Getting aDeFi Job in 2026

DeFi protocols manage billions of dollars in value with small, high-impact teams. Working in DeFi means building financial infrastructure that operates 24/7, globally, without intermediaries. Compensation is competitive -- often including token grants alongside base salary -- and remote work is the norm.

Right now there are 8,701 open positions across the DeFi ecosystem, with 2,823 available remotely. The industry is actively hiring.

The most sought-after technical skills in DeFi depend on the role. Here's what protocols are looking for:

• Solidity / Vyper -- Smart contract development remains the most DeFi-specific skill. See smart contract jobs.
• Rust -- Essential for Solana, Cosmos, and other non-EVM ecosystems. Also used heavily in infrastructure and MEV.
• TypeScript / JavaScript -- The dominant language for frontend roles and SDK development. React experience is highly valued.
• Go / Python -- Common in backend roles, data engineering, and blockchain node infrastructure.
• Security auditing -- Protocols handling billions need security engineers who can identify vulnerabilities before they're exploited.

DeFi isn't just for engineers. Protocols need people across the full spectrum:

• Product management -- Defining roadmaps and user experience for complex financial products.
• Marketing & Growth -- DeFi protocols compete for users and TVL. Marketing roles involve community management, content strategy, and partnership development.
• Design -- Making DeFi accessible requires strong product design talent who can simplify complex financial interfaces.
• Operations & Legal -- Regulatory compliance, treasury management, and DAO governance operations.

1. Contribute to open source -- Many DeFi protocols are open source. Contributing to a protocol's codebase is the fastest way to get noticed by their team.
2. Build on-chain experience -- Use the protocols you want to work for. Understanding a product as a user gives you insights that interviewers value.
3. Participate in hackathons -- ETHGlobal, Solana hackathons, and similar events are common recruiting pipelines for DeFi teams.
4. Write about DeFi -- Technical blog posts, protocol analyses, and security write-ups demonstrate domain knowledge better than a resume bullet point.
5. Be active in governance -- Participating in DAO governance forums shows you understand how DeFi organizations operate.

• DeFi teams are small and move fast. Tailor your application -- generic cover letters won't cut it.
• Include your GitHub profile, on-chain addresses, or any relevant public work. DeFi teams value verifiable output over credentials.
• Most DeFi hiring is remote-first. Time zone compatibility matters more than physical location.
• Expect technical interviews to involve live coding, system design, or reviewing smart contract code. Prepare accordingly.

Ready to start looking? Browse all open DeFi positions or check out our DeFi Careers Guide for salary data and career path information.