Blockchain Protocol Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Blockchain Protocol Engineer to design, implement, and optimize core blockchain protocols. You will work on consensus algorithms, networking layers, cryptographic primitives, and performance tuning in Go, Rust, or C++.

A strong research background and ability to translate findings into practical systems are essential. The role offers an intellectually stimulating environment, competitive salary with equity options, and opportunities for

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Significant experience in building and maintaining distributed systems or complex software infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms (PoW, PoS, etc.), and cryptography.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Go, Rust, C++, or Java.
• Experience with network programming and distributed system design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research and translate findings into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Contributions to open-source blockchain projects are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement core blockchain protocols, focusing on scalability, security, and decentralization.
• Develop and optimize consensus algorithms, networking layers, and cryptographic primitives.
• Contribute to the research and development of new blockchain features and functionalities.
• Write high-quality, maintainable, and efficient code in languages like Go, Rust, or C++.
• Perform rigorous testing and debugging of protocol implementations.
• Collaborate with other engineers, researchers, and product managers to define protocol specifications.
• Analyze network performance and identify areas for optimization.
• Contribute to technical documentation and whitepapers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in blockchain technology and distributed systems research.

Skills

Distributed systems

Blockchain

Go

Rust

C++

Java

Research

Communication

Open-source contributions

Education

Master's degree in CS/EE

PhD in CS/EE

Tools

Networking libraries

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading blockchain research and development company, is seeking a highly skilled Blockchain Protocol Engineer to contribute to the core infrastructure of next-generation blockchain networks. This is a challenging and rewarding role for an individual with a deep understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and network protocols. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing the fundamental components of our blockchain protocols. The ideal candidate possesses a strong research background, a passion for innovation, and the ability to tackle complex engineering problems. This role is based in the vibrant tech hub of Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement core blockchain protocols, focusing on scalability, security, and decentralization.
• Develop and optimize consensus algorithms, networking layers, and cryptographic primitives.
• Contribute to the research and development of new blockchain features and functionalities.
• Write high-quality, maintainable, and efficient code in languages like Go, Rust, or C++.
• Perform rigorous testing and debugging of protocol implementations.
• Collaborate with other engineers, researchers, and product managers to define protocol specifications.
• Analyze network performance and identify areas for optimization.
• Contribute to technical documentation and whitepapers.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in blockchain technology and distributed systems research.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Significant experience in building and maintaining distributed systems or complex software infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms (PoW, PoS, etc.), and cryptography.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Go, Rust, C++, or Java.
• Experience with network programming and distributed system design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct independent research and translate findings into practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Contributions to open-source blockchain projects are a strong plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including equity options and performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and other standard benefits are provided. You will work in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment with some of the brightest minds in the blockchain space. Opportunities for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training, are readily available. The role is office-based in the beautiful city of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a fantastic work-life balance and a chance to be part of a thriving tech community. Join us in pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology.