Senior Blockchain Developer - Smart Contracts & DeFi

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to blockchain technologies

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Blockchain Developer to design, build, test, and deploy secure smart contracts and decentralized applications. You will work across Ethereum, BSC, and Polygon, and contribute to backend APIs and databases, while aligning with product and design teams in Pietermaritzburg.

The role requires strong knowledge of cryptography, DeFi, and token standards (ERC-20, ERC-721), plus experience with Web3.js or Ethers.js.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience as a Blockchain Developer with a strong portfolio of smart contract and dApp development.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, or Go.
• Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography.
• Experience with DeFi protocols, token standards (ERC-20, ERC-721), and smart contract security best practices.
• Familiarity with Web3.js, Ethers.js, or similar libraries for interacting with blockchains.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in an agile development environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy secure and efficient smart contracts on various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon).
• Develop and maintain backend infrastructure for blockchain applications, including APIs and databases.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing systems and third-party services.
• Collaborate with the product team to define and refine application features and user stories.
• Conduct thorough code reviews to ensure quality, security, and performance of smart contracts and dApps.
• Research and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in blockchain technology, cryptography, and DeFi.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues in production environments.
• Contribute to the architectural design and technical roadmap of our blockchain initiatives.

Skills

Solidity

Rust

Go

Cryptography

Blockchain architecture

DeFi protocols

Smart contracts

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Git

CI/CD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Git

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking innovator in the Crypto & Blockchain space, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Blockchain Developer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, with a particular focus on decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the potential of blockchain technology and possess a deep understanding of its underlying principles. You will work collaboratively with a talented group of engineers, product managers, and designers to bring innovative blockchain solutions to life. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of finance and technology in a growing sector within South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy secure and efficient smart contracts on various blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon).
• Develop and maintain backend infrastructure for blockchain applications, including APIs and databases.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing systems and third-party services.
• Collaborate with the product team to define and refine application features and user stories.
• Conduct thorough code reviews to ensure quality, security, and performance of smart contracts and dApps.
• Research and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in blockchain technology, cryptography, and DeFi.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex issues in production environments.
• Contribute to the architectural design and technical roadmap of our blockchain initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience as a Blockchain Developer, with a strong portfolio of smart contract and dApp development.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, or Go.
• Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, and cryptography.
• Experience with DeFi protocols, token standards (ERC-20, ERC-721), and smart contract security best practices.
• Familiarity with Web3.js, Ethers.js, or similar libraries for interacting with blockchains.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in an agile development environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work with a highly motivated and skilled team in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Exposure to groundbreaking blockchain technologies and projects.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between home and office.
• Contribution to significant projects within Pietermaritzburg tech community and beyond.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment.