Protocol Engineer

Kimber Labs; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Plume is seeking a Protocol Engineer to design and operate its blockchain infrastructure, ensuring high performance and security across validators and full nodes. You will work across the crypto/DeFi stack, from backend services in Node.js to on-chain components, collaborating with a fast-moving team to ship robust features.

The role emphasizes rapid iteration, deep expertise in distributed systems, and a passion for Web3, with a strong focus on reliability and secure protocol design.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and operating distributed systems and consensus protocols.
• Strong backend skills with Node.js/TypeScript and SQL databases.
• Familiarity with Web3 stacks and blockchain tooling.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core blockchain network software for validators and full nodes.
• Develop features across backend, on-chain swaps, and Web3 UX.
• Stay current with protocol design and networking tech.
• Lead scalable, secure, and efficient product features.

Skills

Distributed systems

Consensus protocols

Backend: Node.js (TypeScript)

MySQL/Drizzle

Sentry

Python-based solvers

Web3: Viem/Wagmi, SIWE

Security and performance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Axiom

Sentry

Drizzle

Job description

As a Protocol Engineer at Plume, you will be responsible for building end-to-end features, working with cutting-edge technology, and contributing to a product that uses every piece of the crypto/DeFi stack. In this role, you will be instrumental in enhancing the performance and reliability of Plume's blockchain infrastructure, contributing to the core protocol design, and ensuring secure and efficient network operations. An ideal candidate will be excited to move and iterate quickly, strategically leverage emerging web3 and other software technologies and communicate effectively.

Overall Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain the core blockchain network software that powers Plume's validators and full nodes.
• Tackle unique challenges related to declarative trading and vertical solutions, bringing creative and well-architected approaches to complex problems.
• Engage with every layer of the crypto/DeFi stack, from backend infrastructure to on-chain swaps and frontend Web3 UX, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
• Lead the design and development of comprehensive features for Plume's product, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and efficient.
• Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in protocol design and communication technologies.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and operating systems in one or more of the following areas: Distributed systems and consensus protocols, storage/database systems, high performance systems, networking protocols, or programming language and compilers.
• Web3: Familiarity with Viem/Wagmi, permissionless.js/pimlico, SIWE (Sign-In with Ethereum), ZeroDev Kernel Smart Accounts.
• Backend: Strong skills in Node.js (TypeScript), MySQL/Drizzle, Axiom & Sentry, with the ability to work with Python-based solvers.
• Proven ability to design and implement novel solutions in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• A deep interest in the crypto and decentralized finance ecosystem, with a strong desire to push the boundaries of what is possible on-chain.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication skills.

About Plume

Plume is a public, EVM-compatible blockchain built for Real World Assets (RWAs) . We go beyond tokenization - enabling assets to be used like crypto: stake, swap, lend, borrow, loop, and more.

By integrating institutional-grade assets with DeFi tools, Plume makes private credit, ETFs, commodities and other traditionally inaccessible assets permissionless, composable, and usable at a click . Our mission: bridge traditional finance and crypto through adoption without sacrificing transparency or user experience.

• 180+ RWA companies building dapps and tokenizing assets on Plume's testnet, ranging from collectibles and real estate to equities and private credit
• 50+ technology partners working with Plume and offering special services to our ecosystem partners
• Experienced team of 20+ crypto, finance, and tech professionals from:
  • Crypto: Coinbase, dYdX, LayerZero, Binance, Galaxy Digital, Kraken
  • Finance/Tech: JP Morgan, Robinhood, Google, Coupa, Affim
• Backed by great investors and operators including:
  • YZi Labs, Brevan Howard, Haun Ventures, Galaxy Digital, lightspeed, Superscrypt , SV Angel , telecome…