DeFi Protocol Engineer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Token options

Health benefits

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a DeFi Protocol Engineer for a fully remote team focused on cutting-edge blockchain protocols. You will design, implement, and deploy secure smart contracts and scalable backend services to power DeFi applications.

The role requires solid Solidity expertise, experience with Hardhat/Truffle, and a strong grasp of DeFi primitives. You will collaborate across disciplines, conduct audits, and stay updated on security best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Strong Solidity knowledge and DeFi primitives (AMMs, lending, derivatives).
• Experience with smart contract security practices and audits.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy smart contracts for DeFi applications.
• Build and maintain backend systems and APIs to support protocols.
• Optimize smart contract efficiency and gas usage.
• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to define features and roadmaps.
• Conduct code reviews and security assessments.

Skills

Solidity

DeFi protocols

Gas optimization

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Hardhat

Truffle

Node.js

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge FinTech company specializing in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), is seeking a highly skilled and innovative DeFi Protocol Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the development and optimization of groundbreaking DeFi protocols that are revolutionizing financial services. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and deploying secure and scalable smart contracts and backend infrastructure. If you are passionate about building the future of finance, possess a deep understanding of blockchain technology and DeFi principles, and thrive in a collaborative, remote environment, we want to hear from you. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-growing and dynamic industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy smart contracts for various DeFi applications (e.g., lending, borrowing, exchanges, yield farming).
• Implement and maintain robust backend systems and APIs to support DeFi protocols.
• Optimize smart contract efficiency and gas usage for maximum performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define protocol features and roadmaps.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, security audits, and vulnerability assessments.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in DeFi, blockchain technology, and smart contract security.
• Integrate with external protocols, oracles, and data sources.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across the protocol stack.
• Contribute to the architectural vision and technical strategy of the DeFi platform.
• Participate in community discussions and provide technical insights.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Smart Contract Developer or Protocol Engineer in the DeFi space.
• Strong proficiency in Solidity and experience with development frameworks like Hardhat or Truffle.
• Deep understanding of DeFi primitives (e.g., AMMs, lending protocols, derivatives) and economic mechanisms.
• Experience with blockchain interoperability solutions and cross-chain communication.
• Knowledge of smart contract security best practices and common vulnerabilities.
• Familiarity with backend development (e.g., Node.js, Python) and database management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to articulate technical concepts clearly in a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Passion for decentralized finance and its potential to transform the financial industry.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant flexibility and autonomy, allowing you to work from anywhere. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, attractive token options or equity, and comprehensive health benefits. You will be part of an innovative and mission-driven team, working on projects that have a real-world impact. We encourage continuous learning and provide ample opportunities for professional growth, including access to cutting-edge research and industry events. Join us in building the next generation of decentralized financial infrastructure.