Senior Blockchain Engineer (DeFi Specialist)

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical aid

Retirement plan

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a Senior Blockchain Engineer specialized in DeFi to lead smart contract development and protocol integration. The role balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility in a fast-growing DeFi company.

You will work on robust, scalable, and secure financial applications, optimize gas usage, and participate in audits. A strong background in Ethereum, DeFi concepts, and security is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Blockchain Engineer with a strong DeFi focus.
• Expertise in Solidity and smart contract development for Ethereum-based platforms.
• In-depth understanding of DeFi concepts including AMMs, lending protocols, yield farming, and derivatives.
• Experience with popular DeFi protocols (Uniswap, Aave, Compound).
• Familiarity with tools and frameworks such as Hardhat, Truffle, Ethers.js.
• Strong knowledge of security vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques for smart contracts.
• Experience with performance optimization and gas cost reduction.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy high-quality smart contracts for DeFi applications.
• Integrate with existing DeFi protocols and liquidity pools.
• Implement security best practices and conduct audits of smart contract code.
• Optimize smart contracts for gas efficiency and performance.
• Collaborate with product teams to define new DeFi features and strategies.
• Monitor deployed smart contracts and respond to critical issues.
• Research emerging DeFi trends and technologies for innovation.
• Contribute to design and architecture of new DeFi products and services.
• Participate in code reviews and knowledge sharing sessions.

Skills

Solidity

Smart contracts

DeFi

Ethereum

Security audits

Gas optimization

Hardhat

Ethers.js

Truffle

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

None

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a fast-growing player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, is looking for a talented Senior Blockchain Engineer with a specialization in DeFi protocols. This role is based in Pretoria, Gauteng , offering a hybrid work arrangement that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. You will be instrumental in developing and optimizing our DeFi products, focusing on smart contract development, protocol integration, and security. Your expertise will be crucial in building robust, scalable, and secure financial applications on the blockchain. If you are passionate about the DeFi ecosystem and possess strong engineering skills, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge company in Pretoria .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy high-quality smart contracts for various DeFi applications.
• Integrate and interact with existing DeFi protocols and liquidity pools.
• Implement security best practices and conduct thorough audits of smart contract code.
• Optimize smart contracts for gas efficiency and performance.
• Collaborate with product teams to define and implement new DeFi features and strategies.
• Monitor deployed smart contracts and respond to any critical issues.
• Research emerging DeFi trends and technologies, and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Contribute to the design and architecture of new DeFi products and services.
• Participate in code reviews and knowledge sharing sessions with the engineering team.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Blockchain Engineer, with a strong focus on Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
• Expertise in Solidity and smart contract development for platforms like Ethereum.
• In-depth understanding of DeFi concepts, including AMMs, lending protocols, yield farming, and derivatives.
• Experience with popular DeFi protocols (e.g., Uniswap, Aave, Compound).
• Familiarity with blockchain development tools and frameworks (e.g., Hardhat, Truffle, Ethers.js).
• Strong understanding of security vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques for smart contracts.
• Experience with performance optimization and gas cost reduction.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary, attractive stock options, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement savings. Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work model with access to our modern office in Pretoria . Opportunities for professional growth and skill development, including training and conference participation, are provided. Be part of an innovative and collaborative team culture that is passionate about blockchain and DeFi. We value work-life balance and offer generous leave policies.