Blockchain Protocol Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Fully remote work arrangement

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative global team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Blockchain Protocol Engineer to design and optimize core blockchain protocols from a remote location. You will develop robust systems, implement consensus mechanisms, and explore cryptographic techniques while collaborating with researchers and engineers across the globe.

The role emphasizes performance, security, and scalability, requiring 5+ years in blockchain-focused systems programming and a strong foundation in Go, Rust, or C++.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in systems programming with blockchain protocol development.
• Expertise in Go, Rust or C++.
• Deep understanding of blockchain architectures, consensus algorithms and cryptography.
• Experience with distributed systems design and implementation.
• Familiarity with network programming and security principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration for remote work.
• Passion for open-source development and contribution to the blockchain community.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement core blockchain protocols and consensus mechanisms.
• Optimize performance, scalability, and security of blockchain networks.
• Write efficient and robust code in Go, Rust, or C++.
• Conduct research into new blockchain technologies and cryptographic techniques.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to prototype and test new protocol features.
• Analyze network performance data and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to technical documentation and specifications of protocols.
• Participate in code reviews and provide technical guidance to team members.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to network stability and operation.
• Stay abreast of advancements in distributed systems and cryptography.

Skills

Blockchain knowledge

Distributed systems

Cryptography

Research & analysis

Excellent communication

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/cryptography

Tools

Go

Rust

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading innovator in blockchain technology, developing next-generation decentralized protocols. They are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Blockchain Protocol Engineer to join their world-class research and development team. This role, offered remotely, focuses on designing, implementing, and optimizing the core layers of blockchain networks. You will be at the forefront of innovation within the Crypto & Blockchain industry, contributing to the foundational elements that power decentralized systems. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on complex engineering challenges and shape the future of distributed ledger technology from anywhere in the world, collaborating with a team that values technical rigor and cutting-edge solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement core blockchain protocols and consensus mechanisms.


• Optimize the performance, scalability, and security of blockchain networks.


• Write efficient and robust code in languages such as Go, Rust, or C++.


• Conduct research into new blockchain technologies and cryptographic techniques.


• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to prototype and test new protocol features.


• Analyze network performance data and identify areas for improvement.


• Contribute to the technical documentation and specifications of protocols.


• Participate in code reviews and provide technical guidance to team members.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to network stability and operation.


• Stay abreast of advancements in distributed systems and cryptography.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related field.


• 5+ years of experience in systems programming, with a strong focus on blockchain protocol development.


• Expertise in one or more low-level programming languages (Go, Rust, C++).


• Deep understanding of blockchain architectures, consensus algorithms (PoW, PoS, etc.), and cryptography.


• Experience with distributed systems design and implementation.


• Familiarity with network programming and security principles.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to conduct in-depth research and translate findings into practical implementations.


• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, suitable for a remote work environment.


• Passion for open-source development and contribution to the blockchain community.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and equity options.


• Fully remote work arrangement with flexible hours.


• Opportunity to work on foundational blockchain technology.


• Intellectually stimulating environment with a focus on innovation.


• Professional development and access to leading research.


• Be part of a talented global team pushing the boundaries of the Crypto & Blockchain space.


• Direct impact on the future of decentralized technologies.