Protocol Engineer (Solana/Move) at Key to Web3 (Remote)

Role details

Work type

Remote

Employment

Full-Time

Job description

The role involves managing and optimizing Solana validators, providing RPC support in the Move ecosystem, and assisting with blockchain SDK integrations. Ideal for those with hands-on experience in validator operations and problem-solving in blockchain environments.
Set up, maintain, and optimize Solana validators for high uptime and compliance
Collaborate on RPC setup and support for Move integrations, including EVM and crypto SDK support
Monitor validator performance and troubleshoot using tools like Grafana and Prometheus
Document validator processes, optimizations, and troubleshooting
Work with engineering and client support teams to meet client needs
Requirements

Key Requirements:

1-3 years in Solana-focused roles, especially validator operations
Proficient with Solana blockchain tools, validator management, and node maintenance
Familiar with Solana’s protocols, monitoring tools, and performance optimization
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Experience
Familiarity with EVM, Move ecosystem RPC, and blockchain SDKs

Culture Highlights: A startup‑style, lean team environment where every member has significant ownership. Emphasis on innovation, technology, and shaping the future of work in emerging industries.
Remote/Hybrid Policy: Fully remote‑friendly; the team is distributed across the US and Czechia, and the company actively hires for remote roles globally.
Notable Perks: Opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting‑edge technologies, direct mentorship from a founder with deep industry connections, and exposure to high‑growth startups and Fortune 500 clients.
Engineering Culture: Recruiters and consultants work closely with technical talent; the agency itself is small and agile, offering a chance to wear multiple hats and directly impact client outcomes.

One-liner: Key to Web3 is an elite global recruitment and consulting agency specializing in placing talent across Web3, crypto, blockchain, gaming, fintech, AI, aerospace, maritime, and other emerging technologies.
Entity Type: Private (Partnership; bootstrapped)
Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States
Founded: 2023
Founders: Sarah Otsuki

Industries: Staffing and Recruiting (specialized in emerging technology sectors)
Target Customers: B2B – companies of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500s, seeking specialized talent in blockchain, crypto, Web3, AI, gaming, fintech, compliance, aerospace, and maritime.
Mission: To connect top talent with cutting-edge opportunities and proactively shape the job market in emerging technology sectors.

Global Recruitment Services: End-to-end talent placement for roles such as software engineers, smart contract developers, growth marketers, technical writers, and business development managers. Focus on hard-to-fill positions in Web3, crypto, AI, and related fields.
Consulting & Advisory: Strategic guidance for companies scaling teams in emerging tech, leveraging the founder’s decade of experience and extensive global network.

Valuation/Market Cap: Not disclosed (private, small agency)
Key Metric: Total headcount of 3 employees (as of mid‑2026); 9,318 LinkedIn followers.
Notable Investors/Partners: No external investors; operates as a partnership. Works with clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Growth Signals: Despite a 28.6% monthly headcount decline (likely normal fluctuation in a micro‑agency), the company maintains active hiring for 29+ open remote roles (as of June 2026), indicating ongoing client demand. The founder has a strong personal brand and the company regularly attends industry events (e.g., Permissionless IV by Blockworks).

Deep Niche Specialization: Focus exclusively on emerging technology verticals (Web3, crypto, blockchain, AI, gaming, fintech) where traditional recruiters lack domain expertise.
Founder‑Led Expertise: Sarah Otsuki brings over a decade of experience and a global network, enabling the agency to source rare talent and build high‑performing teams.
Flexible, Remote‑First Model: Operates with a lean, distributed team (US and Czechia) and offers fully remote roles to clients, aligning with the remote‑native nature of many Web3 companies.

Current Priorities: Expanding recruitment services into adjacent emerging tech sectors (aerospace, maritime, AI) while deepening its core Web3 and crypto talent pipeline. Actively building brand presence through industry events and LinkedIn engagement.
Direction for Growth: Scaling the agency’s capacity to handle larger client engagements, likely by adding more recruiters and consultants while maintaining a boutique, high‑touch service model.

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