Staff Blockchain Security Architect

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. It’s a massive, ambitious opportunity that demands the best of us, every day, as we build the emerging onchain platform — and with it, the future global financial system.

To achieve our mission, we’re seeking a very specific candidate passionate about crypto and blockchain technology. We want someone eager to leave their mark on the world, who thrives on solving hard problems, and who actively seeks feedback to improve.

Our work culture is intense and competitive, suited for highly disciplined individuals.

Security is a primary competency at Coinbase. The Security Team protects billions in digital assets against sophisticated attackers, scaling alongside the company globally using tooling, automation, and strategic growth.

The Blockchain Security (BlockSec) team secures funds and data from protocols to wallets, addressing unique blockchain security risks through deep expertise.

Our goal is to bring over 1 billion people onchain securely, providing platforms and tools for safe interaction with blockchain applications.

Protocol Security ensures the security of all onchain development by partnering with product teams to protect users.

Responsibilities

• Identify gaps in security infrastructure and lead cross-functional efforts to address them.
• Conduct security assessments, develop frameworks, and threat model blockchain protocols, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technologies.
• Advise software engineering teams on code and architecture for internal smart contract development.
• Collaborate with tooling teams on roadmap and vision for blockchain security tools.
• Automate tooling/processes by delivering proofs of concept and technical requirements.
• Investigate blockchain space changes, upgrades, and innovations such as zero-knowledge proofs.
• Publish blogs and deliver talks internally and externally about vulnerabilities, incidents, and risks.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of blockchains, especially EVM chains, and highly crypto-forward mindset.
• Extensive experience in architecture and threat modeling of security-critical backend crypto systems.
• Familiarity with crypto custodian threat models, vulnerabilities, and pitfalls.
• Knowledge of onchain fundamentals: blockchain explorers, fund tracing, bridging, DEXs, NFTs, smart contracts.
• Awareness of recent innovations like restaking and current EIP proposals.
• Leadership and mentorship abilities.
• Experience in cross-functional roles and/or team leadership.
• Excellent communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 8+ years in blockchain technology with at least 4 years in blockchain security.

Nice to Haves

• Knowledge of security architecture of non-EVM blockchains.
• Deep understanding of cryptography such as zk-SNARKs, Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), and Multi-Party Computation (MPC).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with strong company contributions.
• Health Savings Account with company contributions.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Wellness stipend, mobile/internet reimbursements, and connections stipend.
• Volunteer time off.
• Fertility counseling and benefits.
• Generous leave policies.
• Option to get paid in digital currency.

Pay Transparency Notice: The target annual salary for this position ranges from $218,025 to $256,500 USD and includes bonus and benefits.

This position is remote.