Senior Protocol Engineer

Accountabilities:: Design, develop, maintain, and optimize core blockchain protocol components, including execution and consensus clients, sequencers, block derivation mechanisms, and batch submission processes to the parent chain. Contribute to the architecture and implementation of the Layer 2 rollup infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and secure interaction with the underlying blockchain. Develop and maintain bridge and proof system components, covering deposits, withdrawals, cross-layer messaging, and state validation. Work extensively within a large open-source codebase, understanding complex system interactions and implementing safe, maintainable changes suitable for production environments. Participate in technical design discussions, architecture decisions, code reviews, and the preparation of technical documentation, design proposals, and RFCs. Design, implement, and execute comprehensive testing strategies, including unit, integration, distributed-system, and adversarial testing. Investigate and resolve complex technical issues involving chain reorganizations, node synchronization failures, network desynchronization, and performance bottlenecks. Build, deploy, and operate protocol releases on public blockchain networks, including network upgrades, hard forks, monitoring, and incident management. Collaborate closely with Product, DevOps, and Security teams to coordinate development priorities, ensure release readiness, and deliver reliable protocol improvements. Take ownership of technical initiatives from initial problem definition through implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering productivity while maintaining responsibility for code quality, security, and technical decisions. Requirements: At least 5 years of professional software engineering experience, including a minimum of 2 years specifically focused on blockchain core or protocol development, such as node clients, consensus mechanisms, or execution environments. Strong professional experience developing and maintaining production-grade software using mainstream programming languages such as Go, Rust, or Java. Deep understanding of blockchain architecture and internal mechanisms, particularly EVM-compatible systems. Solid knowledge of consensus protocols, peer-to-peer networking, blockchain state and storage, transaction lifecycles, and JSON-RPC interfaces. Proven ability to navigate, understand, and contribute effectively to large and complex codebases, including projects initially developed by other engineering teams. Practical experience building and maintaining reliable software for distributed systems and production blockchain environments. Demonstrated ability to use AI-assisted development tools as an integral part of the engineering workflow, while independently validating and taking ownership of delivered solutions. Strong autonomy, initiative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify technical challenges, define solutions, and drive projects forward without relying on detailed instructions. Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate effectively within an international, distributed engineering team. Professional experience with Go and/or Rust is particularly valuable. Hands-on experience with Ethereum Layer 2 rollups, including optimistic or zero-knowledge (ZK) architectures, is a strong advantage. Good understanding of rollup architecture and design principles, including sequencing, data availability, block derivation, and finality. Contributions to open-source blockchain clients, protocol implementations, or rollup technology stacks are highly desirable. Familiarity with fault-proof systems, validity proofs, and blockchain state verification is an advantage. Knowledge of Bitcoin architecture and EVM-compatible blockchain ecosystems is beneficial. Experience with Docker, cloud infrastructure providers, monitoring, and observability tools such as Prometheus and Grafana is a plus. Ability to read, understand, and review Solidity smart contracts, particularly bridge and system contracts, is an additional advantage. Benefits: Competitive compensation: Attractive remuneration package with additional benefits designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being. Fully remote work: Work remotely from eligible locations across Europe and Latin America, with the flexibility to organize your working environment. Global coworking access: Access coworking spaces worldwide, offering flexibility and opportunities to connect with other professionals. Work-life balance: Enjoy paid annual vacation and sick leave to support your personal needs and well-being. Continuous learning: Access annual learning and development sponsorship, including professional training programs and language courses. Cutting-edge projects: Work on innovative blockchain infrastructure and contribute to the evolution of Bitcoin-secured Layer 2 technology. International collaboration: Join a diverse, globally distributed team of experienced blockchain engineers and technology professionals. Professional growth: Develop your technical expertise through challenging engineering projects, knowledge sharing, and exposure to advanced protocol architecture. Meaningful impact: Take ownership of critical blockchain infrastructure and contribute to technology designed to expand Bitcoin's role in decentralized finance and on-chain financial markets.