Blockchain Engineer - DeFi Specialist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Early-stage equity

Medical aid package

Retirement benefits

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a Blockchain Engineer specialized in DeFi to join a dynamic startup. You will develop, test and deploy DeFi smart contracts, and contribute to tokenomics and security.

With 3+ years in blockchain and Solidity, you will collaborate with product teams in a fast-paced environment. This on-site role offers growth, equity potential, and a collaborative culture in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/engineering/math or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of blockchain development experience with DeFi protocols.
• Proficiency in Solidity and smart contract tooling.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy DeFi smart contracts (lending, staking, AMMs).
• Implement and optimize tokenomics models and mechanisms.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing financial systems.
• Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments of contracts.
• Collaborate with product managers/designers on DeFi features.
• Monitor performance and health of deployed protocols.
• Stay updated on DeFi trends and gas optimization strategies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in smart contract execution.
• Contribute to technical strategy and architecture of DeFi products.
• Write clean, well-documented code.

Skills

Smart contract security

Analytical thinking

Teamwork & communication

Startup adaptability

Education

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

Tools

Solidity

ethers.js

web3.js

Truffle

Hardhat

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic startup at the forefront of decentralized finance (DeFi), is seeking a skilled Blockchain Engineer with a specialization in DeFi to join their expanding team in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This is an on-site role that offers the chance to work within a vibrant and collaborative environment, contributing to the development of innovative DeFi protocols and platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of smart contract development, tokenomics, and the intricacies of decentralized financial systems. We are looking for a hands-on engineer who is passionate about building the future of finance and thrives in a fast-paced, innovative setting. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact within the rapidly evolving DeFi landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy smart contracts for various DeFi applications, including lending, borrowing, and decentralized exchanges.
• Implement and optimize tokenomics models and mechanisms.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing financial systems and platforms.
• Conduct thorough security audits and vulnerability assessments of smart contracts and protocols.
• Collaborate with product managers and designers to define and refine DeFi product features.
• Monitor the performance and health of deployed DeFi protocols.
• Research and stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in DeFi and blockchain technology.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to smart contract execution and network performance.
• Contribute to the overall technical strategy and architecture of the company's DeFi products.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in blockchain development, with a strong focus on DeFi protocols.
• Proficiency in smart contract development languages such as Solidity.
• Deep understanding of DeFi concepts, including AMMs, liquidity pools, staking, and yield farming.
• Experience with relevant blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, or similar EVM-compatible chains.
• Familiarity with Web3 libraries and tools (e.g., ethers.js, web3.js, Truffle, Hardhat).
• Knowledge of security best practices for smart contract development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced startup environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, attractive bonuses, and potential for early-stage equity. Employees receive a comprehensive medical aid package and retirement benefits. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and provides opportunities for professional growth and development. Join a team of passionate innovators in **Durban** and help shape the future of decentralized finance in **South Africa**.