Senior Blockchain Architect

ABOUT THE ROLE

RootstockLabs exists to make Bitcoin work for everyone. We do this through giving developers the tools to build on Bitcoin, supporting the growth of the Rootstock ecosystem and expanding the frontiers of decentralised technology. 

As we enter our next stage of growth, we are looking for a Senior Blockchain Architect to support the Director of Architecture. This role is crucial in shaping the technical landscape of our projects and ensuring the robustness and scalability of our solutions.

As a Senior Blockchain Architect, you will be responsible for architecting and evaluating solutions, addressing technical challenges, and guiding development teams. You will collaborate closely with other technical team members to recommend and implement improvements to our systems. Your continuous research into emerging technologies and ability to inform stakeholders of technical challenges and impacts will be vital in driving our mission forward.  

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Architect solutions using RootstockLabs’ products and ecosystem capabilities.
• Assess and improve existing or in-progress system architectures.
• Identify and resolve technical challenges with a focus on security, scalability, and decentralisation.
• Guide and supervise development squads to ensure architectural alignment.
• Research emerging technologies and propose relevant improvements.
• Inform stakeholders of technical risks, challenges, and trade-offs.
• Evaluate the business impact of technical decisions.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders on product development, costs, and budgets.

 

WHAT YOU BRING

Technical Expertise

• 5+ years of experience in the Web3 space, with a strong focus on architecture in recent years.
• 4+ years of hands-on Solidity experience, including understanding of the EVM opcodes.
• Proficient in Java, with experience analysing complex codebases and the ability to contribute code when required.
• Additional skills in Rust and JavaScript are a strong plus.
• Strong understanding of Bitcoin, encompassing consensus rules, p2p networking, tx formats, and the UTXO model. Good knowledge of Bitcoin Script, including standard templates, non-standard use cases, and the current state of covenant proposals. Ability to critically evaluate trade-offs in the UTXO model, and to apply these insights when designing systems. Familiarity with the Lightning Network. Broad understanding on how Bitcoin layer-2s and interoperability efforts build on Bitcoin.
• Deep understanding of applied cryptography in blockchain systems, including ECDSA, Schnorr signatures, Hash functions, Merkle structures, Multisig and threshold schemes
• Experience in designing secure protocols and identifying vulnerabilities in smart contracts and blockchain applications
• Familiarity with consensus algorithms (e.g. Nakamoto, PBFT, Gasper) and their Sybil control mechanisms (e.g., PoW, PoS, dPos)
• Familiarity with interoperability protocols are a strong plus..
• Experience with EVM-compatible smart contract development, review, and auditing following best practices for gas optimisation, upgradeability, access control, protection against common vulnerabilities, analysis of unusual race conditions in the protocol, etc.

Problem-Solving & Innovation

• Proven ability to proactively solve complex technical challenges.
• Strong analytical skills to assess technical choices and their business impact.
• Passion for staying ahead of blockchain trends and introducing new protocols/technologies into design sessions.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, global, and fully remote team.

Education & Languages

• BSc/BA in Computer Engineering or similar experience is enough.
• Fluent English required; Spanish is a plus.

 

ROOTIES BENEFITS

At RootstockLabs, we don’t just offer a job, we offer a community. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Competitive compensation package and unique benefits designed to support your growth and well-being.
• 100% Remote Work from Europe / Latin America, with access to global CoWorking spaces.
• Work-Life Balance: Up to 35 vacation days, 30