The foundation is seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their technical team and contribute to the development of smart contracts for in-house projects, the protocol, Unichain, and grantee ...
The foundation is seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their technical team and contribute to the development of smart contracts for in-house projects, the protocol, Unichain, and grantee ...
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
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Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$120 - $160/hr
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
ONSITE ROLE IN NY We are looking for a senior-level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next-generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role is focused on designing and ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
ONSITE ROLE IN NY We are looking for a senior-level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next-generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role is focused on designing and ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
The Role As a Protocol Engineer at Daylight, you'll lead the development of our core smart contracts and decentralized backend systems that underpin our onchain energy network. Our protocol interacts ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
The Role As a Protocol Engineer at Daylight, you'll lead the development of our core smart contracts and decentralized backend systems that underpin our onchain energy network. Our protocol interacts ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
The Role As a Protocol Engineer at Daylight, you'll lead the development of our core smart contracts and decentralized backend systems that underpin our onchain energy network. Our protocol interacts ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
The Role As a Protocol Engineer at Daylight, you'll lead the development of our core smart contracts and decentralized backend systems that underpin our onchain energy network. Our protocol interacts ...
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
They are seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their core blockchain team, where the role involves designing and implementing smart contract systems and blockchain integrations for Web3 payments ...
They are seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their core blockchain team, where the role involves designing and implementing smart contract systems and blockchain integrations for Web3 payments ...
Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$130 - $180/hr
Overview We are looking for a senior‑level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next‑generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role focuses on designing and implementing ...
Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$130 - $180/hr
Overview We are looking for a senior‑level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next‑generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role focuses on designing and implementing ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
Role Overview We're looking for a Protocol Engineer to join our core blockchain team and help build the foundation of Web3 payments infrastructure. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to ...
YZi Labs, Brevan Howard, Haun Ventures, Galaxy Digital, Lightspeed, Faction, Superscrypt, SV Angel, and more As a Protocol Engineer at Plume, you will be responsible for building end-to-end features ...
YZi Labs, Brevan Howard, Haun Ventures, Galaxy Digital, Lightspeed, Faction, Superscrypt, SV Angel, and more As a Protocol Engineer at Plume, you will be responsible for building end-to-end features ...
ONSITE ROLE IN NY We are looking for a senior-level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next-generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role is focused on designing and ...
ONSITE ROLE IN NY We are looking for a senior-level Protocol Engineer to join a core blockchain team building next-generation Web3 payments infrastructure. This role is focused on designing and ...
Blockchain Protocol Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
Job Summary : MDAEdge is a company focused on blockchain technology, and they are seeking an experienced Blockchain Protocol Engineer. The role involves developing solutions for blockchain ...
Blockchain Protocol Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
Job Summary : MDAEdge is a company focused on blockchain technology, and they are seeking an experienced Blockchain Protocol Engineer. The role involves developing solutions for blockchain ...
Senior Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$115K - $158K/yr
I'm partnering with a well-funded venture-backed startup that's building next-generation trading infrastructure and is looking to hire a Protocol Engineer to join its core engineering team. This is ...
Senior Protocol Engineer
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$115K - $158K/yr
I'm partnering with a well-funded venture-backed startup that's building next-generation trading infrastructure and is looking to hire a Protocol Engineer to join its core engineering team. This is ...
Senior Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$150K - $300K/yr
I'm partnering with a well-funded venture-backed startup that's building next-generation trading infrastructure and is looking to hire a Protocol Engineer to join its core engineering team. This is ...
Senior Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$150K - $300K/yr
I'm partnering with a well-funded venture-backed startup that's building next-generation trading infrastructure and is looking to hire a Protocol Engineer to join its core engineering team. This is ...
5G Device & Protocol Engineer
Bellevue, WA · On-site
5G Device & Protocol Engineer Job Type: Contract Domain: Telecom / Wireless Experience: 5+ years preferred We are seeking an experienced 5G Device & Protocol Engineer with strong hands-on expertise ...
5G Device & Protocol Engineer
Bellevue, WA · On-site
5G Device & Protocol Engineer Job Type: Contract Domain: Telecom / Wireless Experience: 5+ years preferred We are seeking an experienced 5G Device & Protocol Engineer with strong hands-on expertise ...
Senior Specialty Protocol Engineer
Columbus, OH · On-site
$100K - $138K/yr
As a Senior Protocol Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting the core settlement engine. You'll work at the intersection of distributed systems and applied cryptography, translating ...
Senior Specialty Protocol Engineer
Columbus, OH · On-site
$100K - $138K/yr
As a Senior Protocol Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting the core settlement engine. You'll work at the intersection of distributed systems and applied cryptography, translating ...
