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Lead Blockchain Developer (DeFi Startup) - Job Opportunity at CRYLO

Remote, Switzerland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 24, 2025
Remote
CHF 70,000 - CHF 160,000 per year

Benefits

Equity participation through phantom shares and token incentive programs providing ownership stake in company growth
Deferred compensation model with guaranteed repayment upon funding securing future income
Comprehensive health insurance premium subsidies reducing personal healthcare costs
Long-term profit-sharing plan aligning personal success with company performance
Professional development assistance supporting continuous skill enhancement and career advancement
Flexible remote work arrangement eliminating commute costs and providing work-life balance
Company pension plan ensuring long-term financial security
Parental leave policies supporting family planning and work-life integration
Sabbatical opportunities for extended personal development and burnout prevention
Employee mentoring programs facilitating knowledge transfer and career guidance
Performance-based bonus structure rewarding exceptional contributions
Crisis pay provisions ensuring compensation stability during challenging periods
Employee discount programs reducing personal expenses
Company events fostering team cohesion and professional networking
Referral program incentivizing talent acquisition participation

Key Responsibilities

Lead architectural design and development of CRYLO's core blockchain infrastructure driving the future of AI-powered wealth management platforms
Orchestrate seamless integration of multiple APIs and large-scale data processing systems enabling comprehensive market analysis capabilities
Design and deploy high-frequency trading systems and smart contracts that will process millions in cryptocurrency transactions
Architect scalable cloud infrastructure capable of supporting enterprise-level DeFi operations and ensuring 99.9% uptime
Collaborate directly with C-suite executives including CTO to shape product strategy and technical roadmap for market disruption
Develop and optimize proxy-server systems that will serve as the backbone for automated trading algorithms affecting user portfolios
Lead implementation of AI and ML algorithms that will democratize sophisticated investment strategies for retail investors
Establish and maintain CI/CD pipelines ensuring rapid deployment of features in the competitive DeFi marketplace
Drive innovation in tokenization strategies and contribute to product discussions that will define the company's market position
Solve complex technical challenges in a fast-paced startup environment where decisions impact company survival and growth

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's, Master's or PHD degree in computer science from a top university

Experience

Minimum of 5 years proven expertise as a full-stack blockchain developer

Required Skills

Proven experience in blockchain technology and smart contract development in ERC20 standard Experience in API development and large data imports Expertise in Python (3.12) programming Proven experience in docker containerization Experience in SHELL programming Hands-on experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, Tencent, a.o.) Familiarity with decentralized finance (DeFi), cryptocurrencies, and Web3 ecosystems Strong understanding of database systems (SQL and NoSQL) Experience with TypScript, Javascript and front-end frameworks (React) Experience with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and agile development methodologies Ability to work in a remote, self-motivated environment and meet tight deadlines Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams Previous experience in startups or entrepreneurial projects Past contributions to DeFi projects, connected in the developer community Experience in the creation and development of algorithms and bots Knowledge of AI/ML algorithms and their application in financial services Applied mathematics and theoretical mathematics ICM/ICPC knowledge
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The DeFi sector is experiencing explosive growth with total value locked (TVL) exceeding $200 billion globally, creating unprecedented demand for experienced blockchain developers who can build secure, scalable infrastructure. The integration of AI and ML into DeFi platforms represents the next frontier of financial technology, positioning this role at the intersection of two rapidly expanding technological domains. Regulatory clarity is emerging in major markets including Switzerland, which has positioned itself as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, providing a stable operating environment for innovative financial technology companies. The convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance is accelerating, with institutional adoption driving demand for sophisticated trading algorithms and automated portfolio management systems. Companies that can successfully democratize complex investment strategies through AI-driven platforms are positioned to capture significant market share in the growing retail crypto investment space. The emphasis on user experience and simplified interfaces for complex DeFi operations represents a critical competitive advantage in market penetration. Switzerland's position as a global fintech hub, particularly in the crypto valley region of Zug, provides access to venture capital, regulatory expertise, and a network of blockchain professionals. The country's favorable regulatory environment and established financial infrastructure make it an ideal location for launching innovative DeFi platforms targeting both European and global markets.

Salary Evaluation

The CHF 70,000-160,000 range reflects the startup nature and deferred compensation model, with the lower end representing initial funding constraints and the upper end indicating competitive market positioning post-funding. For a senior blockchain developer with DeFi expertise in Switzerland, market rates typically range from CHF 120,000-200,000, suggesting this role offers equity upside potential to compensate for initial below-market compensation. The phantom shares and token participation could provide significant long-term value if the platform achieves market traction.

Role Significance

Based on the startup context and collaboration with CTO, frontend developers, and quant developers, this role likely involves leading a technical team of 3-8 developers while working closely with a founding team of 5-10 total employees. The lead developer will be responsible for establishing technical standards, mentoring junior developers, and coordinating cross-functional development efforts.
This is a senior technical leadership position with significant architectural responsibility and direct reporting to C-suite executives. The role combines individual contributor responsibilities with technical leadership, requiring someone who can make critical infrastructure decisions that will impact the company's ability to scale and compete in the DeFi marketplace. The position carries substantial responsibility for the technical success of the company's core platform.

