Find the best Blockchain jobs

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a distributed database of records of all transactions executed and shared among participating parties. One of the vital aspects of a blockchain is that it is a distributed ledger, meaning that all nodes in the network maintain the database. No central authority holds the ledger, rather each node independently constructs its own record by processing every block, deciding whether it is valid.

In the most basic sense, blockchain proposes a transactional model based on collective knowledge and trust between the participants, without intermediaries, which allows them to view the current information and thus, give legitimacy to transactions.

What does a blockchain developer do?

A blockchain developer is responsible for developing and optimizing blockchain protocols, crafting the architecture of blockchain platforms and systems, and developing smart contracts and web apps using blockchain technology.

As a blockchain developer, you will build applications and platforms based on blockchain technology and manage the technical aspects of integrating products with blockchains. Furthermore, you will be responsible for improving the security of the blockchain networks and ensuring application code and process quality standards across the development team.

What kind of skills do I need to become a blockchain developer?

To become a successful blockchain developer, you are required to obtain knowledge in a variety of tools and have technical skills. Below are some of the skills top employers on Upwork are looking for while hiring blockchain developers:

• Deep technical knowledge of blockchain technologies, cryptography, network architecture, and blockchain protocols
• Experience with full-stack Java web development and back-end development
• Experience with Python, NodeJs, JavaScript, and GitHub
• Strong understanding of crypto security fundamentals (keys, mnemonics, wallets, secure contexts, practical user interface spoofing concerns)
• Experience with Solidity and the development of decentralized applications (Dapps)
• Thorough knowledge of smart contract development, blockchain architecture, Bitcoin and Ethereum, and familiarity with other cryptocurrencies
• Distributed ledger technology hands-on experience, specifically with Hyperledger Fabric
• Understanding of data structures, asymmetric, symmetric, hash functions, encryption, digital signatures
• Knowledge of techniques for running advanced algorithms in big data and passion for open-source platforms

The mastery of the above skills will give you a higher advantage over other candidates competing for the same blockchain development jobs on Upwork as you.

What are the core blockchain developer job responsibilities?

The everyday job responsibilities and duties of the blockchain developer include:

• Determine blockchain technology needs and functionalities
• Implement secure smart contracts on best-known smart contract languages
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic
• Develop features and improvements to the product suite in a secure, well-tested, and performant way
• Write code that meets internal standards for style, maintainability, and best practices
• Design scalable web service APIs and create application features via using programming languages

Should I get a blockchain developer degree or certification?

The blockchain industry is slowly moving away from demanding university degrees. Formal education may not always translate into the competencies required to thrive as a blockchain developer. Therefore, many employers on Upwork ask for a good portfolio of work to see the applicants’ skills.

That being said, in addition to developing your blockchain development skills, earning a degree or a professional certification may help your Upwork profile stand out:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Security, or equivalent
• Certifications like Certified Blockchain Developer™ and Certified Blockchain Engineer
• Online bootcamps like Blockchain Bootcamp by the University of Minnesota and online LinkedIn courses like Blockchain Basics and Cryptocurrency Foundations