Senior Blockchain Developer (DeFi)

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Stock options

Remote work

Home office stipend

Competitive salary with performance‑or

bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Blockchain Developer to join a fully remote team. You will design, implement, and deploy secure smart contracts and DeFi-enabled dApps across networks, with a strong focus on Solidity and cryptographic security.

Ideal candidates have solid experience with Ethereum-like ecosystems, Git workflows, and modern tooling such as Truffle and Hardhat. This role offers global collaboration and professional growth from Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Blockchain Developer with DeFi and smart contracts.
• Solidity expertise; knowledge of Vyper or Rust is a plus.
• Experience building dApps on Ethereum, BSC, Polygon, or similar.
• Strong cryptography, blockchain fundamentals, and security best practices.
• Familiar with Git and relevant development tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement secure smart contracts and DeFi applications.
• Architect and build decentralized applications from concept to deployment.
• Conduct security audits, code reviews, and performance optimizations.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers on requirements.
• Stay updated on blockchain tech, DeFi trends, and best practices.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing systems and services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex blockchain-related issues.
• Contribute to the technical strategy and roadmap; mentor juniors.

Skills

Blockchain development

Solidity

DeFi protocols

dApps development

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Git

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Truffle

Hardhat

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Blockchain Developer to join their dynamic and fully remote team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects that are shaping the future of finance. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying smart contracts and decentralized applications on various blockchain protocols. The role demands a deep understanding of blockchain architecture, cryptography, and the intricacies of DeFi protocols. As a remote‑first organization, we foster a collaborative environment where every team member’s contribution is valued and impactful, regardless of their physical location. This position offers the chance to work with a global team of passionate experts and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the blockchain ecosystem. We are committed to providing a challenging yet rewarding career path for our employees, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving industry. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced, agile setting and possess a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement secure and efficient smart contracts, primarily using Solidity for Ethereum‑based platforms.
• Architect and build decentralized applications (dApps) from conception to deployment.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, security audits, and performance optimizations for smart contracts and blockchain infrastructure.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define project requirements and deliverables.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in blockchain technology, DeFi trends, and security best practices.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing systems and third‑party services.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to blockchain networks and dApps.
• Contribute to the overall technical strategy and roadmap of our client’s blockchain initiatives.
• Mentor junior developers and share knowledge within the team to foster a culture of continuous learning.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Blockchain Developer, with a strong focus on DeFi protocols and smart contract development.
• Expertise in Solidity and experience with other smart contract languages is a plus (e.g., Vyper, Rust for Solana).
• Proficiency in developing dApps for major blockchain networks like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, or similar.
• Solid understanding of blockchain fundamentals, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography.
• Experience with blockchain development tools and frameworks (e.g., Truffle, Hardhat, Web3.js, Ethers.js).
• Familiarity with common DeFi primitives (e.g., AMMs, lending protocols, yield farming).
• Experience with version control systems like Git.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, especially in a remote team setting.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• A generous paid time off policy.
• Professional development is highly encouraged, with access to online courses, conferences, and workshops to keep your skills sharp.
• Work with a diverse, talented, and supportive global team, contributing to impactful projects with real‑world applications.
• We offer a stock options program, giving you a stake in the company’s success.
• Fully remote nature of this role means you can work from anywhere within a compatible time zone, enhancing work‑life balance.
• We also provide a home office setup stipend to ensure you have the best tools for productivity.
• Fully competitive salary package and opportunities for performance‑based bonuses.

This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to build the future of finance from Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA.