How to Land a Job as a Blockchain Engineer
There will never be a better time to start a blockchain career
The field of blockchain engineering is rapidly expanding, presenting exciting career opportunities. With the demand for blockchain developers increasing worldwide, now is the perfect time to embark on a blockchain career. While most blockchain engineering jobs are in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Boston, and New York City, the industry’s growth is spreading, and thousands of new positions are created monthly.
If you aspire to be among the pioneers launching products for startups or leading pilot projects for large organizations, here’s what it takes to land a job as a blockchain engineer.
Blockchain development is a rare and in-demand skill. While the number of blockchain tools and technologies is still relatively small, there is a significant shortage of skilled developers to meet the rising demand for blockchain-based platforms and applications. As a budding blockchain technologist, you have the advantage of being able to choose a career path that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. Therefore, before diving into job applications, carefully consider which type of blockchain engineering job best suits your current circumstances.
If you seek a secure job with a high salary, reasonable work hours, and comprehensive benefits, consider pursuing a career with large corporations that utilize enterprise technology for their ambitious projects. Financial services giants such as Barclays, Mastercard, UBS, Bank of America, Santander, BBVA, ABN Amro, and JP Morgan Chase actively recruit blockchain developers. Major tech firms like IBM, Microsoft, Intel, and Fujitsu also need blockchain talent. Government entities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, prominent consulting firms, logistics companies, healthcare providers, power utilities, and real estate brokers are also starting to hire blockchain professionals for secure and well-paying positions.
On the other hand, numerous startups are worth considering if you possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit and are willing to trade monetary compensation and work-life balance for equity or tokens. Within the blockchain industry, hundreds of startups are developing highly innovative products and services, particularly in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These startups focus on creating smart contracts that execute when specific conditions are met, presenting abundant opportunities for those enthusiastic about creating consumer products.
To determine which path suits you best, evaluate your interests and preferences. If you are primarily interested in deep development languages and desire stability and high pay, seek employment where you can work on complex, transactional systems that aim to transform global economies. However, if you are an entrepreneurial software engineer enthusiastic about building consumer products, consider joining a fintech or logistics company that addresses specific issues or problems through blockchain technology.
Keep in mind that blockchain is just one component of a technology stack. In addition to solid backend skills encompassing debugging, encryption, and distributed architecture, you should be proficient in multiple programming languages such as C++, Python, JavaScript, Go, and Java. Familiarity with cryptography, hash functions, and cryptocurrency mining fundamentals is also crucial. While experience with blockchain programming may be limited due to the technology’s novelty, most recruiters seek candidates with a solid understanding of blockchain principles across different platforms rather than mastery. Therefore, don’t hesitate to apply for blockchain developer roles, as you may have a better chance of landing a job than expected.
Before attending interviews for blockchain engineering positions, conduct thorough research. Familiarize yourself with Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin whitepaper, ensuring it becomes part of your DNA. Understand how cryptocurrency exchanges operate, particularly hot, cold, and multi-sig wallets, and bank-grade custody solutions. Acquaint yourself with essential terminologies such as “decentralized and distributed structure,” “consensus mechanism,” “delegated proof of stake,” and “zero-knowledge proof.”
Recruiters are not only interested in developers who can code blockchain applications but also seek individuals who are enthusiastic advocates for blockchain technology. Stay updated with industry discussions on Reddit and GitHub, actively participating in code-sharing threads. Share articles that demonstrate your knowledge and comprehension of the industry. Attend blockchain and cryptocurrency meetups as an engaged and enthusiastic participant. Familiarize yourself with notable blockchain technology development hubs like the Deloitte EMEA Financial Services Blockchain Lab in Ireland, the lab10 collective in Austria, and the International Association for Trusted Blockchain Applications in Belgium.
Understanding the business case for blockchain beyond the technology itself is essential. Be prepared to discuss the unique properties of blockchain, how it compares to traditional databases in various use cases, and why it is a suitable solution for the potential employer you are interviewing with.
During the hiring process, convey your unwavering focus on security and your ability to handle failure modes diligently. A cautious approach is vital in the blockchain space, where substantial monetary interests are at stake. Anomaly detection, performance management, and threat analytics hold vital importance. Remember, a failure in a blockchain system can have significant consequences, potentially resulting in the loss of valuable assets such as cargo containers, multimillion-dollar contracts, or even millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency.
By becoming a blockchain generalist and acquiring fluency in the language of blockchain and its implications for industries and economies, you enhance your prospects of securing a job as a blockchain engineer. The demand for blockchain talent is evident, so showcase your passion by sharing your blockchain discoveries and experiments through online platforms. With dedication and effort, you can successfully land a job in the exciting field of blockchain engineering.