Key Projects

Architecting and implementing the core blockchain infrastructure for AI-driven wealth management platform Developing smart contracts for automated trading, lending, and staking operations Building high-frequency trading systems capable of processing institutional-volume transactions Implementing machine learning algorithms for portfolio optimization and risk management Creating scalable API infrastructure for real-time market data processing and analysis Establishing security protocols and audit processes for handling customer cryptocurrency assets

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in blockchain development combined with practical experience in financial services applications, enabling the creation of systems that meet both technological and regulatory requirements. The ability to balance innovation with security considerations is crucial when handling customer assets in the volatile cryptocurrency market. Strong product intuition and user experience focus, as the success of the platform depends on making complex DeFi operations accessible to mainstream investors. Technical excellence must be paired with an understanding of user needs and market dynamics to create solutions that achieve widespread adoption. Entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on market conditions, funding status, and competitive landscape. The ability to make critical technical decisions with incomplete information while maintaining code quality and security standards. Leadership and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully to product strategy discussions. The role requires someone who can bridge the gap between complex technical implementation and business objectives.

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for senior blockchain developers with specific DeFi experience, as the intersection of blockchain development, AI/ML integration, and financial services expertise represents a rare skill combination. The rapid expansion of the DeFi ecosystem and institutional adoption of blockchain technology has created a severe talent shortage, particularly for developers who can architect scalable, secure systems capable of handling high-frequency trading operations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Blockchain development and smart contract expertise (ERC20 standard) - These skills form the foundation of DeFi platform development and are essential for creating secure, efficient protocols that handle cryptocurrency transactions. Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, and smart contract security patterns is crucial for building systems that can safely manage user funds and execute complex financial operations. Python programming proficiency (version 3.12) - Python serves as the primary backend development language for the platform, requiring expertise in modern Python features, performance optimization, and integration with AI/ML libraries. Advanced Python skills are essential for building scalable data processing systems, API integrations, and algorithmic trading components. Cloud computing platform experience (AWS, Azure) - Modern DeFi platforms require robust, scalable infrastructure capable of handling high-frequency trading operations and large-scale data processing. Expertise in cloud architecture, containerization with Docker, and CI/CD pipeline management is critical for ensuring platform reliability and rapid feature deployment. API development and large data handling capabilities - The platform's success depends on seamless integration with multiple data sources, exchanges, and blockchain networks. Strong API development skills and experience with high-volume data processing are essential for creating the real-time market analysis capabilities that power AI-driven investment decisions.

Beneficial Skills

AI/ML algorithm knowledge and financial services application experience - While not the primary development focus, understanding machine learning concepts and their application in financial services enables better collaboration with quant developers and contributes to platform optimization strategies. Frontend development skills (TypeScript, JavaScript, React) - Full-stack capabilities allow for better collaboration with frontend teams and enable rapid prototyping of user-facing features. This versatility is particularly valuable in startup environments where team members often wear multiple hats. Mathematical background and competitive programming experience (ICM/ICPC) - Strong mathematical foundations and algorithmic thinking skills enhance the ability to optimize trading algorithms, understand quantitative finance concepts, and solve complex technical challenges efficiently. DeFi ecosystem familiarity and developer community connections - Deep knowledge of existing DeFi protocols, market dynamics, and relationships within the developer community provide valuable insights for platform design and partnership opportunities.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the opportunity to build foundational infrastructure for AI-driven wealth management in the DeFi space, representing a unique combination of cutting-edge technologies with significant market potential. The position provides exposure to both the technical challenges of blockchain development and the business strategy of financial services innovation.
The deferred compensation model with phantom shares and token participation creates alignment between individual success and company growth, offering potentially significant upside for early employees if the platform achieves market traction. This compensation structure is particularly attractive for professionals willing to take calculated risks on innovative technology ventures.
Direct collaboration with C-suite executives and influence over core product decisions provides accelerated learning opportunities and preparation for future leadership roles. The startup environment offers broad exposure to all aspects of business operations beyond pure technical development.
Working at the intersection of Swiss regulatory clarity and global DeFi innovation provides unique insights into the future of financial services regulation and technology adoption. This experience will be valuable as traditional financial institutions increasingly adopt blockchain technology and regulators develop comprehensive frameworks for digital assets.

Career Growth

Career progression to C-suite technical roles typically occurs within 2-4 years in the fast-moving blockchain industry, particularly for professionals who successfully launch and scale DeFi platforms. The startup experience and direct exposure to all aspects of product development accelerates leadership readiness compared to traditional corporate environments.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Technology Officer or VP of Engineering at a scaling fintech startup, leveraging deep blockchain expertise and leadership experience to guide technical strategy for larger organizations Technical Co-founder of a blockchain or DeFi venture, using the experience gained at CRYLO to identify market opportunities and build innovative financial technology solutions Senior Principal Engineer or Distinguished Engineer at major technology companies expanding into blockchain and cryptocurrency services Technical Advisor or Board Member for multiple blockchain startups, monetizing expertise through advisory roles and equity participation

Company Overview

CRYLO

CRYLO appears to be an early-stage fintech startup positioning itself at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized finance, with ambitions to democratize sophisticated investment strategies for retail crypto investors. The company is building an AI-driven wealth management platform that combines automated trading, portfolio optimization, and user-friendly interfaces to simplify crypto investing for mainstream adoption.

As a startup in the MVP development phase, CRYLO is competing in the rapidly expanding DeFi automation space against both established robo-advisors expanding into crypto and native crypto platforms adding AI capabilities. The company's success will depend on execution speed, regulatory navigation, and ability to acquire users in the competitive crypto investment platform market.
Operating from Switzerland provides CRYLO with access to favorable crypto regulations, established financial infrastructure, and proximity to both European markets and the global crypto ecosystem centered in Zug's crypto valley. The Swiss regulatory environment offers clarity for crypto businesses while providing access to traditional banking relationships necessary for fiat-crypto operations.
The company culture appears to emphasize innovation, collaboration, and shared ownership through equity participation, typical of ambitious fintech startups. The remote-first approach and direct access to leadership suggests a flat organizational structure with high autonomy and responsibility for individual contributors.
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