Job details

Protocol Engineer

Get a free resume review

About Incention

At Incention, we’re building the future of interactive storytelling — where audiences don’t just watch stories, they shape them. Our platform empowers creators and communities to co-create IP with AI, unlocking new ways to imagine, build, and scale story worlds.

At the core of this vision is our IP Protocol — a blockchain-based system designed to verify, reward, and coordinate contributions from creators, collaborators, and fans.

The Role

We’re looking for a Protocol Engineer to architect and build the smart contract infrastructure that powers creative collaboration at scale. You'll lead development of our protocol — from initial R&D and specification design to production deployment — helping design a new foundation for how IP is created, owned, and shared.

Responsibilities

Lead development of core and supporting smart contracts for Incention’s IP Protocol
Drive end-to-end protocol lifecycle: research, design, implement, test, audit, and deploy
Collaborate with product and engineering to translate coordination primitives into on-chain logic
Design for scalability, efficiency, and economic sustainability
Ensure robustness and security through rigorous testing and threat modeling
Stay current on Web3, cryptographic, and coordination system advancements to inform protocol evolution

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on experience developing smart contracts with Solidity and EVM-compatible chains
5+ years of experience in senior engineering roles, ideally with both Web2 and Web3 experience
Deep understanding of blockchain architecture, decentralized systems, and smart contract patterns
Familiarity with advanced cryptographic concepts (e.g., zero-knowledge proofs, group signatures)
Experience with IPFS, distributed hash tables, and decentralized data storage
Systems thinker with interest in game theory, incentive design, and human coordination
Strong product and design intuition with clear communication skills
Self-directed, collaborative, and comfortable operating in early-stage environments
CS degree or equivalent experience — we care more about capability than credentials

What We Offer

We celebrate diverse thinking, nonlinear backgrounds, and curiosity-driven builders. If you want to work at the intersection of creative expression and technical innovation, you’ll fit right in.

Benefits & Perks:

Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
Flexible PTO – Unlimited vacation and sick days, plus all federal holidays
Quarterly Mental Health Days – One day each quarter for the entire team to recharge
401k Plan – Contribute to a traditional 401k or Roth IRA for long-term savings
Parental Leave – Flexible leave options for new parents to spend time with their growing families

What You Should Know About Protocol Engineer, Incention

At Incention, we're on an exhilarating journey to revolutionize interactive storytelling, where audiences can go beyond merely observing stories and start shaping them. We're looking for a talented Protocol Engineer to join our innovative team. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of building the smart contract infrastructure that drives creative collaboration on our unique blockchain-based IP Protocol. From the early stages of research and design to the thrill of deploying in production, you'll lead the development of our protocol, fundamentally changing how intellectual property is created, owned, and shared. Your responsibilities will include developing core and supporting smart contracts, ensuring security and efficiency throughout the end-to-end protocol lifecycle, and collaborating with product and engineering teams to bring imaginative ideas to life. If you have more than 2 years of experience working with Solidity and you thrive in fast-paced, early-stage environments, let’s chat! Your skill set in blockchain architecture, decentralized systems, and your deep understanding of cryptographic concepts will be instrumental in guiding our protocol’s evolution. Incention celebrates diverse backgrounds and creative thinkers, so if you're excited to work where artistry meets technology, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Protocol Engineer Role at Incention

What qualifications do I need for the Protocol Engineer position at Incention?

To be considered for the Protocol Engineer role at Incention, candidates should have at least 2 years of hands-on experience developing smart contracts using Solidity and working with EVM-compatible chains. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years in senior engineering roles, combined exposure to both Web2 and Web3 technologies, and a strong grasp of blockchain architecture and decentralized systems are essential.