Vending Machine was founded under the belief that the future is bottom-up, user owned and permissionless, and these economies exist on decentralized rails. Today Vending Machine is actively designing, testing and optimizing token systems to make this possible. A Protocol Specialist in this role will lead the research and design of token systems, incentive systems and launch mechanisms for the founders we work with, taking designs from initial concepts through to completely specified mechanisms ready for implementation. Being successful in this role will require a strong knowledge base of existing token systems, crypto-economic and consensus designs, incentive systems and launch mechanisms, strong first principles reasoning and the drive to validate design concepts with deep research, as well as the ability to work with a wider team of specialists in the design process. Ensuring that designs are developed within aggressive timelines is also key to success. You will be given a great amount of autonomy and responsibility. You will also be given unique opportunities to work directly with top founders at the ground level of protocol and token design. The ability to work in this environment will be rewarded with real consequence and influence over protocol direction and success.
RESPONSIBILITY:
- Research, concept generate and finalise designs of token systems, incentive systems and launch campaigns following a systems engineering framework.
- Take on accountability of critical design process components, as every protocol specialist assumes profound responsibility for their designs.
- Stay on the pulse with token design, incentive design and launch mechanisms to ensure our designs are optimal.
- Define network objectives with founders, and manage the creation of various token systems, incentive systems and launch campaigns based on that objective set.
- Create various concept designs with the network objectives, then lead the selection process.
- Ensure that detailed analysis is performed on all the design components, and meets the required standards for the founders.
- Work with our simulation team to communicate the design, and support simulation analysis.
- Lead resolution of issues encountered during the design process, while ensuring timelines are met.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Background in economics, computer science, engineering, maths or physics.
- Experience working with, and deriving insights from, on-chain data.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Strong understanding of token systems, incentive systems and launch mechanisms.
- Strong understanding of crypto culture and extremely up-to-date with new mechanisms.
- Hands-on experience designing a token system, incentive system or launch mechanism previously.
- Experience conducting self-led research on complex crypto-economic problems.
- Great attitude in the face of challenges.
- Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- You want to be part of a winning team and embrace being pushed out of your comfort zone.
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed to resolve critical design or timing issues.
- Ability to self-manage deliverables and operate within tight deadlines.
