Blockchain Developer Job Description [+ Template]: Tips on Hiring

Remember when NFTs were a whole thing? That’s the first time a lot of us even heard of blockchain, let alone blockchain developers. But now, it’s become a useful tool in many cryptocurrency businesses’ daily protocols.

While still shrouded in mystery, blockchain is actually not all that otherworldly, though it likely isn’t something you want to take care of in-house.

We did the research and now present you with the complete guide on hiring the best blockchain developer for your business needs (plus a useful job description template!)

What Is a Blockchain?

First, let’s get on the same page about what blockchain is.

Simply put: blockchain is a digital ledger that provides a secure location for cryptocurrency transactions. 

Traditional databases arrange information in rows and columns to make it easy for computers to recognize the information.

Blockchain databases store this information in clusters or “blocks” with a limited capacity. Once each block is filled, it moves onto the next block.

Another key difference is that blockchain is decentralized so no particular entity can control or alter the information. Traditional databases can be altered or accessed by an administrator.

What Does a Blockchain Developer Do?

A blockchain developer designs and develops applications and systems based on blockchain technology. They program and design software systems using blockchain instead of traditional databases.

Blockchain is essential for businesses where sensitive data needs to be stored in a secure environment, such as cryptocurrency operations.

Since blockchain development requires a deep understanding of the unique technology, blockchain development is a specialized field which not every software developer is an expert in.

There are two main types of blockchain developers:

1. Core blockchain developer: Core blockchain developers create and uphold the structure of blockchain systems. They create protocols, enhance security measures, and oversee the entire network's operations.
2. Blockchain software developer: Blockchain developers build applications onto existing blockchain platforms. They’re responsible for both front-end and back-end development as well as design and maintenance.

When to Hire a Blockchain Developer

Here are some scenarios when you should consider hiring a blockchain developer:

1. Adopting Blockchain for Business Processes: If your company is looking to integrate blockchain technology to enhance security, transparency, or efficiency in areas like supply chain management, financial transactions, or secure data management.
2. Developing Decentralized Applications (DApps): For creating decentralized applications that operate on a blockchain network. This is used in industries like finance, gaming, or social media.
3. Implementing Smart Contracts: If your business wants to automate agreements and processes using smart contracts, especially on platforms like Ethereum.
4. Cryptocurrency Initiatives: For cryptocurrency-related projects, like launching a new cryptocurrency, developing crypto wallets, or integrating cryptocurrency payment systems.
5. Enhancing Data Security and Integrity: Blockchain developers can provide solutions that significantly bolster data security and integrity.

What to Look for in a Blockchain Developer

The right blockchain developer is extremely knowledgeable about the world of blockchain and what it can do but should also be a good communicator and able to work on a team.

Here are some things to look for when hiring a blockchain developer:

Blockchain Developer Skills

• Understanding of Blockchain Technology: Deep knowledge of how blockchains work, including concepts like consensus algorithms, distributed ledger technology, and smart contracts.
• Proficiency in Programming Languages: Familiarity with programming languages such as Solidity (for Ethereum), JavaScript, Python, Go, and C++ is crucial for developing blockchain applications like smart contracts.
• Cryptography: Understanding cryptographic principles like hash functions, public-key cryptography, and digital signatures, which are fundamental to blockchain security. (You may recognize these as some of the same skills necessary for hiring an ETL developer.)
• Experience with Data Structures: Knowledge of data structures (like Merkle trees, Patricia trees) is essential since blockchain relies heavily on complex data structuring.
• Problem-Solving and Innovative Thinking: Blockchain development often involves novel and complex problems. The ability to think creatively and solve problems quickly is crucial in developing effective blockchain solutions and navigating the unique challenges that blockchain comes with.

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Qualifications for a Blockchain Developer

Along with skills, your prospective blockchain developer needs to check a few boxes for experience and education.

Look out for these qualifications:

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, software engineering, or a related field of study is typically preferred. This provides developers with a solid foundation in key concepts relevant to blockchain technology.
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of programming languages like Solidity (for Ethereum smart contracts), JavaScript, Python, Go, or C++. Understanding of blockchain fundamentals, including distributed ledger technology, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts, is essential.
• Practical Experience and Portfolio: Hands-on experience developing blockchain applications, DApps (Decentralized Applications), or smart contracts. A portfolio that showcases previous blockchain projects can show you that the blockchain developer has real-world experience in blockchain development.
• Certifications in Blockchain Technology: Certifications from recognized institutions or online courses in blockchain technology can make a candidate more qualified. These certifications and classes will usually cover specific blockchain platforms, smart contract development, and the overall architecture of blockchain systems.
• Understanding of Regulatory and Compliance Issues: Knowledge of the legal aspects and regulations on blockchain, especially in sectors like finance, healthcare, and supply chain. This includes understanding compliance issues, including data privacy, smart contracts, and cryptocurrency transactions.

