Blockchain Protocol Engineer - Omni Pro, VAR Token, Core Protocol

At Variational, we're building the protocol behind the next generation of on-chain derivatives. We've already built the first version of the protocol and an early version of Omni Pro. The foundation is there. Our focus now is expanding the protocol, refining the architecture, and building the systems needed for production. We're looking for an experienced engineer who enjoys working close to the protocol—someone who likes designing systems, writing production smart contracts, building backend infrastructure, and solving problems that don't have obvious answers. What You'll Build As a Protocol Engineer, you'll work across the core of the platform, including: - Protocol architecture and smart contracts - Omni Pro and institutional trading infrastructure - Margin, collateral, liquidation, settlement, and risk systems - Backend services and distributed infrastructure - Protocol integrations and developer tooling - Performance, scalability, security, and reliability You'll work directly with the founders on architecture, implementation, and technical direction. We expect everyone on the team to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and help make the platform better. About the VAR Token VAR is the native token of the Variational protocol and will become a fundamental part of the ecosystem. You'll help design and build the infrastructure behind VAR, including: - Smart contract architecture and implementation - Token issuance, distribution, and vesting - Treasury infrastructure and protocol integrations - Revenue-driven buyback and burn mechanisms - Infrastructure supporting future protocol incentives and ecosystem growth Building VAR isn't just about deploying a token contract—it's about designing secure, scalable infrastructure that becomes a core part of the protocol. What We're Looking For You don't need experience with every technology we use. We're looking for engineers who have built complex systems, enjoy learning, and are comfortable taking ownership. Experience in several of these areas is ideal: - Solidity and EVM development - Go, Rust, or high-performance backend development - Blockchain protocols or DeFi infrastructure - Distributed systems - Smart contract security - System architecture and technical design Experience with trading systems, exchanges, market infrastructure, derivatives, or financial systems is a strong plus, but great engineering judgment matters more than domain expertise. What We Offer - Ownership of systems that sit at the heart of the protocol - Direct collaboration with founders and an engineering team - Flexible engagement (full-time, part-time, or consulting) - Remote-first environment - Competitive compensation If you're the kind of engineer who enjoys understanding how systems work, questioning assumptions, and building infrastructure that's meant to last, we'd love to talk.