Lead Blockchain Architect - Decentralized Applications

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Professional development budget

Flexible hours (global time zones)

Remote-first culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a fully remote Lead Blockchain Architect to guide a global team in designing and delivering scalable blockchain solutions and dApps. The role focuses on security, performance, and governance across multiple platforms, with heavy emphasis on remote collaboration and strategic impact.

You will shape technical roadmaps, mentor engineers, and collaborate with stakeholders worldwide to push forward cutting-edge blockchain projects in a remote-first culture.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in CS/IT or related quantitative field.
• 10+ years in software architecture and dev; 5+ years in blockchain.
• Experience leading complex dApps on Ethereum/Solana/Polkadot or similar.
• Strong knowledge of cryptography, tokenomics, and smart contract security.
• Cloud and DevOps experience for blockchain deployments; distributed leadership.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design scalable, secure blockchain solutions and dApps.
• Lead a remote team of blockchain engineers and developers.
• Define standards, practices, and tech roadmaps for deployments.
• Evaluate platforms, consensus mechanisms, and tech for projects.
• Oversee end-to-end project lifecycle from concept to deployment.
• Ensure security and resilience of networks and apps.

Skills

Blockchain leadership

Distributed team leadership

DApps development

Smart contract security

Cryptography

Cloud platforms

Architectural design

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/IT

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

DevOps

Kubernetes

Ethereum/Solana/Polkadot

Job description

About the Role

As a fully remote Lead Blockchain Architect, you will be at the forefront of innovation for our client, a globally recognized leader in blockchain technology. This pivotal role, open to candidates anywhere in the world, requires an individual with extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying complex blockchain architectures and decentralized applications (dApps). You will guide a team of talented engineers and developers, ensuring the integrity, security, and scalability of our blockchain ecosystems. The position is ideal for a visionary leader who thrives in a remote-first environment, possesses a deep understanding of distributed ledger technologies, and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the crypto and blockchain sphere. Your expertise will be crucial in defining technical roadmaps and ensuring the successful implementation of groundbreaking projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design scalable, secure, and high-performance blockchain solutions and dApps.
• Lead and mentor a team of blockchain engineers and developers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing remote work culture.
• Define technical strategies, standards, and best practices for blockchain development and deployment.
• Evaluate and select appropriate blockchain platforms, consensus mechanisms, and technologies for various project requirements.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of blockchain projects, from conceptualization and design to development, testing, and deployment.
• Ensure the security and resilience of blockchain networks and associated applications through rigorous design principles and ongoing monitoring.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to gather requirements and translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Conduct research into emerging blockchain technologies and trends, recommending adoption where beneficial.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in software architecture and development, with a minimum of 5 years dedicated to blockchain technology.
• Proven experience architecting and leading the development of complex dApps on platforms such as Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of various consensus algorithms, cryptography, tokenomics, and smart contract security.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and DevOps practices for blockchain deployments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing distributed teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, tailored for a remote setting.
• Strong understanding of market trends in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remote salary package of ZAR per annum.
• Generous stock options and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate global time zones.
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO).
• Professional development budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Opportunity to work on truly innovative and impactful blockchain projects.
• Access to state-of-the-art development tools and technologies.
• Regular virtual team events to foster camaraderie.