Lead Blockchain Architect - Design the Systems Behind Variational Pro & the Core Protocol

About Variational Variational is building a decentralized derivatives protocol for professional trading. We already have the core protocol running and an early version of Variational Pro built. We're now moving into the next phase: expanding the system, rethinking parts of the architecture, and getting the infrastructure ready for production. This is the point where architecture matters. We're looking for a Lead Blockchain Architect to work directly with the founders and engineering team and help define how the system should evolve. The Role You'll have ownership across the architecture of the protocol and the systems around it. This means looking at the entire stack—not just smart contracts or backend services—and understanding how the pieces need to work together. You'll be involved in decisions around: - On-chain vs. off-chain architecture - Protocol and smart contract design - Execution and settlement - Margin, collateral, liquidation, and risk - Blockchain state, indexing, and transaction processing - Backend and distributed systems - Data, performance, reliability, and security - Infrastructure supporting Variational Pro You'll design systems, challenge existing assumptions, make technical trade-offs, and work directly with engineers to turn the architecture into production code. VAR Token VAR is the native token of the Variational ecosystem. You'll also help shape the technical architecture supporting VAR, including token contracts and integrations, distribution and vesting, treasury infrastructure, and the systems supporting the protocol's revenue-driven buyback-and-burn mechanism. The goal is to make VAR a properly integrated part of the protocol architecture as the ecosystem develops. What We're Looking For We're looking for someone who has already designed and shipped systems where architecture, security, and reliability genuinely matter. Strong experience in several of these areas: - Solidity and EVM - Blockchain / DeFi protocol architecture - Node.js and TypeScript - Go or Rust - Distributed systems - Smart contract security - High-performance backend infrastructure - Data architecture - AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, or similar infrastructure Experience with derivatives, perpetuals, exchanges, trading systems, market infrastructure, or financial systems is a major plus. What We Offer - Real ownership over the architecture of the Variational protocol - Direct collaboration with founders and senior engineers - Significant influence over technical direction - Hands-on work across protocol, blockchain, backend, and infrastructure - Small team, minimal bureaucracy, fast decisions - Full-time, part-time, or consulting engagement - Competitive compensation We're looking for someone who wants to be one of the people defining how Variational is built—not someone who simply wants to implement an existing design. If that sounds like you, we'd like to talk.