Protocol Engineer (EVM)

Hive is evolving. We're building the next generation of collaboration infrastructure—and we’re looking for a founding Senior Backend Engineer with deep expertise in protocol design, smart contract development (EVM), and distributed systems to help shape our future. Our first milestone? Launching a new, modular workflow vault system to support trusted task, data, and permission orchestration across teams and organizations. You'll lead the design and development of backend infrastructure that could evolve into a scalable, secure protocol for collaborative work coordination—bringing Hive's vision of streamlined, intelligent project management to new heights. This role combines deep technical work with creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. You’ll work directly with our engineering, product, and leadership teams, playing a foundational role in architecting a protocol-driven future for Hive. What You’ll Do Design and implement core backend logic for the MVP of Hive’s collaboration vault system Build secure, scalable APIs and smart contract interfaces to enable workflow automation, permissions, and integrations Collaborate with frontend teams to deliver seamless UX across on-chain and off-chain data Work with our product and design teams to translate user needs into flexible backend systems Prioritize performance, security, and extensibility in everything you ship Lead technical decision-making on protocol architecture, data models, and integrations Contribute to a long-term vision of protocol-enabled, permissionless collaboration across the enterprise ecosystem What We’re Looking For 5+ years of experience in backend or full-stack engineering Advanced knowledge of Solidity and/or distributed backend systems (experience with Rust is a plus) Deep understanding of the EVM, Layer 2 ecosystems (e.g. Arbitrum, Optimism), or distributed consensus systems Strong system design and API development skills Passion for collaboration tools, productivity infrastructure, and decentralized technologies Experience working closely with cross-functional teams in agile environments Comfort with startup pace and ownership mentality Bonus Points For Prior experience building in the DeFi, DAO, or decentralized collaboration space Contributions to open-source backend or blockchain-related projects Knowledge of identity, access control, or workflow orchestration Experience with formal verification or advanced testing frameworks Strong opinions on what the future of collaboration should look like Why Join Hive Be a founding engineer shaping the core of our protocol-powered infrastructure Work alongside experienced builders in a fast-moving, values-driven team Help define how millions of teams collaborate in a decentralized future Competitive salary + meaningful equity + product ownership Remote-first culture with flexible hours and a focus on outcomes over activity About Hive Hive is the productivity platform for modern teams—used by thousands of companies to manage projects, tasks, and collaboration in one place. Our mission is to help teams move faster by combining flexibility, intelligence, and simplicity into a unified workspace. Now, we’re pushing the boundaries of how collaboration can work in a decentralized world—and we’re looking for builders ready to lead the charge. Don’t meet every requirement? We value curiosity, creative thinkers, and non-traditional backgrounds. If you’re excited by the role and think you can bring something special to Hive, we want to hear from you. Job Type: Contract Pay: $130,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year Benefits: Employee assistance program Professional development assistance Referral program Work Location: Remote