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Blockchain Developer Characteristics

Aside from technical knowledge and experience, there are a few soft skills that blockchain developers should possess.

• Analytical Mindset: Blockchain developers need a strong analytical mindset to understand complex systems and solve challenging problems. They should be able to analyze requirements, understand how different parts of a blockchain interact, and foresee potential issues or bottlenecks.
• Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is essential in blockchain development. A small error in code can lead to big issues down the line, especially since blockchain transactions are irreversible. Developers need to meticulously review their code and understand the intricacies of the systems they work with.
• Innovative Thinking: Blockchain is a relatively new and rapidly evolving field. Developers in this space should be innovative and open to exploring uncharted territories, experimenting with new ideas, and finding creative solutions to challenges.
• Team Player: Blockchain projects often involve teamwork, with people contributing different skills and perspectives. A good blockchain developer is collaborative and can work effectively in a team environment, communicating ideas clearly and listening to others.
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The blockchain landscape is constantly changing with new technologies, tools, and best practices. Developers should be adaptable, willing to learn, and stay updated with the latest advancements.

How to Write a Blockchain Developer Job Description + Example/Template

Writing a good job description is essential to attracting the right blockchain developer for the job.

Here are a few things you should include in your job description for a blockchain developer and a template to follow.

Check out our list of interview questions for a blockchain developer.

Company Introduction

Take 2-3 sentences to introduce your company, painting a picture of who you are and what your company culture is like. Outline what you’re looking for in a candidate and include links to any relevant resources.

Job Description

Mention key expectations of the role you’re hiring for and their primary responsibility as a blockchain developer at your business.

“At [Your Company Name], a trailblazer in [Your Industry], we're on the lookout for a skilled Blockchain Developer to join our forward-thinking team. In this role, you'll be instrumental in developing and maintaining blockchain-based applications, ensuring robustness, security, and innovation. Your expertise will drive our mission to leverage blockchain technology for groundbreaking solutions in [Specific Sector or Project, if applicable].”

Responsibilities

Outline a short bullet list of the main responsibilities of your blockchain developer so that they know what is expected of them.

• Develop blockchain-based applications
• Implement smart contract protocols
• Ensure system security and integrity
• Optimize blockchain network performance
• Collaborate on cross-functional teams
• Research emerging blockchain technologies
• Add any other core responsibilities for the job

Skills

• Proficient in Solidity, JavaScript, Python, Go, and C++
• Profound understanding of blockchain fundamentals
• Experience with smart contract development and creation
• Knowledge of cryptographic security principles
• Familiarity with data structures, algorithms (Merkle trees, Patricia trees)
• Problem-solving and innovative thinking skills
• Any other skills required for the job

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or relevant field of study
• Experience in blockchain technology development
• Strong portfolio of relevant projects
• Certifications in blockchain-related technologies
• Experience in smart contract development
• Industry-specific experience (finance, healthcare, etc)
• Any other specific qualifications for the role

Blockchain Developer Rates

Blockchain developers usually charge between $80 and $100 per hour on average, with an average annual salary of around $115,000.

The Best Place to Hire a Blockchain Developer

Since it is such a complicated and specialized field, it’s important to know that your blockchain developer seriously knows their stuff.

If you want a high-quality, pre-vetted blockchain developer, check out Toptal.

They only accept the top 3% of blockchain developers that apply to their site, and they’ll match you with the perfect developer for your business’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer works within blockchain to develop applications and systems.

What are things to include in a Blockchain developer job description?

A few things to include in a blockchain developer job description include pay, a list of skill requirements (smart contracts, crypto, certain programming languages), a list of responsibilities (develop blockchain-based applications, implement smart contract protocols, ensure system security and integrity) and qualifications required (degree in Computer Science, industry-specific experience, etc.)

Where can I find a Blockchain developer?

You can find a blockchain developer on a freelance marketplace website for developers or on a more specialized, highly-vetted site like Toptal.

How much does it cost to hire a Blockchain developer?

It costs $80 to $100 per hour to hire a blockchain developer on average.

Is a Blockchain Developer worth it?

Since it is such a highly specialized field, hiring a blockchain developer is definitely worth it.