Architecture

• →Learn how our systems are designed for scalability, security and performance, and apply those principles in the features you build.

Code Reviews

• →Take part in code reviews, both receiving feedback on your code and reviewing others' to build your understanding of the codebase.

Testing and Quality

• →Write unit tests for your code and help test features end to end, including AI features whose outputs are not always the same.

DevOps and Deployment

• →Learn and use our CI/CD pipelines, containers and cloud environments (AWS or Azure) to get your code safely into production.

Agile Development

• →Work in an Agile environment, participating in sprint planning, stand-ups and retrospectives.

Documentation

• →Create and maintain technical documentation for the software and processes you work on.

Learning and Growth

• →Learn from senior engineers through pairing, code reviews and feedback, and share what you discover about using AI tools well with the wider team.

• 2 years of experience as a Software Engineer or Developer, including internships or graduate programmes
• An IT Diploma or Degree, or equivalent practical experience such as a recognised coding bootcamp
• Working knowledge of at least one of .NET C#, Python or JavaScript/ReactJs (more is a bonus)
• Regular, thoughtful use of AI coding tools, with the ability to explain and check the code they produce
• Exposure to building with LLMs, for example through personal, university or work projects, beneficial
• A good grasp of databases and SQL, version control (Git) and how the web works
• A curious, pragmatic attitude towards AI and a strong willingness to learn

• You eagerly embrace change, absorb cross-functional skills, and connect ideas across disciplines to drive fresh thinking and innovation. 
• Ability to initiate, develop, maintain and leverage outstanding relationships to influence a wide network, both inside and outside the company. 
• A trailblazer who steps up, takes charge, and creates meaningful impact—those driven by performance and purpose to lead from the front and make a real difference every day. 
• You thrive in collaboration, embrace inclusion, and bring a genuine curiosity for global cultures—valuing collective success over individual credit. 
• Demonstrate strategic foresight, sound judgement, and the ability to make confident decisions under uncertainty, always working toward the best possible outcomes. 
• You challenge norms, champion innovation, and constantly seek growth—for themselves, their team, and the solutions they build. 
• You are a decisive doer—those who take initiative, follow through with confidence, and ensure results through courageous, hands-on leadership. 
• We value optimism, agility, and the strength to persevere under pressure—balancing performance with positivity, even in challenging environments. 
• You are driven, proactive individuals who take ownership, face challenges with grit, and consistently push for excellence—not just as participants, but as catalysts for success. 

During the interview process you will meet with the People team, the hiring manager, and relevant CSuite. Our process may include psychometric and technical assessments, giving you an opportunity to demonstrate your strengths, skills and potential beyond your CV and interview.

Join Ozow and become part of an elite force that challenges the ordinary and achieves the extraordinary. If you're driven to make an impact, embrace challenges, and seek unparalleled opportunities for growth, your journey starts here.

As a fintech company, we prioritize data security, confidentiality, regulatory and compliance. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, we require individuals with a high level of integrity and trustworthiness to ensure adherence to financial regulations and industry standards. Given the sensitive nature of our work, all employees are expected to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to ethical conduct in line with financial regulations and industry standards

Interested in joining our rocket ship?  

To find out more about life at Ozow, head over to our Careers Page here!