Head of Protocol Engineering

All open positions

Head of Protocol Engineering

About The Role

Bitcoin is finally getting the programmable layer it deserves — and Mintlayer is building it. A production protocol using UTXO-based smart contract execution with MLS token standards, live on mainnet. ZK Thunder launches Q1 2026. The DEX, Fast Bridge, and Token Factory follow through the year. This is an engineering leadership seat at the most technically interesting moment in Bitcoin's evolution.

The engineering team works on problems that do not have solved answers. UTXO-based programmable finance at institutional scale, ZK proof integration, and Bitcoin atomic swap infrastructure are the kind of challenges that define careers. The architecture decisions made here will shape a financial system that outlasts the current generation of protocols entirely.

What You Will Own

• Own the Mintlayer technical roadmap: ZK Thunder, DEX, Fast Bridge, Token Factory, and core protocol development aligned to quarterly milestones
• Lead architecture decisions across the full protocol stack: consensus layer, UTXO smart contract execution, ZK proof integration, and cross-chain bridge design
• Build and manage the engineering team: hiring, leveling, performance management, and culture
• Establish and enforce engineering standards: code review, security gates, testing frameworks, and deployment protocols
• Coordinate with the Blockchain Security Lead on audit timing, vulnerability response, and secure development practices
• Interface with the Head of AI and Head of Tokenization on ZK Thunder capabilities and Token Factory product requirements
• Represent protocol engineering externally: developer documentation and technical conference presentations

What You Bring

• 10+ years software engineering, 3+ years in an engineering leadership role
• Distributed systems and blockchain protocol experience required
• Rust proficiency or deep C++ background with genuine willingness to own the Rust codebase
• Proven track record shipping production-grade protocol infrastructure

Benefits

• Health & Prevention: Comprehensive, high-tier medical insurance with a focus on preventative medicine, annual executive health screenings, and diagnostic check-ups.
• Fitness & Wellness Programs: Monthly fitness allowances for premier gyms and studios, plus internal wellness initiatives including yoga, ergonomics workshops, and stress management.
• Competitive Compensation: Salary paid in your choice of fiat, Bitcoin, or stablecoins. ML token allocation and vesting for senior roles.
• Relocation Support: Full assistance with UAE residency visas and relocation to Abu Dhabi for on-site roles. We handle the paperwork.
• Flexible Working: Structured flexibility across on-site, hybrid, and fully remote roles. Core overlap hours respected across time zones.
• Global Team Meetups: Periodic gatherings with the full team around the world. The remote team is never remote from the culture.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mintlayer will never charge any fees at any stage of the hiring process. No member of our team will ever request payment for job applications or opportunities. If you are contacted by anyone asking for money on behalf of Mintlayer, please be aware this is a scam. The only way to apply for roles is through the official links available on Mintlayer's website: mintlayer.com

I declare that I am no less than 16 years old and that I have read the information on the processing of personal data as available on the privacy policy and that I consent to the processing of my personal data in order to receive periodic communications on the developments of the project and on further services relating to the project.

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