Blockchain Architect

Title: Lead Blockchain Architect Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid) Duration: Contract Key Responsibilities • Design the complete system architecture across all four layers: Application, Execution, Consensus, and • Data/Ledger • Define channel sharding strategy to achieve 100K+ peak TPS with parallel transaction processing • Select and configure consensus mechanisms: Raft for intra-org ordering and PBFT for inter-bank settlement • Architect the hybrid pattern combining private Fabric rail with ZK-proof anchoring to Ethereum • Design the Stellar Network integration for cross-border payments, fiat ramps, and multi-currency pathfinding • Define endorsement policies, block assembly parameters (2MB blocks, 500ms batch timeout) • Own the Fireblocks Network integration topology connecting 1,800+ institutions • Establish performance benchmarking using Hyperledger Caliper with mixed workloads • Lead architecture reviews and maintain decision records for all trade-offs • Mentor 5 core engineers across smart contracts, infrastructure, security, integration, and data • Define disaster recovery architecture with RPO=0 and 99.99% availability SLA Required Qualifications • 10+ years software engineering, 5+ years in distributed systems or blockchain • Deep experience with Hyperledger Fabric: channels, private data, chaincode, ordering services • Strong understanding of Raft, PBFT, HotStuff consensus algorithms • Experience designing 10,000+ TPS systems with sub-second latency • Proficiency in Go, Node.js, or Java for chaincode and systems programming • Experience with event-driven architectures using Apache Kafka • Strong cryptographic knowledge: PKI, mTLS, Merkle trees, ZK-proofs • Cloud-native infrastructure: Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, multi-cloud • Track record leading 5+ engineer teams through complex projects • BS/MS in Computer Science or Distributed Systems Technical Skills Required Category & Skills • Blockchain: Hyperledger Fabric, Stellar, Ethereum, ZK-Proofs, Merkle Trees • Languages: Go, Node.js, Java, Solidity, Protocol Buffers • Infrastructure: Kubernetes (EKS/AKS), Docker, Terraform, ArgoCD, Istio • Data Systems: RocksDB, CouchDB, Redis, Apache Kafka, ClickHouse • Security: PKI/mTLS, MPC-CMP, Intel SGX, HSM integration • Observability: Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, OpenTelemetry, Jaeger Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Stellar Network and SCP consensus • Familiarity with Fireblocks MPC-CMP and Intel SGX • Knowledge of ISO 20022, SWIFT, FedNow, SEPA • Prior regulated financial services experience • Open-source blockchain contributions • PCI DSS or SOC 2 compliance experience