Senior Protocol Engineer

RootstockLabs

. Design, build and maintain core protocol components: execution and consensus clients, sequencer, block derivation and batch submission to the parent chain .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeRemoteSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in blockchain core and protocol development, with a strong focus on consensus mechanisms, P2P networking, and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Proficient in maintaining large codebases and delivering reliable software releases on public chains.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Blockchain Core DevelopmentConsensus MechanismsProduction Experience in Go, Rust, or JavaEVM KnowledgeAutonomy and Ownership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Blockchain InternalsNode ClientsJSON-RPCAdversarial TestingPerformance DebuggingCode ReviewDesign DocumentationDistributed SystemsRelease ManagementAI-Assisted Development

Soft Skills

CollaborationEffective CommunicationAutonomy

Industry Keywords

Open Source CodebasePublic ChainsCross-Layer MessagesState ValidationHard Forks

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaNode.jsOpen SourceRustGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, build and maintain core protocol components: execution and consensus clients, sequencer, block derivation and batch submission to the parent chain
Work on the bridge and the proof system: deposits, withdrawals, cross-layer messages and state validation
Maintain a large open source codebase and make changes that are safe for a live network
Review code, write design documents and RFCs, and participate in architecture decisions
Test and debug a distributed system, including adversarial tests, local devnets, reorgs, node desynchronization and performance problems
Deliver and operate releases on public chains, including upgrades, hard forks, monitoring and incidents
Collaborate with Product, DevOps and Security to plan and ship each release

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of professional software engineering, with at least 2 years in blockchain core or protocol development (node clients, consensus, etc.)
Solid production experience in mainstream languages (for example Go, Rust or Java)
Deep knowledge of blockchain internals and the EVM: consensus, P2P networking, state and storage, transaction lifecycle, JSON-RPC, etc.
Experience working effectively in large codebases you did not write
AI-assisted development is a core part of your work, while owning what you deliver
Autonomy and ownership: you help define the work, not only execute assigned tasks
Good English, spoken and written, since the team is international and remote

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Paid vacation and sick leave days
Access to training programs, language courses, and learning sponsorship annually
Work with cutting-edge blockchain technology in a global, diverse team