Software Engineer, Backend - Blockchain Platform (Tracer Team)

Details

Ready to be pushed beyond what you think you’re capable of?

At Coinbase, our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world. We’re building the emerging onchain platform and the future global financial system. The Tracer team safeguards Coinbase’s role as the most trusted and compliant platform in crypto by designing and operating tools and systems that detect, investigate, and prevent illicit activity on the blockchain. The team processes and analyzes massive blockchain datasets with speed and precision, using a modern tech stack including Databricks, StarRocks, Postgres, Python, and AWS. The team’s work is collaborative with compliance and investigations teams and evolves rapidly to counter emerging threats. The team is also exploring machine learning, graph databases, and advanced visualization to push the boundaries of blockchain forensics.

While many roles at Coinbase are remote-first, we are not remote-only. In-person participation is required throughout the year. Team and company-wide offsites are held multiple times annually; attendance is expected and supported.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain systems that enhance Coinbase’s ability to detect, investigate, and prevent illicit activities on the blockchain.
• Contribute to development of tools and technologies that improve compliance and investigative capabilities.
• Process and analyze large blockchain datasets with performance and reliability in mind.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (compliance, investigations, product) to align on product and technical roadmaps.
• Write high-quality, well-tested code to meet customer needs and operational requirements.
• Participate in evolving the platform to leverage machine learning, graph databases, and advanced visualization techniques.

Requirements

• At least 2+ years of experience in software engineering.
• Proficiency with Databricks, StarRocks, Postgres, and programming languages such as Go, Scala, and Python.
• Experience with AWS and building reliable, scalable systems.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, cross-functional collaboration skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
• Ability to write high-quality, well-tested code.
• Strong understanding of blockchain technology and compliance challenges; familiarity with investigative tooling and processes.
• Investigative mindset and focus on scalability and reliability.

Nice to haves

• 3+ years in data engineering, software engineering, or related field, especially with a focus on compliance or security.
• Experience with blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum) and onchain activity (interacting with Ethereum addresses, using ENS, engaging with dApps).
• Experience decomposing a large monolith into microservices.
• Experience with Golang, Ruby, Docker, Sinatra, Rails, Postgres, MongoDB, or Redshift.
• Experience building financial, high-reliability, or security systems.
• Experience with machine learning, graph databases, and advanced visualization.

Pay and benefits

• Pay Range: $152,405—$179,300 USD (target annual salary; offers may also include bonus eligibility, equity eligibility, and benefits).
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, health savings account contributions, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, wellness stipend, mobile/internet reimbursement, volunteer time off, fertility counseling, generous time off/leave, and the option of getting paid in digital currency.

Additional notes

• Job #: GPBE04US
• Answers to crypto-related questions may be used to evaluate onchain experience.
• Coinbase is an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For US applicants, certain applicant privacy and arbitration notices apply.
• This role is tagged #LI-Remote; remote-first but requires periodic in-person participation and offsite attendance throughout the year.