2

Entry Level Defi Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Frontend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work closely with senior engineers to design, develop ...

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Frontend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work closely with senior engineers to design, develop ...

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Backend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work alongside experienced engineers to design and ...

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Backend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work alongside experienced engineers to design and ...

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Backend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work alongside experienced engineers to design and ...

... and DeFi primitives to a massive, rapidly growing $350B+ real-world asset class . We're ... As a Frontend Engineer (Entry Level), you'll work closely with senior engineers to design, develop ...

Entry Level Defi information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$48.2K

$60.7K

How much do entry level defi jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defi in California is $48,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $52,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level DeFi (Decentralized Finance) professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level DeFi professional, you generally need foundational knowledge of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and basic finance, often supported by a degree in computer science, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Ethereum, Solidity programming, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and crypto wallets is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you adapt to the rapidly changing DeFi landscape. These skills are crucial for ensuring security, efficiency, and innovation in decentralized financial platforms.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector?

Entry-level professionals in DeFi often face the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and protocols, as the sector moves quickly and frequently adopts new tools. Adapting to decentralized work environments, where teams may be globally distributed and communication is largely remote, can also be an adjustment. Additionally, understanding the complexities of blockchain security and navigating regulatory uncertainties are common hurdles. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and can fast-track career growth for those who are proactive and eager to learn.

What are entry level DeFi jobs?

Entry level DeFi (Decentralized Finance) jobs are positions within the rapidly growing blockchain and cryptocurrency industry that focus on decentralized financial applications and protocols. These roles typically require foundational knowledge of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and the basics of DeFi platforms like lending, staking, and yield farming. Common entry level positions include community manager, research analyst, customer support, or junior developer. Most employers look for candidates who are passionate about Web3, willing to learn, and able to adapt in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience in crypto is helpful but not always required, as many companies offer training and onboarding for new hires.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defi vs Entry Level Blockchain Developer?

AspectEntry Level DefiEntry Level Blockchain Developer
Required CredentialsBasic understanding of blockchain, DeFi platforms, and some coding skillsKnowledge of blockchain development, programming languages like Solidity, and smart contract deployment
Work EnvironmentStartups, DeFi projects, financial technology firmsBlockchain companies, tech startups, financial institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in DeFi and decentralized finance sectorsAcross blockchain development, including DeFi, NFTs, and enterprise solutions

Entry Level Defi roles focus on understanding decentralized finance platforms and basic blockchain concepts, often requiring some coding knowledge. Entry Level Blockchain Developer positions involve more technical development skills, including smart contract coding and deployment. While both roles operate within blockchain environments, Entry Level Defi is more specialized in DeFi applications, whereas Entry Level Blockchain Developer covers broader blockchain development tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defi jobs in California? The most popular types of Defi jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defi jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defi jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defi job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 25% Hybrid, and 75% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,173 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Software Engineer (Crypto - SV) - US - 2026

Nubank

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

About Us
Nu is one of the largest digital financial platforms in the world, with more than 127 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Guided by our mission to fight complexity and empower people, we are redefining financial services in Latin America and this is still just the beginning of the purple future we're building.
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NU), we combine proprietary technology, data intelligence, and an efficient operating model to deliver financial products that are simple, accessible, and human.
Our impact has been recognized by global rankings such as Time 100 Companies, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and Forbes World's Best Bank. Visit our institutional page https://international.nubank.com.br/careers/
About the Role
Nu is building secure, compliant crypto infrastructure that will expand financial access for millions of people across Latin America. In crypto, there is no margin for error - a mistake in production can be irreversible, with direct financial exposure. As we open our Silicon Valley engineering hub, we're looking for a Lead Software Engineer, Crypto who thinks adversarially, builds defensively, and operates at the intersection of cryptography, distributed systems, and financial regulation.
You'll be part of a focused crypto team in Palo Alto, collaborating with security, compliance, and product teams across our global offices. Our crypto engineering culture values correctness above all - we design systems assuming they will be attacked, and build accordingly. We move deliberately, with a high bar for security reviews and code quality.
In this role, you'll own cryptographic systems, protocols, or blockchain infrastructure for your domain - key management, signing flows, consensus mechanisms, and on-chain integrations. You'll ensure correctness, security, and regulatory compliance, and you'll be the person who says "no, that's not safe" and makes it stick.
You'll be responsible for
  • Own cryptographic systems, protocols, or blockchain infrastructure for your domain, including key management, signing flows, and on-chain integrations.
  • Design and implement secure, compliant crypto infrastructure that meets the highest standards for correctness and reliability.
  • Think adversarially: design systems assuming they will be attacked, conduct threat modeling, and build defensive architectures.
  • Navigate the intersection of cryptography, distributed systems, and financial regulation, ensuring all systems meet compliance requirements.
  • Lead security reviews and code quality processes for crypto-related systems, enforcing a high bar for production readiness.
  • Collaborate with security, compliance, and product teams to ensure crypto features are both safe and user-friendly.
  • Mentor peers on crypto engineering best practices and contribute to the team's security-first engineering culture.
We are looking for a person who has
Required
  • Track record of building and operating cryptographic systems, blockchain infrastructure, or secure financial systems in production.
  • Deep understanding of cryptographic primitives, key management, signing protocols, and consensus mechanisms.
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals with experience in languages used in crypto infrastructure (e.g., Go, Rust, Java, Python).
  • Experience designing systems with an adversarial mindset: threat modeling, security reviews, and defensive architecture.
  • Understanding of financial regulation as it applies to crypto and digital assets, with experience building compliant systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to make high-stakes engineering decisions where correctness and security are non-negotiable.
  • Experience collaborating with security, compliance, and legal teams on system design and review processes.

Nice to have
  • Experience with specific blockchain protocols (e.g., Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana) and their integration patterns.
  • Background in DeFi protocols, custody solutions, or institutional crypto infrastructure.
  • Experience in fintech, payments, or other financial services environments with strict regulatory requirements.
  • Familiarity with HSMs, secure enclaves, and hardware-backed key management systems.
  • Proficiency with AI-assisted development tools and a thoughtful approach to leveraging AI in security-critical engineering.
Location
Palo Alto, United States
Our Benefits
  • Opportunity of earning equity at Nu
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Extended maternity and paternity leaves
  • Nucleo - Our learning platform of courses
  • NuLanguage - Our language learning program
  • NuCare - Our mental health and wellness assistance program
  • 401K
  • Saving Plans - Health Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account
  • Work-from-home Allowance
  • Relocation Assistance Package, if applicable
Work Model
Hybrid 2-3 times/week: Our hybrid work model brings us to the office at least twice a week, on strategic days designed to maximize team connection and collaboration. For more details, visit https://building.nubank.com/nu-hybrid-work-model/
Explore how we build technology at Nubank:
building.nubank.com.br
youtube.com/@building.nubank