Blockchain Protocol Developer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Health, dental, and vision coverage

R&D budget

Remote-friendly policy

Relocation assistance

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 client, a cutting-edge R&D firm focused on foundational blockchain infrastructure, seeks a Blockchain Protocol Developer in Stellenbosch with a flexible remote option. You will design, implement, and optimize core blockchain protocols, collaborating with cryptographers and engineers to push the boundaries of decentralized systems.

The role requires deep knowledge of distributed systems, cryptography, and network engineering, plus strong coding experience in Rust, Go, or C++.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Strong theoretical foundation in distributed systems, cryptography, and network protocols.
• Proven experience in developing systems-level software, preferably with C++, Rust, or Go.
• Experience with blockchain protocol design and implementation is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with consensus mechanisms (e.g., PoW, PoS, BFT).
• Understanding of network programming and security principles.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain core components of blockchain protocols.
• Implement and optimize consensus algorithms and cryptographic primitives.
• Contribute to the development of peer-to-peer networking layers for blockchain systems.
• Write high-quality, efficient, and well-tested code in languages such as Rust, Go, or C++.
• Collaborate with researchers and other engineers to prototype and validate new protocol features.
• Perform in-depth analysis of protocol performance, security, and scalability.
• Contribute to the open-source blockchain community and participate in technical discussions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for protocol specifications and implementation details.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to network stability and protocol behavior.

Skills

Rust

Go

C++

Distributed systems

Cryptography

Open-source development

Communication skills

Education

PhD or Master’s in CS / Cryptography or related field

Tools

Git

Linux

OpenSSL

Protocol design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge research and development firm focused on foundational blockchain infrastructure, is seeking a highly skilled Blockchain Protocol Developer to join their innovative team. This role is based in the vibrant tech hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , but offers a flexible 'Yes' remote work option, allowing for significant autonomy. You will be at the forefront of designing, implementing, and optimizing core blockchain protocols, contributing to the evolution of decentralized systems. This position requires a deep theoretical understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and network engineering, coupled with practical experience in building high-performance, secure blockchain networks. You will collaborate with a world-class team of cryptographers and engineers to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. We value intellectual curiosity, a passion for open-source development, and a commitment to building the next generation of the internet.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain core components of blockchain protocols.
• Implement and optimize consensus algorithms and cryptographic primitives.
• Contribute to the development of peer-to-peer networking layers for blockchain systems.
• Write high-quality, efficient, and well-tested code in languages such as Rust, Go, or C++.
• Collaborate with researchers and other engineers to prototype and validate new protocol features.
• Perform in-depth analysis of protocol performance, security, and scalability.
• Contribute to the open-source blockchain community and participate in technical discussions.
• Develop and maintain documentation for protocol specifications and implementation details.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to network stability and protocol behavior.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• Strong theoretical foundation in distributed systems, cryptography, and network protocols.
• Proven experience in developing systems-level software, preferably with C++, Rust, or Go.
• Experience with blockchain protocol design and implementation is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with consensus mechanisms (e.g., PoW, PoS, BFT).
• Understanding of network programming and security principles.
• Experience contributing to open-source projects is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for significant equity.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous research and development budget, including conference attendance.
• Opportunity to work on foundational blockchain technology with leading experts.
• Flexible remote work policy and a supportive team culture.
• Access to advanced computing resources.
• Significant impact on the future of decentralized technology.
• Relocation assistance if needed, despite remote flexibility.