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Defi Analyst Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Blockchain Strategy Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

We are looking for a Blockchain Strategy Analyst to join Cumberland's blockchain product ... Experience with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and applications. The annual base salary ...

Senior Social Media Manager

Time, IL · On-site

$4.0K - $8.0K/mo

Understands DeFi, on-chain trading and digital assets * Follows macroeconomic events and financial ... Familiarity with on-chain analytics tools * Strong meme and internet culture awareness

Experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, signal generators, RF amplifiers, and antennas. Creating TILE profiles (or equivalent control software). Strong expertise in ...

Experience with test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, EMI receivers, signal generators, RF amplifiers, and antennas. Creating TILE profiles (or equivalent control software). Strong expertise in ...

... wallet, and DeFi integrations. Beyond our consumer offerings, we're also the infrastructure ... Build and develop the team: hire, coach, and grow risk analysts and scientists, and train them to ...

You'll define growth loops that increase the number and depth of integrations across DeFi protocols ... Partner with Data Science, Growth Engineering, and Dev Rel to instrument funnel analytics, and ...

Defi Analyst information

See Illinois salary details

$16

$30

$46

How much do defi analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for defi analyst in Illinois is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $34.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Defi Analyst vs Blockchain Analyst?

AspectDefi AnalystBlockchain Analyst
Required CredentialsFinance or crypto certifications, knowledge of DeFi platformsBlockchain technology certifications, coding skills
Work EnvironmentCrypto startups, DeFi projects, financial firmsTech companies, blockchain development firms
Industry UsageFocused on decentralized finance protocols and assetsBroader blockchain ecosystem, including infrastructure and applications

While both roles analyze blockchain-related data, a Defi Analyst specializes in decentralized finance platforms and assets, focusing on DeFi protocols, yield farming, and liquidity pools. A Blockchain Analyst has a broader scope, covering various blockchain applications beyond DeFi, including infrastructure and enterprise solutions. The roles often overlap but differ in focus and expertise areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DeFi analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DeFi Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of blockchain technology and decentralized finance protocols, typically supported by a background in finance, economics, or computer science. Familiarity with data analytics tools, smart contract platforms like Ethereum, and blockchain explorers is essential, and certifications in blockchain or fintech can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and adaptability to fast-paced innovation are valuable soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately evaluating DeFi projects, mitigating risks, and providing actionable insights in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

What is a DeFi analyst?

A DeFi Analyst is a professional who specializes in analyzing decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, markets, and trends. They assess the performance, risks, and opportunities within the DeFi ecosystem, which operates on blockchain technology without traditional intermediaries. Their role involves researching new projects, monitoring market data, and providing insights to investors, companies, or users interested in DeFi. DeFi Analysts often use on-chain analytics tools, review smart contracts, and stay updated on regulatory developments to offer informed guidance.

What are some common challenges DeFi analysts face when evaluating decentralized finance protocols?

DeFi Analysts often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving technologies, assessing the security of smart contracts, and understanding complex tokenomics. Since DeFi protocols are frequently updated and sometimes lack transparent documentation, staying current requires consistent research and adaptability. Additionally, analysts must critically evaluate on-chain data, monitor for potential vulnerabilities, and communicate findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Defi Analyst jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Defi Analyst job openings:
Infographic showing various Defi Analyst job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Blockchain Strategy Analyst

DRW

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Cumberland - a DRW Company, is the cryptoasset arm of DRW, established in 2014 after pursuing an early interest in cryptoassets and their underlying technologies. Today, Cumberland is a global leader in cryptoassets, uniquely positioned between the traditional financial markets and the cryptoasset ecosystem. From our offices in Chicago, London and Singapore, Cumberland provides 24-hour access to a wide array of cryptoassets while helping the crypto ecosystem evolve in a responsible, sustainable way.
We are looking for a Blockchain Strategy Analyst to join Cumberland's blockchain product development team. You will use your understanding of blockchain and finance to develop strategies that expand our customer base and enhance our market presence on the Canton Blockchain.
What you will do in this role:
  • Gather and analyze information across multiple data sources to arrive at actionable recommendations across many different areas of business, including operations, and technology
  • Assist BD and management to execute on strategic growth opportunities, including economic model design and evaluation for strategic partnerships
  • Work cross-functionally to understand feasibility of new business initiatives and design processes to support
  • Work closely with product managers and engineers to design, develop and deliver best-in-class technology solutions that deliver meaningful business value
  • Conduct market research and gather user feedback to identify user needs, market trends, and competitive landscape
  • Communicate requirements, domain expertise, and big picture concepts to technical teams
  • Act as liaison between DRW business stakeholders and engineering teams to identify and resolve issues arising with new initiatives
  • Ensure that any technology implementation meets stated business requirements
  • Manage prioritization of new products / initiatives for the business

What is needed in this role:
  • 5+ years of experience analyzing and translating business needs to create product requirements
  • Familiarity with data systems and software development practices
  • Proven leadership abilities; a self-starter who can work independently to drive results across several teams
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to tailor communications to different audiences as needed and ability to communicate at all levels within the organization
  • Strategic thinking; ability to synthesize team requests and industry trends
  • Strong business acumen; analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to identify trends and root issues and recommend solutions that support the company's business objectives
  • Strong organizational and presentation skills; professional demeanor
  • Strong financial modeling experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Python programming skills with experience exploring large datasets is a plus
  • Strong understanding of blockchain technology and its applications, as well as the web3 ecosystem.
  • Experience with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and applications.

The annual base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $200,000, depending on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and relevant skill set. The position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, DRW offers a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including group medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance, 401k (with discretionary employer match), short and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, health savings accounts, and flexible spending accounts
For more information about DRW's processing activities and our use of job applicants' data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://drw.com/privacy-notice.
California residents, please review the California Privacy Notice for information about certain legal rights at https://drw.com/california-privacy-notice.
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