Head of Protocol Engineering

Subspace Labs is an early-stage, venture-backed startup dedicated to revolutionizing the blockchain landscape. Our mission is to build the Subspace Network, a next-generation blockchain designed for radical decentralization and scalability. Leveraging Rust and Substrate technology, we’re pioneering a novel proof-of-storage consensus algorithm and decoupled execution framework.

We’re seeking a Head of Protocol Engineering to join our leadership team and ensure the successful realization of our groundbreaking blockchain solution. In this role, you will be responsible for translating abstract cryptographic protocols into actionable engineering plans. You will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and will contribute directly to the success of our project.

With a globally distributed team and a commitment to open-source development, we’re redefining the possibilities of blockchain innovation. Subspace is based on original research funded by the US National Science Foundation and will be launching as a sovereign layer-one blockchain early next year. To learn more, visit our website and read the technical whitepaper.

In this position you will:

• Collaborate with the CEO & CTO to translate abstract protocols into technical specifications, engineering roadmaps, and implementation plans.


• Work with development teams to transform estimates into realistic timelines, ensuring transparent communication and visibility across the organization.


• Track project velocity toward key milestones, utilizing tools like Github projects, Lucidchart, and Notion to keep the wider team and community informed.


• Lead and empower our protocol engineering team of 10+ engineers, removing obstacles and fostering a productive, collaborative work environment.


• Oversee the network deployment processes, while maintaining high standards for documentation, code quality, and testing.


• Contribute to the transition from a company-led roadmap to a community-led approach as we migrate the engineering team to the Subspace Foundation.

Key Requirements:

• A genuine passion for decentralized, peer-to-peer systems, and a deep understanding of Web3 technologies.


• A strong foundation in software engineering or computer science, demonstrated through academic achievements or professional experience.


• Proven experience in leading engineering teams in the blockchain, cryptocurrency, or Web3 domains.


• Experience leading open-source and community-driven software projects, with the ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment.


• Successful track record of managing remote-first, globally distributed engineering teams.


• Comprehensive knowledge of leading blockchain scalability frameworks such as ETH2/Rollups, Near, Solana, Polkadot, and Dfinity.

Bonus Experience:

• Strong background in cryptography, distributed systems, and peer-to-peer networks.


• Familiarity with the architecture of major blockchain clients and frameworks, including Bitcoin Core, Geth/Solidity, and Substrate.


• Experience in smart contract development, full-stack decentralized application creation, or blockchain infrastructure and development tooling.


• Proficiency in a systems programming language such as Rust, C/C++, or Go.

What We Offer

• The ability to work from anywhere in the world


• A competitive salary with generous equity and token grants


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (US-based only)


• A unique opportunity to shape the future of the internet


• Team off-sites in various locations around the globe