Principal Architect (Digital Assets)

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.