Solana Protocol Engineer
International Falls, MN · On-site
$120 - $190/hr
Your Risk Layer on Solana Perena is a decentralized financial protocol on Solana that offers USD ... Our growing community spans over 20,000 developers, users, and builders aligned around one goal ...
Solana Protocol Engineer
International Falls, MN · On-site
$120 - $190/hr
Your Risk Layer on Solana Perena is a decentralized financial protocol on Solana that offers USD ... Our growing community spans over 20,000 developers, users, and builders aligned around one goal ...
Senior Specialty Protocol Engineer
Iselin, NJ · On-site
$106K - $145K/yr
As a Senior Protocol Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting the core settlement engine. You'll work at the intersection of distributed systems and applied cryptography, translating ...
Senior Specialty Protocol Engineer
Iselin, NJ · On-site
$106K - $145K/yr
As a Senior Protocol Engineer, you will be responsible for architecting the core settlement engine. You'll work at the intersection of distributed systems and applied cryptography, translating ...
RWA Principal Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
As a RWA Principal Protocol Engineer, you'll serve as the primary technical author of the Nasdaq Token Design Standard - Nasdaq's canonical specification for representing public equity on-chain. This ...
RWA Principal Protocol Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
As a RWA Principal Protocol Engineer, you'll serve as the primary technical author of the Nasdaq Token Design Standard - Nasdaq's canonical specification for representing public equity on-chain. This ...
Protocol Engineer information
See salary details
$102.5K - $112.5K
6% of jobs
$112.5K - $122.5K
7% of jobs
$132K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$122.5K - $132.5K
12% of jobs
$132.5K - $142.5K
12% of jobs
The median wage is $146.8K / yr.
$142.5K - $152.5K
30% of jobs
$152.5K - $162.5K
6% of jobs
$165.5K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$162.5K - $172.5K
5% of jobs
$172.5K - $182.5K
5% of jobs
$182.5K - $192.5K
5% of jobs
$192.5K - $202.5K
5% of jobs
$202.5K - $212.5K
5% of jobs
$102.5K
$154.2K
$212.5K
How much do protocol engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for protocol engineer in the United States is $154,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does a protocol engineer do?
A Protocol Engineer designs, develops, and maintains communication protocols that enable data exchange between systems, devices, or networks. They work on low-level networking, blockchain protocols, or distributed systems, ensuring efficiency, security, and scalability. Their role involves researching new technologies, optimizing protocol performance, and troubleshooting interoperability issues. Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, cryptography, and programming is essential for success in this role.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a protocol engineer?
To thrive as a Protocol Engineer, you need strong expertise in network protocols, distributed systems, and computer science fundamentals, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Rust, or Go, as well as experience with network analyzers, protocol testing tools, and relevant industry certifications are preferred. Excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills. These capabilities are vital for designing robust protocols, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring seamless integration within large-scale systems.
What are some common projects or tasks a protocol engineer typically works on?
Protocol Engineers typically design, implement, and optimize communication protocols for high-performance networks or blockchain systems. On a day-to-day basis, you may work on developing new protocol features, analyzing packet flows, debugging interoperability issues, or collaborating with security teams to ensure protocol robustness. Tasks also often include writing technical documentation, participating in architecture reviews, and contributing to open-source initiatives. The role often requires close collaboration with software engineers, QA specialists, and product managers to deliver solutions that meet both technical and business requirements.
How do you become a protocol engineer?
To become a protocol engineer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience with network protocols, programming languages like C or Python, and understanding network architecture is essential; certifications such as Cisco CCNA or CCNP can also enhance prospects.
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Cities with the most Protocol Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs?
The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs are:
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States with the most job openings for Protocol Engineer jobs include:
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The top searched job categories for Protocol Engineer jobs are:
Job description
Rockstar is recruiting for a foundation dedicated to supporting the growth, decentralization, and sustainability of a leading decentralized finance protocol. This client is committed to driving value in key focus areas such as Protocol and Innovation, Developers, Governance, Research, and Security through strategic grant-making.
The foundation is seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their technical team and contribute to the development of smart contracts for in-house projects, the protocol, Unichain, and grantee collaborations.
As a Protocol Engineer, the candidate will play a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing smart contract systems. The role involves participating in technical design discussions, weighing trade-offs between optimization, flexibility, and integration, while also providing design feedback for ecosystem participants such as hook developers and Unichain DeFi projects.
What the Candidate Will Do:
- Design, implement, and optimize Solidity-based smart contracts for projects related to the protocol, focusing on security, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and design feedback for external developers building on the protocol and Unichain, including hook developers and DeFi projects.
