Junior Backend Engineer (web3)

About CoW DAO

CoW DAO is on a mission to protect Ethereum users from MEV and optimize trade execution across DeFi. We achieve this through the CoW Protocol, CoW Swap (a leading intent-based DEX aggregator), and the innovative MEV Blocker, which together help secure, aggregate, and route trades for optimal outcomes. We also fund values-aligned projects via the CoW Grants Program.

CoW Protocol is consistently ranked among the top DEX aggregators by monthly volume and is the largest intent-based exchange. Our MEV Blocker protects trades from harmful MEV extraction and is integrated across the Ethereum ecosystem. The CoW AMM is the only live AMM designed to protect liquidity providers from LVR (loss-versus-rebalancing).

With over 100 open-source repositories on GitHub, we’re transparent, community-driven, and deeply committed to the open-source ethos. Our real-time Dune Analytics dashboard showcases billions in cumulative trading volume and a rapidly growing user base. As we continue to scale, CoW DAO remains at the forefront of DeFi innovation, prioritizing security, efficiency, and decentralization.

Learn more

About the role

Location: We are a fully remote team, and although we hire almost globally, there is a preference for this role to be based in Europe or remote +/- 4 hours CEST time

Please note we’re not hiring from the US, Australia, or New Zealand

Position: Full-time contractor

We’re looking for a motivated Junior Backend Engineer to support the deployment of CoW Protocol on new blockchain networks, troubleshoot and debug issues, support our on-call rotation, and contribute to our engineering backlog. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow within the position and become a highly skilled Rust Engineer in a production-level Web3 environment.

This is a great fit if you’re someone early in your career who’s excited about learning Rust, solving complex problems, and taking initiative

What You’ll Do

• Help deploy and maintain CoW Protocol across new and existing blockchain networks

• Investigate and debug issues in production environments

• Participate in our on-call rotation (with additional compensation)

• Contribute to the engineering backlog and assist with feature development

• Collaborate with experienced engineers and gradually take on more ownership of Rust-based services

Who You Are

• Recently graduated or have around 3 years of backend experience

• Hands-on experience with Rust, either through personal projects, open-source contributions, or commercial work

• Solid understanding of blockchain and Web3 — you’re familiar with the space, its core concepts, and have prior exposure through work, projects, hackathons or contributions

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently

• Proactive mindset, you take initiative and figure things out

• Comfortable working remotely in a highly autonomous, async environment

What we can offer you

• Flexible work environment: Join our hub in Lisbon or work remotely

• Token plan: Have a stake in our mission and shape the future of CoW DAO

• Periodic gatherings: Enjoy opportunities to connect with the rest of the team through regular trips

• Conference allocation: Stay up-to-date with ecosystem advancements using our conference budget

• Learning budget: Use our learning budget to support your higher ambitions

• Hardware budget: Take advantage of a hardware budget for acquiring necessary equipment

• Make an impact: You are joining a startup where you can make a huge difference. Your work matters!

• Flat hierarchies mean fewer processes and bureaucracy – see more of your ideas come to life!

• Flexible work and vacation times: Prioritize work-life balance through our robust flexible work policy and vacation allowance

• Growth: If you’re someone who loves taking the initiative and getting things done, CoW offers lots of opportunities for your individual growth

Referral Program

Earn 3.000 USDC or USD with the refer-to-earn program. More details here.

Culture

Life within the CoW Protocol is an incredible adventure! We take pride in our collaborative approach, embracing autonomy and fostering a culture of big thinking and continuous growth. We value impact, ownership, simplicity, and team spirit. Plus, we’re all about feedback, coming together, and enjoying the journey along the way!

At CoW Protocol, we strive to create a space where everyone feels included and empowered. We believe that our products and services benefit from our diverse backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants are considered for positions regardless of race, ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, marital status, gender identification, sexual orientation, or physical ability