Remote Blockchain Protocol Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health benefits

Continuous learning opportunities

Conference access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Blockchain Protocol Engineer to design, develop, and optimize core blockchain protocols and consensus mechanisms. You will work with cryptographers and engineers to advance protocol design, security, and network infrastructure from a distributed systems perspective.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a quantitative field with 5+ years in low-level systems, distributed networks, or cryptography, and strong skills in Go, Rust, or C++.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in developing low-level systems, distributed systems, or network protocols.
• Deep understanding of blockchain fundamentals, including consensus algorithms, cryptography, and distributed ledger architecture.
• Proficiency in Go, Rust, or C++ and systems programming concepts.
• Experience with TCP/IP/UDP network programming and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine core blockchain protocols and consensus mechanisms.
• Develop and optimize high-performance, secure, and scalable distributed ledger technologies.
• Write code in Go, Rust, or C++ and review cryptographic primitives.
• Collaborate with cryptographers and researchers to advance protocol design and security.
• Contribute to peer-to-peer networking layers and improve scalability and fault tolerance.

Skills

Distributed systems

Cryptography

Remote collaboration

Networking knowledge

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/ Cryptography

Tools

Go

Rust

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client is at the cutting edge of blockchain innovation, developing novel protocols that drive the future of decentralized systems. We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Remote Blockchain Protocol Engineer to join our elite team. This is a 100% remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere, contributing to groundbreaking work in the Crypto & Blockchain space. You will be instrumental in the design, development, and optimization of core blockchain protocols, consensus algorithms, and network infrastructure. If you possess a deep understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and a passion for building the foundational layers of the next generation of the internet, this role is for you. We are looking for individuals who thrive on solving complex technical challenges and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Key Responsibilities

Design, implement, and refine core blockchain protocols and consensus mechanisms. Develop and optimize high-performance, secure, and scalable distributed ledger technologies. Write efficient, robust, and well-tested code in languages such as Go, Rust, or C++. Collaborate with cryptographers, researchers, and other engineers to advance protocol design and security. Contribute to the architecture and development of peer-to-peer networking layers. Analyze and improve the performance, scalability, and fault tolerance of blockchain networks. Research and implement cryptographic primitives and techniques relevant to blockchain security. Participate in the code review process, ensuring high-quality standards and best practices. Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to protocol implementation and network operation. Stay current with the latest research and advancements in blockchain technology and distributed systems.

Requirements

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cryptography, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience. Significant experience (5+ years) in developing low-level systems, distributed systems, or network protocols. Deep understanding of blockchain fundamentals, including consensus algorithms (e.g., PoW, PoS, PBFT), cryptography, and distributed ledger architecture. Proficiency in systems programming languages such as Go, Rust, or C++. Experience with network programming and protocols (TCP/IP, UDP). Strong background in data structures, algorithms, and complexity analysis. Familiarity with cryptographic concepts and their application in blockchain. Experience with performance tuning and optimization of complex systems. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in a remote setting. Understanding of the regulatory environment pertaining to Benoni, Gauteng, ZA is helpful.

Benefits

This is a fully remote opportunity with a high degree of autonomy. Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, stock options, and comprehensive health benefits. We are committed to fostering your professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, access to cutting-edge research, and support for attending leading industry conferences. Join a world-class team of engineers and researchers dedicated to building the future of decentralized infrastructure.