Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Stock options or token grants

Learning budget for professional dev.

Hybrid work model

Shape the future of DeFi

Collaborative team culture

Team events

Modern Pretoria office facility

Contributory retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a DeFi Engineer in Pretoria to design, build, and maintain secure DeFi protocols and applications. You will work on smart contracts, backend services, and APIs, collaborating with product and design teams to translate complex financial concepts into robust DeFi solutions.

The role requires Solidity proficiency, experience with Hardhat/Truffle, and a strong understanding of DeFi concepts, security best practices, and modern frontend/backend stacks.

Qualifications

• Degree in CS, engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience developing smart contracts, esp. DeFi.
• Proficiency in Solidity with frameworks like Hardhat or Truffle.
• Strong knowledge of DeFi concepts (AMMs, lending/borrowing, stablecoins).
• Familiarity with blockchain security best practices and vulnerabilities.
• Experience with backend languages (Node.js, Python, Go) and frontend frameworks is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration in a hybrid, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated passion for decentralized finance and crypto.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy DeFi smart contracts (lending protocols, DEXs).
• Build robust backend services and APIs to support DeFi apps.
• Collaborate with product managers/designers to translate finance concepts into protocols.
• Perform security audits and protect against exploits.
• Integrate with multiple blockchain networks and protocols.
• Optimize contracts for gas and performance.
• Stay updated on DeFi trends and emerging projects.
• Write technical documentation for protocols and apps.

Skills

Solidity proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Agile collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Hardhat

Truffle

Node.js

Python

Go

React

Vue.js

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking FinTech company at the vanguard of the Crypto & Blockchain revolution, is seeking a talented Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Engineer to join their innovative team. This role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA , offering a dynamic work environment where cutting-edge financial technologies are developed. You will be instrumental in designing, building, and maintaining secure and efficient DeFi protocols and applications. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of blockchain, smart contracts, and the rapidly evolving DeFi landscape. This is an exciting opportunity to work on projects that are redefining financial services, contributing to a decentralized future. The position combines focused in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, ideal for a proactive and skilled engineer in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy smart contracts for various DeFi applications (e.g., lending protocols, DEXs, yield farming).
• Design and implement robust backend services and APIs to support DeFi applications.
• Collaborate with product managers and designers to translate financial concepts into functional protocols.
• Conduct security audits and implement measures to protect against exploits and vulnerabilities.
• Integrate with various blockchain networks and protocols.
• Optimize smart contracts and applications for gas efficiency and performance.
• Research and stay current with new DeFi trends, innovations, and emerging projects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues within deployed DeFi protocols.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical roadmap planning.
• Write comprehensive technical documentation for developed protocols and applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience in developing smart contracts, preferably with a focus on DeFi.
• Proficiency in Solidity and experience with development frameworks like Hardhat or Truffle.
• Understanding of DeFi concepts such as AMMs, lending/borrowing protocols, stablecoins, and derivatives.
• Familiarity with blockchain security best practices and common vulnerabilities.
• Experience with backend development languages (e.g., Node.js, Python, Go).
• Knowledge of frontend development frameworks (e.g., React, Vue.js) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a hybrid team setting.
• Demonstrated passion for decentralized finance and the broader crypto space.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Stock options or token grants.
• Professional development opportunities and budget for learning.
• Flexible hybrid work model.
• Opportunity to shape the future of decentralized finance.
• Collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Regular team events and social activities.
• Modern office facilities in Pretoria.
• Contributory retirement fund.