What Is a Blockchain Engineer? A Career Guide

Key takeaways

A blockchain engineer creates, analyzes, and implements digital applications on the blockchain. 

• According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for a blockchain engineer in the US is $152,000 annually [1].

• Blockchain engineer skills include cryptography, blockchain architecture, programming, web development, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• You can learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a blockchain engineer through degree programs, online courses, boot camps, hackathons, personal projects, and blockchain certifications. 

Learn about blockchain engineers and the skills, experience, education, and training you need to become one. Are you ready to launch your career as a blockchain engineer or build blockchain skills and knowledge? A great place to start is with the Blockchain Specialization offered by the University of Buffalo on Coursera. This four-course series covers blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, decentralized applications, and more. You will gain a certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile upon completion.

What is blockchain?

Blockchains are specialized types of databases that are used to store and organize data. Traditional databases use rows and columns that create tables, while blockchains consolidate data into clusters or blocks with limited storage capacity.

Once the capacity is reached, the block will seal itself and establish a chain or connection with the previous block via cryptography. Cryptography creates an immutable timestamp or record when a block links to another, confirming the accuracy of the information. Generally, a traditional database is under a central authority that manages and maintains an organization’s sensitive information.

What is a blockchain engineer?

A blockchain engineer designs and creates the architecture for decentralized applications used on the blockchain, including network integration and security. Decentralized applications are software programs that aren’t controlled by a single authority. Blockchain engineers typically work for businesses and organizations, such as technology consulting firms or data-holding companies, to create blockchain applications. 

What does a blockchain engineer do?

The tasks and responsibilities of a blockchain engineer may vary depending on where you work, the company you work for, and the applications you’re building. However, some common examples include:

• Understanding, analyzing, and creating blockchain networks and decentralized applications to run on them

• Communicating with organizations and businesses to understand client needs and existing infrastructure

• Testing networks, systems, and applications, and troubleshooting any errors

• Using cryptography to encrypt systems and secure data

• Managing teams of blockchain engineers

• Scheduling application launches and dates for release

• Keeping up to date with relevant tools and trends to use

• Handling backend maintenance and maintenance of applications and networks

Blockchain engineer salary

According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for a blockchain engineer in the US is $152,000 annually [1]. This figure includes a base salary of $90,000 to $146,000 and $29,000 to 53,000 in additional pay [1]. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other benefits. Remember that your location, experience level, and industry may influence your salary. 

Blockchain developer vs. blockchain engineer

A blockchain engineer and a blockchain developer are different but are similar roles that often work together. Blockchain engineers are in charge of the overall architecture and execution of a blockchain application, while blockchain developers work on developing the code that underpins the application. 

Both roles require similar skills. For example, it's necessary for a blockchain engineer to understand coding and programming to analyze code and train others. 

Read more: Blockchain Developer Salary Guide: How Much Can You Make?

What tools do blockchain engineers use?

Blockchain technology started from cryptocurrency and is now becoming the place to create and manage decentralized applications. You’ll find several tools that engineers will use, including some well-known options:

• Solidity: Programming language for blockchain development 

• Remix IDE: Used to debug smart contracts

• Hardhat: Blockchain development framework for smart contracts

• Metamask: A wallet that also connects a browser and the Ethereum blockchain

Blockchain engineer skills 

To become a blockchain engineer, it’s important to demonstrate relevant skills. You need to have technical knowledge and essential workplace skills. Technical skills are those that represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment. 

Here is a list of skills to have to become a successful blockchain engineer: 

Technical skills:

• Cryptography

• Smart contracts

• Open source projects

• Blockchain architecture

• Programming and coding 

• Algorithms and data structure

• Blockchain platforms and ecosystems

• Web development

Workplace skills:

• Strategic thinking

• Problem-solving 

• Communication

• Teamwork

How to become a blockchain engineer

To become a blockchain engineer, you must prove you have the required skills and knowledge. This can be through a combination of education, certifications, and experience. The first step is understanding how blockchain works and knowing how to program it. 

As a blockchain engineer, you’ll have the option to work in a range of industries, including health care, supply chain, finance, and tech companies. 

Do you need a degree to be a blockchain engineer?

Employers typically require at least a bachelor’s degree to become a blockchain engineer. Relevant majors include computer science, information systems, or engineering. If you want to stand out as a job applicant or have a higher earning potential, consider obtaining a master’s degree. 

Steps to become a blockchain engineer

To become a blockchain engineer, you’ll need to build the relevant skills, experience, education, and certifications. Here are some steps to take: 

1. Learn the blockchain basics: Study blockchain, understand its terminology, and understand its uses. This can be done with a degree, self-study material, or an online course. 

2. Learn how to code and program: These are essential skills for working with blockchain, and you can develop them through boot camps, a degree, online courses, or self-study.

3. Earn a degree: A degree in blockchain, computer science, information systems, engineering, or similar topics provides experience and hands-on projects to help you build the necessary skills to work as a blockchain engineer. 

4. Gain experience: Practical experience is key to demonstrating your skills. It’s essential that you can show an employer you have experience, whether that is through a paid position, personal projects, or hackathons and boot camps.

5. Get a blockchain engineer certification: Gaining a professional certification can give you access to niche skills not included in general degree coursework. These courses develop your understanding of various blockchain platforms and how to use them in business.

Blockchain engineer certification

Earning a blockchain certification can be a great way to enhance your resume. No specific certification is expected universally, so do your research to find one that works for you. Examples include:

• Certified Blockchain Expert by Blockchain Council is a program that covers blockchain business applications and how it’s used in a business setting.

• Certified Blockchain and Finance Professional by Blockchain Council teaches learners how to create blockchain solutions that influence aspects of finance.

• Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional by 101 Blockchain is a course that covers core concepts in blockchain technology, how to implement it, and how to use relevant tools.

Continue exploring blockchain engineer topics and skills

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to explore topics related to blockchain and many other career fields. Then, take a look at these additional free resources to start developing blockchain engineering skills:

• Watch on YouTube: Web Development Skills: Ultimate Guide for Beginners

• Learn the lingo: Web Development Terms and Definitions

• Hear from an insider: The Ultimate Course on Problem-Solving: Professor Sriram Sankaranarayanan Talks Algorithms

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