Senior Blockchain Developer - Smart Contracts Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Groundbreaking blockchain projects

Professional development

Collaborative work environment

Career advancement opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Fintech innovation leadership

Job summary

Placements24 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal seeks a Senior Blockchain Developer to design, develop, and deploy secure smart contracts and dApps. You will lead cryptographic‑driven solutions, review code for robustness, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive innovative blockchain projects.

The role demands 5+ years in software development with 3+ years in blockchain, plus expertise across Solidity, Vyper, and related tooling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years software development with at least 3 years blockchain focus.
• Proven expertise in secure, efficient smart contracts (Solidity/EVM).
• Strong knowledge of blockchain fundamentals and cryptography.
• Experience with Truffle, Hardhat, Web3.js, Ethers.js and multiple chains.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy smart contracts across platforms.
• Architect dApps and blockchain-based solutions for scalable use cases.
• Conduct security reviews and audits of smart contracts.
• Collaborate with product, design, and engineers to ship features.
• Optimize protocols and contract performance for scalability.
• Stay updated on blockchain tech and security best practices.
• Integrate blockchain with existing systems and external APIs.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to team growth.
• Engage in full SDLC from conception to deployment and maintenance.

Skills

Solidity

Vyper

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Truffle

Hardhat

Blockchain architecture

Backend development

Git

CI/CD

Security auditing

Team mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Truffle

Hardhat

Web3.js

Ethers.js

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing innovator in the decentralized finance space, is seeking an exceptionally talented Senior Blockchain Developer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge projects that are shaping the future of digital assets. You will be instrumental in designing, developing, and deploying secure and efficient smart contracts on various blockchain platforms. The role offers a unique blend of technical challenge and strategic impact, allowing you to work with a forward‑thinking organization committed to pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology. We are looking for a proactive individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and possesses a deep understanding of cryptographic principles and decentralized applications. This position is ideal for someone passionate about blockchain's potential and eager to make a significant contribution to a pioneering company. The successful candidate will be a key player in our client's technical leadership, driving innovation and ensuring the integrity of their blockchain solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and deploy smart contracts using languages such as Solidity, Vyper, or similar.
• Architect and implement decentralized applications (dApps) and blockchain-based solutions.
• Conduct thorough code reviews and security audits for smart contracts to ensure robustness and prevent vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineers to define and deliver new features.
• Optimize blockchain protocols and smart contract performance for scalability and efficiency.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in blockchain technology, cryptographic methods, and security best practices.
• Integrate blockchain solutions with existing systems and third‑party APIs.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to blockchain network operations and smart contract execution.
• Mentor junior developers and contribute to the team's technical growth.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from conception to deployment and maintenance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, with at least 3 years focused specifically on blockchain development.
• Proven expertise in writing secure and efficient smart contracts (e.g., Solidity for Ethereum/EVM‑compatible chains).
• Strong understanding of blockchain fundamentals, consensus mechanisms, and distributed ledger technology.
• Experience with common blockchain frameworks and libraries (e.g., Truffle, Hardhat, Web3.js, Ethers.js).
• Familiarity with different blockchain platforms (e.g., Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon).
• Proficiency in at least one backend programming language (e.g., Node.js, Python, Go).
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and CI/CD pipelines is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking blockchain projects.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Potential for career advancement within a growing company.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Contribution to a company that is at the forefront of financial technology innovation.