Principal Architect (Digital Assets)
Your Opportunity
Your opportunity
At Schwab, you are empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us “challenge the status quo” and transform the finance industry together.
We believe in the importance of in-office collaboration and fully intend for the selected candidate for this role to work on site in the specified location(s).
As a Principal Architect (Digital Assets), you will play a crucial role in designing, leading, and overseeing the implementation of blockchain and cryptographic solutions within Schwab. This role demands a blend of deep technical expertise, strong leadership qualities, and an understanding of the evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape. We are looking for a curious person with excellent technical skills, leadership and communication to guide the cross functional teams through technology challenges while driving towards target architecture. This position will report to the Managing Director of Portfolio Management Technology.
In this role you will:
- Provide deep understanding of cryptographic algorithms and principles: This includes cryptographic hashing (like SHA-256), public key cryptography, digital signatures, consensus mechanisms (e.g., Proof of Work (PoW), Proof of Stake (PoS)), and Merkle Trees.
- Design and prototype solutions for wallet infrastructure, private key management, multi-signature and threshold cryptography, and integration with traditional financial systems.
- Evaluate different blockchain architectures, smart contract frameworks, and tokenization methodologies to assess their applicability to our business.
- Stay at the forefront of blockchain innovation, identifying new opportunities in digital identity, decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenized securities, and interoperability.
- Contribute to the company’s blockchain and digital assets strategy through whitepapers and presentations
- Engage with industry consortia, regulators, and technology partners to understand emerging trends and best practices.
- Blockchain Architecture: Understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology, including distributed ledger technology (DLT), smart contracts, consensus mechanisms, different types of blockchain networks (public, private, permissioned), and their operational differences.
- Security Architecture: Designing and implementing secure blockchain solutions that incorporate best practices for cryptographic security and resistance to various attack vectors
- Staying Current with Innovation: Actively monitoring industry trends, research, new protocols, and technological advancements within the blockchain and cryptography space
- Adaptability: Embracing changes and evolving technologies within the rapidly transforming blockchain landscape.
- Problem-solving: Addressing challenges and overcoming obstacles in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving environment.
What you have
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years progressive software development & engineering experience, building technical skills across a breadth of technologies
- 3+ years of experience in blockchain development, crypto asset management, or related fields
- Strong understanding of blockchain architectures (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Layer 2 solutions) and crypto wallet infrastructure.
- A secondary skillset in one or more emerging technology area outside of crypto technology: e.g. AI/ML/GenAI, Spatial Computing, Cloud Native Design, Digital Trust
- Experience in working with secure wallet solutions, including key management (MPC, HSMs, cold storage, custodial vs. non-custodial models)
- Familiarity with tokenization of assets, including securities, stablecoins, and smart contracts (ERC-20, ERC-721, ERC-1155, etc.).
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, Python, Go, or Java
- Experience with cryptographic protocols, DeFi applications, and blockchain interoperability solutions
- Strong analytical skills and ability to translate research findings into real-world applications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Full-stack product development experience
- Experience within fintech, financial institutions, or technology-driven R&D teams
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks related to digital assets (SEC, FINRA, AML/KYC, MiCA)
- Prior experience working at a financial institution, fintech, or blockchain startup
- Hands-on experience with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), Decentralized Identity (DID), or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
- Understanding of financial services infrastructure, including payments, settlements, and capital markets
In addition to the salary range, this role is also eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.
What’s in it for you
At Schwab, we’re committed to empowering our employees’ personal and professional success. Our purpose-driven, supportive culture, and focus on your development means you’ll get the tools you need to make a positive difference in the finance industry. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.
We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you – both today and in the future:
- 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
- Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
- Paid parental leave and family building benefits
- Tuition reimbursement
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
What you are good at
What you have
Required Qualifications:
- 10+ years progressive software development & engineering experience, building technical skills across a breadth of technologies
- 3+ years of experience in blockchain development, crypto asset management, or related fields
- Strong understanding of blockchain architectures (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Layer 2 solutions) and crypto wallet infrastructure.
- A secondary skillset in one or more emerging technology area outside of crypto technology: e.g. AI/ML/GenAI, Spatial Computing, Cloud Native Design, Digital Trust
- Experience in working with secure wallet solutions, including key management (MPC, HSMs, cold storage, custodial vs. non-custodial models)
- Familiarity with tokenization of assets, including securities, stablecoins, and smart contracts (ERC-20, ERC-721, ERC-1155, etc.).
- Proficiency in multiple programming languages such as Solidity, Rust, Python, Go, or Java
- Experience with cryptographic protocols, DeFi applications, and blockchain interoperability solutions
- Strong analytical skills and ability to translate research findings into real-world applications
Preferred Qualifications:
- Full-stack product development experience
- Experience within fintech, financial institutions, or technology-driven R&D teams
- Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks related to digital assets (SEC, FINRA, AML/KYC, MiCA)
- Prior experience working at a financial institution, fintech, or blockchain startup
- Hands-on experience with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), Decentralized Identity (DID), or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)
- Understanding of financial services infrastructure, including payments, settlements, and capital markets
In addition to the salary range, this role is also eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.
Why Schwab?
At Schwab, “Own Your Tomorrow” embodies everything we do! We are committed to helping our employees unleash their potential and achieve their dreams. Our employees get to play a central role in disrupting a multi-trillion-dollar industry, creating a better, more modern way to build and manage wealth. We’re a modern financial services firm that stands apart from the industry, where you can go as far as your ambition takes you.
Hear from employees: What’s it like to work at Schwab!
The benefits of working at Schwab : a package designed to empower your health, wealth, career and life. Schwab is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any status that is protected by law. (Please click here to see policy.)
Schwab is also an affirmative action employer, focused on advancing women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in the workplace. We believe diversity and inclusion are part of our success as a company and our purpose of serving every client with passion and integrity.