Senior Blockchain Engineer (DeFi Focus)

Placements24; Queenstown; Remote; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Blockchain Engineer to design and optimize DeFi protocols with a focus on scalable, secure smart contracts. This fully remote role involves building DeFi applications and integrating with various protocols, while maintaining high security standards.

You will collaborate with an international team, mentor juniors, and stay ahead of DeFi trends. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of blockchain development, Solidity expertise, and hands-on DeFi deployment experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent practical experience in a related field.
• 5+ years of professional software development with blockchain focus.
• 3+ years developing and deploying DeFi protocols and apps.
• Proficiency in Solidity and ERC-20/ERC-721 standards.
• Deep understanding of DeFi primitives (AMMs, lending, stablecoins).
• Experience with testing, security audits, and code reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced smart contracts for DeFi applications (lending, borrowing, exchanges, yield farming).
• Integrate platform with multiple DeFi protocols and liquidity pools.
• Optimize smart contract performance for gas efficiency and speed.
• Conduct security audits and code reviews to ensure protocol safety.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and researchers to define features.
• Stay updated on DeFi trends and emerging tech.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team growth.
• Troubleshoot complex DeFi integrations and contract issues.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and strategic planning for DeFi offerings.

Skills

Blockchain development

Smart contract development

Solidity

DeFi protocols

Security best practices

Remote collaboration

Algorithmic thinking

Education

Master's degree in CS or related field

Tools

Hardhat

Foundry

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Blockchain Engineer with a strong focus on DeFi protocols. This role is pivotal in designing, developing, and optimizing cutting-edge financial applications on the blockchain. You will work on complex smart contracts, integration with various DeFi protocols, and ensure the scalability and security of our financial products. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while collaborating with a talented international team. If you have a deep understanding of DeFi mechanics, a passion for financial innovation, and extensive experience in blockchain development, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy advanced smart contracts for DeFi applications (e.g., lending, borrowing, exchanges, yield farming).
• Integrate our platform with various DeFi protocols and liquidity pools.
• Optimize smart contract performance for gas efficiency and transaction speed.
• Conduct rigorous testing, security audits, and code reviews to ensure the integrity and safety of DeFi protocols.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and researchers to define new DeFi product features and functionalities.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments and trends in the DeFi space, including new protocols and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the overall technical growth of the team.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to smart contracts and DeFi integrations.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and strategic planning for our DeFi offerings.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong emphasis on blockchain and smart contract development.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience specifically developing and deploying DeFi protocols and applications.
• Proficiency in Solidity and experience with common DeFi token standards (e.g., ERC-20, ERC-721).
• Deep understanding of DeFi primitives, including AMMs, lending protocols, stablecoins, and derivatives.
• Experience with blockchain development frameworks (e.g., Hardhat, Foundry) and testing methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of blockchain security best practices and vulnerability mitigation techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and algorithmic thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Experience with layer-2 scaling solutions is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and token-based compensation.
• Fully remote work arrangement with global flexibility.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and learning in the DeFi space.
• Work on challenging and impactful projects at the forefront of financial innovation.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work environment.
• Generous stock options and performance bonuses.
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.