Node.js Jobs in Web3

VALIDATOR NODE MANAGER - BLOCKCHAIN

Clearmatics is a protocol engineering company. We are building a new financial market architecture that is more open, fair, and resilient than the legacy systems that are in use today. We develop protocols and software that create new markets for risk and more efficient infrastructure for trading, backed by a robust and scalable blockchain network, and secured with modern cryptographic techniques and economic mechanism design.

Clearmatics is based in London but operates on a 'remote first' model. We welcome candidates from all over the world. We have close ties to the Open Source and Ethereum communities, with Vitalik Buterin as an adviser.

The infrastructure team at Clearmatics is responsible for all IT operations and underlying infrastructure, including legacy systems, business support systems, and blockchain network nodes for internal and public testnets, as well as Clearmatics' own nodes in future mainnets.

We're looking to hire a Validator Node Manager to expand our team.

We are currently running nodes for several testnets across GCP, AWS, Digital Ocean, and several other experimental hosting contexts; we have in place logging, monitoring, alerting, and associated processes such as incident and and change management. However, we are keen to improve and re-evaluate all aspects of our node strategy and infrastructure under the leadership of the Validator Node Manager.

ABOUT YOU

You have several years of experience being responsible for the operation of validator nodes in a blockchain mainnet, and are familiar with all that this entails, such as hardware and software infrastructure management, security, resource planning, communications within the community of validators, and working in a highly independent and self-directed fashion. You can thrive in a fast-paced and innovative startup environment, and you are not deterred by unknowns or unfamiliar concepts.

You communicate clearly in writing and in discussions, and you are always on the lookout for ways to improve the performance, profitability, and usefulness of the nodes you are running. You love implementing efficient and highly secure systems, and have a deep rooted appreciation for how implementation details affect the big picture, and vice versa.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the company’s internal and external-facing validator node operations, particularly for Autonity, a new proof-of-stake L1 protocol designed by Clearmatics;
• Specify, procure, and set up the environment and infrastructure for validator nodes, as well as associated monitoring, logging, reporting, and alerting;
• Design and implement processes around validator node operations, such as incident response, key management, change management;
• Share feedback and contribute to Autonity Layer-1 design discussions within the community for node operators, developers, and other stakeholders
• Create and define processes to extract maximum value from validator operations (including staking/bonding of stake; reaping of validator rewards) and reduce loss risks
• Provide training and guidance for other members of the infrastructure team, or your own direct reports, to ensure 24/7 node operation
• Communicate technical details via open source documentation
• Work with various teams and the wider community to engage with new trends and opportunities revealed by internal data, blockchain research and the wider blockchain industry

REQUIREMENTS

• Experience managing validator nodes for a blockchain mainnet
• Ability to demonstrate a deep understanding of the implications of protocol changes, e.g. in the context of forks
• Outstanding ability to reason about the economics and incentive structures of a blockchain system
• Experience with cryptographic key management on production systems
• Familiarity with deploying and testing production software (including blockchain nodes) in various cloud environments
• A deep and detailed understanding of accountability, consensus algorithms, and real-world risks, with a particular focus on financial and reputational implications
• The ability to work closely and in detail with technical and research teams for the practical exploration of scenarios; testing; and continuous improvement

NICE TO HAVE

• An entrepreneurial inclination
• Experience with redundant systems and distributed data storage solutions (e.g. CEPH)
• In-depth experience with cloud hosting platforms
• A keen interest in decentralised and traditional Financial Markets