Senior Blockchain Developer - Decentralized Finance Specialist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Equity options

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Health, dental and vision insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Blockchain Developer in Pietermaritzburg to design, develop, and deploy robust smart contracts and decentralized applications. You will lead security-focused development, optimize consensus mechanisms, and collaborate with product managers and other engineers to ship scalable blockchain solutions.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in blockchain, deep knowledge of Solidity/Vyper/Rust, and experience with Ethereum-like ecosystems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software development experience, with at least 3 years in blockchain.
• Proficiency in Solidity, Vyper or Rust.
• Familiarity with DeFi protocols and token standards (ERC-20, ERC-721).
• Experience with common blockchain frameworks and tools.
• Strong understanding of cryptography and security best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy smart contracts and dApps on multiple blockchain platforms.
• Implement secure architectures and optimize consensus protocols.
• Write clean, well-documented, thoroughly tested code for blockchain components.
• Collaborate with product and design teams in an Agile environment.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to internal tooling and deployment processes.

Skills

Blockchain development

Smart contract development

Solidity

Vyper

Rust

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Node.js

Go

Agile teamwork

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Truffle

Hardhat

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Blockchain Developer to join their dynamic team. This pivotal role will focus on designing, developing, and deploying cutting‑edge blockchain solutions that power the future of financial services. You will be instrumental in shaping the architecture and implementation of secure, scalable, and performant decentralized applications. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to bring ambitious visions to life. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency and blockchain sector, based in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu‑Natal.

We are committed to fostering a forward‑thinking culture where innovation and continuous learning are paramount. Your contributions will directly influence the trajectory of our client's groundbreaking projects in the DeFi ecosystem. Join us and be part of a team that is redefining financial inclusion and accessibility through blockchain technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and develop robust smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) on various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain).
• Implement and optimize consensus algorithms and blockchain protocols.
• Write clean, efficient, well‑documented, and thoroughly tested code, adhering to best practices in smart contract development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define, design, and ship new features, ensuring seamless integration of blockchain components.
• Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments for smart contracts and dApps to ensure the integrity and safety of user assets.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and emerging trends in blockchain technology, cryptography, and decentralized finance.
• Contribute to technical discussions, code reviews, and the overall technical strategy of the blockchain initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to blockchain infrastructure and application performance.
• Mentor junior developers and foster a culture of knowledge sharing within the development team.
• Contribute to the development of internal tools and frameworks to enhance developer productivity and deployment processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in software development, with at least 3 years specifically focused on blockchain development.
• In-depth knowledge of smart contract languages such as Solidity, Vyper, or Rust.
• Strong understanding of blockchain fundamentals, including consensus mechanisms, distributed ledger technology, and cryptographic principles.
• Experience with popular blockchain frameworks and tools (e.g., Truffle, Hardhat, Web3.js, Ethers.js).
• Proficiency in at least one backend programming language (e.g., Node.js, Python, Go).
• Familiarity with DeFi protocols, token standards (e.g., ERC-20, ERC-721), and common DeFi strategies.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) is a plus.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working in an Agile development environment.
• A passion for decentralized technologies and a deep understanding of the cryptocurrency market.
• Demonstrable experience in securing blockchain applications against common attack vectors.
• Experience with cross‑chain interoperability solutions.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including a generous salary, performance bonuses, and equity options.
• You will have access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• We provide a flexible work environment with a hybrid model, encouraging a healthy work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at industry conferences and continuous training, are readily available.
• Join a collaborative and innovative team culture that values your expertise and encourages personal growth.
• Regular team‑building events and a supportive atmosphere make this an ideal place to build your career.
• Enjoy paid time off, including annual leave and sick days.
• Contribute to impactful projects that are shaping the future of finance.
• Access to the latest technology and development tools is standard.