Lead Blockchain Architect

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and exec‑lvl

Comprehensive healthcare: medical, den

Significant bonus potential and equity

Generous leave policy and dev budget

Relocation support for exceptional

Work with cutting-edge R&D resources

Workshops and conferences

Company‑sponsored social events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Blockchain Architect in Polokwane to drive the design and implementation of next‑generation blockchain solutions. You will define technical vision, architecture, and strategy, ensuring scalability, security, and high performance across products.

The role requires hands-on leadership, collaboration with executives and engineering teams, and the ability to translate business needs into robust technical solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 8+ years of software architecture experience, with ≥4 years in blockchain tech.
• Deep expertise in blockchain protocols and smart contracts.

Responsibilities

• Define and document the technical architecture for blockchain platforms and applications.
• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and fault-tolerant blockchain systems.
• Evaluate and select technologies, protocols, and development tools.
• Oversee smart contracts and dApps development and deployment.
• Ensure security best practices throughout the lifecycle.
• Mentor blockchain teams and communicate with stakeholders.
• Stay updated on blockchain trends and research papers.
• Develop technical roadmaps and strategy documents.

Skills

Blockchain architecture

Leadership

Cloud platforms

Security

Agile

Communication

Education

Master's degree in CS/IT

PhD is a plus

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Solidity

Chaincode

Hyperledger Fabric

Ethereum

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading innovator in the blockchain technology sector, headquartered in Polokwane, Limpopo . We are seeking a visionary and experienced Lead Blockchain Architect to spearhead the design and implementation of our next-generation blockchain solutions. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of distributed ledger technologies, smart contracts, and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. You will be responsible for defining the technical vision, architecture, and strategy for our blockchain initiatives, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership, engineering teams, and external partners to drive innovation and deliver impactful blockchain-based products. If you are passionate about building the future of decentralized systems and possess exceptional architectural and leadership skills, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a significant mark. This role requires hands-on involvement in defining best practices and technical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and document the technical architecture for blockchain platforms and applications.
• Lead the design of scalable, secure, and fault-tolerant blockchain systems.
• Evaluate and select appropriate blockchain technologies, protocols, and development tools.
• Oversee the development and implementation of smart contracts and dApps.
• Ensure adherence to security best practices throughout the development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to blockchain development teams.
• Stay abreast of emerging blockchain trends, research papers, and industry developments.
• Develop and maintain technical roadmaps and strategy documents.
• Present technical designs and strategies to stakeholders at various levels.
• Conduct feasibility studies and proof-of-concepts for new blockchain initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with blockchain projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; PhD is a plus.
• Extensive experience (8+ years) in software architecture, with at least 4 years focused on blockchain technologies.
• Deep expertise in blockchain protocols (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric) and smart contract development (Solidity, Chaincode, etc.).
• Proven experience in designing and implementing complex, large-scale distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of cryptography, distributed consensus mechanisms, and network security.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with agile development methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive technical advancements in the blockchain space.
• Familiarity with tokenomics and economic models of cryptocurrencies is advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level compensation package.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.
• Significant bonus potential and equity options.
• Generous leave policy and professional development budget.
• Opportunity to shape the future of blockchain technology in a leading company.
• A stimulating and intellectually challenging work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge research and development resources.
• Relocation support for exceptional candidates.
• Regular workshops and conferences for continuous learning.
• Company-sponsored social events and team retreats.