- Explore and prototype new DeFi primitives, trading mechanisms, and smart contract architectures to expand the protocol's capabilities.
- Participate in design sessions and code reviews, ensuring high standards in code quality, security, and organization.
- Implement unit tests, fuzz testing, and gas optimizations to ensure smart contract reliability and performance.
As a Protocol Engineer, the candidate may work on:
- Hooks and reference implementations for the protocol's latest version
- Experimental swapping UX designs
- Indexers and graph traversal algorithms
- Composable DeFi legos
- SDK abstractions and developer tooling
- Periphery integrations such as liquidity management tools and swap-and-add functionalities
What the Candidate Brings to the Table:
Required Skills & Experience:
- Strong understanding of DeFi patterns and smart contract architecture
- At least two years of experience writing complex Solidity smart contracts with an emphasis on readability, maintainability, and security
- Proficiency with Foundry, including cheatcodes, foundry.toml, and script execution
- Experience with unit testing and fuzz testing for smart contract security
- Confidence using Git and managing version control in a collaborative engineering environment
- Ability to design clean abstractions and reusable smart contract components
- Familiarity with the protocol's latest version contracts and related DeFi protocols
Nice to Haves:
- Experience with Yul and low-level opcodes for gas-efficient smart contract development
- Knowledge of gas optimization techniques
- Experience with invariant testing for smart contract correctness
- Public speaking experience for developer outreach and technical presentations
- Familiarity with TypeScript for SDK and front-end integrations
About the Foundation:
In pursuit of a more open and fair financial system, the foundation supports the growth, decentralization, and sustainability of the community. Through grants, they are driving value in five key focus areas: Protocol and Innovation, Developers, Governance, Research, and Security. Their grant-making approach is designed to maximize positive impact, bringing in new contributors to the community who focus on building new initiatives, committees, products, infrastructure, and more. To learn more about their community impact, visit their website.
The foundation is seeking a Protocol Engineer to join their technical team and contribute to the development of smart contracts for in-house projects, the protocol, Unichain, and grantee collaborations.
As a Protocol Engineer, the candidate will play a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing smart contract systems. The role involves participating in technical design discussions, weighing trade-offs between optimization, flexibility, and integration, while also providing design feedback for ecosystem participants such as hook developers and Unichain DeFi projects.
What the Candidate Will Do:
- Design, implement, and optimize Solidity-based smart contracts for projects related to the protocol, focusing on security, efficiency, and maintainability.
- Provide technical guidance and design feedback for external developers building on the protocol and Unichain, including hook developers and DeFi projects.
- Explore and prototype new DeFi primitives, trading mechanisms, and smart contract architectures to expand the protocol's capabilities.
- Participate in design sessions and code reviews, ensuring high standards in code quality, security, and organization.
- Implement unit tests, fuzz testing, and gas optimizations to ensure smart contract reliability and performance.
As a Protocol Engineer, the candidate may work on:
- Hooks and reference implementations for the protocol's latest version
- Experimental swapping UX designs
- Indexers and graph traversal algorithms
- Composable DeFi legos
- SDK abstractions and developer tooling
- Periphery integrations such as liquidity management tools and swap-and-add functionalities
What the Candidate Brings to the Table:
Required Skills & Experience:
- Strong understanding of DeFi patterns and smart contract architecture
- At least two years of experience writing complex Solidity smart contracts with an emphasis on readability, maintainability, and security
- Proficiency with Foundry, including cheatcodes, foundry.toml, and script execution
- Experience with unit testing and fuzz testing for smart contract security
- Confidence using Git and managing version control in a collaborative engineering environment
- Ability to design clean abstractions and reusable smart contract components
- Familiarity with the protocol's latest version contracts and related DeFi protocols
Nice to Haves:
- Experience with Yul and low-level opcodes for gas-efficient smart contract development
- Knowledge of gas optimization techniques
- Experience with invariant testing for smart contract correctness
- Public speaking experience for developer outreach and technical presentations
- Familiarity with TypeScript for SDK and front-end integrations
About the Foundation:
In pursuit of a more open and fair financial system, the foundation supports the growth, decentralization, and sustainability of the community. Through grants, they are driving value in five key focus areas: Protocol and Innovation, Developers, Governance, Research, and Security. Their grant-making approach is designed to maximize positive impact, bringing in new contributors to the community who focus on building new initiatives, committees, products, infrastructure, and more. To learn more about their community impact, visit their website.
About Rockstar
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Las Vegas, NV, US
Year founded
2001