Lead Blockchain Architect

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Stock options

Significant bonus potential

Professional development budget

Annual in-person summit

Global project exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Blockchain Architect to spearhead design and implementation of enterprise-grade blockchain systems. This senior role requires deep knowledge of distributed ledger tech and a proven ability to architect scalable, secure networks.

The position is fully remote, with a base in Rustenburg, North West, enabling global collaboration while staying connected to the local tech ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in CS/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in software architecture; at least 5 years in blockchain architecture.
• Deep expertise in Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Corda, Solana.
• Designed and deployed large-scale distributed systems.
• Strong cryptography, distributed consensus, and network protocols knowledge.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Able to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience defining technical strategies and roadmaps.
• Knowledge of smart contract development and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the blockchain architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Design and oversee enterprise-grade blockchain solutions for scalability and security.
• Evaluate platforms, protocols, and technologies for use cases.
• Lead and mentor blockchain engineers and developers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into specs.
• Establish governance, standards, and best practices.
• Conduct feasibility studies and PoCs for new initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and security standards.
• Stay ahead of industry trends in crypto and blockchain.
• Provide technical leadership on complex challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Roadmap definition

Distributed systems

Cryptography basics

Technical leadership

Audience communication

Innovation

Technical decision making

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Azure

GCP

Hyperledger Fabric

Ethereum

Corda

Solana

Job description

About the Role Our client, a trailblazer in enterprise blockchain solutions, is seeking an exceptional Lead Blockchain Architect to spearhead the design and implementation of transformative blockchain systems. This senior role is ideal for an individual with a profound understanding of distributed ledger technologies and a proven track record of architecting complex, scalable, and secure blockchain networks. You will be responsible for defining the technical vision, setting architectural standards, and guiding engineering teams to build robust solutions that meet critical business needs. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere, but requires a strong connection to the burgeoning tech scene. The role is based in Rustenburg, North West , offering flexibility for those who thrive in a remote setting while staying connected to the company's vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall blockchain architecture strategy and roadmap.
• Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-grade blockchain solutions, considering scalability, security, and performance.
• Evaluate and select appropriate blockchain platforms, protocols, and technologies for different use cases.
• Lead and mentor a team of blockchain engineers and developers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders across business units to understand requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Establish architectural governance, standards, and best practices for blockchain development.
• Conduct technical feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects for new blockchain initiatives.
• Ensure that blockchain solutions comply with industry regulations and security standards.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies in the crypto & blockchain space.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on complex blockchain challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of experience in software architecture and development, with at least 5 years specifically in blockchain architecture.
• Deep expertise in various blockchain technologies (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Corda, Solana).
• Proven experience in designing and deploying large-scale, distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of cryptography, distributed consensus algorithms, and network protocols.
• 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 both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in defining technical strategies and roadmaps.
• Knowledge of smart contract development and security best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and technical decision-making.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary up to R.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Significant bonus potential and stock options.
• Generous professional development budget.
• Full remote work flexibility.
• Opportunity to shape the future of enterprise blockchain technology.
• Exposure to a wide range of challenging and impactful projects.
• Collaborative and forward-thinking company culture.
• Regular virtual team events and an annual in-person summit.
• Direct impact on strategic decisions for blockchain initiatives in Rustenburg, North West and globally.