Software Development Manager (EC2 Instance Placement)

Cape Town, South AfricaFull-timeExecutiveHybridPosted 1 Oct 2026

Job Overview

AWS Utility Computing is hiring a Software Development Manager in Cape Town for EC2 Instance Placement—the systems that decide physical host placement for EC2 launches using real-time multi-dimensional optimisation.

You will lead SDEs building control-plane and data-streaming systems, set team vision and roadmap, hire and mentor high performers, and uphold operational excellence in an agile delivery model. The role spans deep connections across AWS compute, networking, and data-centre engineering.

Basic bar: 3+ years engineering team management, multi-tier web services leadership, and partnership with product/program management. EE considerations for South African designated groups apply; lawful work authorisation in SA required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Software Development Engineers on EC2 instance placement control plane and data streaming systems

• Create vision and drive roadmap; think big about data-driven compute optimisation

• Attract, hire, and grow high-performing engineers

• Mentor and coach; foster an inclusive engineering culture

• Maintain a high bar for operational excellence and livesite operations

• Lead and refine the team’s agile software development process

• Partner with product and program management on requirements and delivery

• Engage stakeholders across CPU/networking throughput and data-centre engineering domains

• Communicate designs, features, and strategy to users, technical teams, and senior leadership

Required Qualifications

• Experience leading definition and development of multi-tier web services

• Experience partnering with product and program management teams

• 3+ years of engineering team management experience

• Knowledge of full software development lifecycle practices (coding standards, reviews, SCM, build, testing, certification, livesite ops)

• Preferred: recruiting/hiring/mentoring SDEs; communicating with users and senior leadership on requirements and strategy

• Interest in optimisation, machine learning, and data streaming technologies

• Ability to work lawfully in South Africa (ID/passport and work permit verification)

Skills & Requirements

Engineering ManagementSoftware Development LeadershipAWSEC2Distributed SystemsData StreamingAgile DeliveryOperational ExcellenceHiringMentoringSystem DesignStakeholder ManagementProduct PartnershipPerformance Optimisation