Senior Blockchain Architect

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Blockchain Architect to lead the design and development of distributed ledger solutions from Port Elizabeth, with a hybrid work model allowing remote collaboration. You will define the technical strategy, set standards, and oversee cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, secure blockchain systems.

The role demands 8+ years in software architecture, 3–4 years in blockchain, deep knowledge of Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and Corda, plus expertise in Solidity,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in software architecture, with 3–4 years focused on blockchain technology.
• In-depth knowledge of blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, Corda).
• Proficiency in smart contract languages (Solidity, Go, Java) and development tools.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus algorithms.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; ability to articulate complex concepts.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive architectural decisions.

Responsibilities

• Design robust, scalable, and secure blockchain platforms and applications.
• Evaluate technologies, consensus mechanisms, and frameworks for specific use cases.
• Define technical standards, best practices, and governance models for blockchain development.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure architectural integrity of implementations.
• Provide leadership on smart contract design, security, and optimization.
• Translate business requirements into detailed technical specifications for blockchain systems.
• Assess and mitigate security risks in blockchain implementations.
• Stay updated with emerging blockchain technologies and regulatory landscapes.
• Mentor junior architects and developers; foster knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to PoCs and technical prototypes.

Skills

Distributed systems

Leadership

Technical strategy

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science

Tools

Solidity

Go

Java

Ethereum

Hyperledger Fabric

Corda

AWS

Azure

GCP

Microservices

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in the blockchain technology sector, is seeking a visionary Senior Blockchain Architect to spearhead the design and development of complex distributed ledger solutions. Based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape , this role is pivotal in defining the technical strategy and architectural roadmap for our client's innovative blockchain initiatives. You will work closely with development teams, product managers, and business stakeholders to ensure that our blockchain solutions are scalable, secure, and meet the highest industry standards. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of blockchain protocols, distributed systems, and enterprise software architecture. This hybrid role offers the flexibility of working remotely while also engaging in essential collaborative sessions at our Port Elizabeth office, ensuring optimal project execution and team synergy. You will be at the forefront of creating next-generation decentralized applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect robust, scalable, and secure blockchain platforms and applications.
• Evaluate and select appropriate blockchain technologies, consensus mechanisms, and frameworks for specific use cases.
• Define technical standards, best practices, and governance models for blockchain development.
• Collaborate with development teams to oversee the implementation of blockchain solutions, ensuring architectural integrity.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on smart contract design, security, and optimization.
• Analyze business requirements and translate them into detailed technical specifications for blockchain systems.
• Assess and mitigate security risks associated with blockchain implementations.
• Stay current with emerging blockchain technologies, industry trends, and regulatory landscapes.
• Mentor junior architects and developers, fostering knowledge sharing within the team.
• Contribute to the development of proof-of-concepts and technical prototypes.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in software architecture, with at least 3-4 years focused on blockchain technology.
• In-depth knowledge of various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, Corda) and their underlying technologies.
• Proficiency in smart contract development languages (e.g., Solidity, Go, Java) and development tools.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus algorithms.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and microservices architecture.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and drive architectural decisions.
• Experience in enterprise-level blockchain solutions is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with your expertise, along with performance-based incentives and potential equity. Employees receive comprehensive health insurance, a generous retirement plan, and significant paid time off. Professional development is highly valued, with access to specialized training, industry conferences, and opportunities to pursue advanced certifications. This hybrid role in Port Elizabeth offers a flexible work environment that balances in-office collaboration with remote productivity. You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects and shape the future of decentralized technologies, with excellent prospects for career growth.