Principal Architect

Please note: This is an ICN role being handled by the IC GmbH applicant tracking system.

What we do

At Impossible Cloud Network (ICN), we are pioneering the #1 enterprise-grade decentralized open cloud platform for hardware and service providers, as well as developers. Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs who previously built a billion-euro tech company, we are on a mission to revolutionize the cloud industry.

ICN manages and orchestrates connected hardware, acting as the critical network layer to accelerate the transition to an open cloud. By offering a protocol with top-quality DePin nodes, ICN ensures a decentralized, enterprise-grade alternative to AWS and creates a secure, performant, and cost-effective open cloud trusted by the world's largest companies.

Join our team of distinguished experts renowned for their success in Web3, alongside some of Europe's most accomplished Web2 entrepreneurs, and be part of transforming the cloud landscape with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise.

About Us

As our Principal Web3 Architect, you’ll lead the architecture of the future of decentralised cloud infrastructure, translating visionary ideas into scalable, secure systems that power ICN’s Open Cloud Platform.

As a core member of the engineering team, you’ll steer the technical roadmap, guide protocol design, and set up architecture that allows for flawless execution across engineering - from smart contract architecture and node infrastructure to product integrations and performance optimisation.

You’ll work hand-in-hand with the CTO and Engineering team to align technology with company goals, building a world-class team and shaping the decentralised backbone of tomorrow’s cloud.

Solve the Impossible…

This is not a typical architect role. Your primary responsibility will be a full-time focus on solving our deepest technical challenges. We have existing systems and ambitious goals, many of which require a fundamental shift from centralised to decentralised models.

You will be our go-to expert for high-level technical strategy. In this senior role, you will be a key strategic voice responsible for our most complex architectural challenges. The position includes the potential to guide and empower a small team of architects. You'll have the autonomy to go into a room, grapple with a foundational problem - like "How do we truly decentralise this core service?" or "Should we build our own L1?" and emerge with a well-reasoned, robust proposal.

Your success will be measured by the quality of your ideas, your ability to defend them, and your collaboration with the engineering team to turn them into a reality that serves our users.

• Spearhead Architectural Strategy: Lead the high-level design of our decentralised protocols and systems. Author whitepapers, architectural diagrams, and technical proposals that outline the path forward.
• Decentralise Core Systems: Critically analyse our existing infrastructure and devise pragmatic, phased strategies to migrate components from centralised to decentralised architectures.
• Drive Foundational Decisions: Provide definitive recommendations on critical "build vs. buy" decisions. You will be expected to form strong, evidence-based opinions on topics like L1/L2 selection, protocol design, consensus mechanisms, and data availability.
• Validate and Iterate: Present your architectural proposals to the engineering and product teams. You must be able to clearly articulate complex concepts, listen to feedback, and understand the practical trade-offs required for implementation.
• Provide Technical Leadership: Act as a thought leader within the organisation. You have the conviction to argue against a bad idea, even if it's popular, and the clarity to explain why.
• Focus on Delivery: While this is a strategic role, your work is directly tied to our product roadmap. You will guide the architectural evolution of existing products and the creation of new versions, ensuring our systems are secure, scalable, and built for the long term.

• Proven Web3 Architectural Experience: You have served as a Staff/Principal Engineer or Architect on a large-scale, production-level Web3 project (e.g., L1/L2 protocol, major DeFi application, cross-chain bridge, etc.). You have done this before.
• Deep Technical Acumen: An expert-level understanding of blockchain fundamentals, dApp architecture, smart contract limitations, consensus algorithms, and the broader decentralised ecosystem.
• A "First Principles" Thinker: You are energised by ambiguous, unsolved problems. You can break them down to their core and build solutions from the ground up.
• Strong Conviction, Loosely Held: You are comfortable forming strong opinions and defending them with rigorous logic. You can confidently say "no" and explain your reasoning. You also have the humility to adapt your views based on new data or constructive feedback.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: While you can be an introvert who needs time for deep work, you must be able to articulate your vision and requirements clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Pragmatic and Delivery-Oriented: You understand that the perfect solution is useless if it can't be built and shipped. You balance visionary thinking with a practical mindset focused on delivering value to users.

• 10+ years in Software Engineering leadership, with at least 4 years in Web3 
• M.Sc or Ph.D in Computer Science, Information Security or another related technical field 
• Broad technical fluency and understanding of distributed/decentralised systems and high-load architectures
• Strong technical and business minded thinking, with the ability to see and connect the full technical picture
• Experience of setting direction for  small teams.
• Experience working with distributed teams and agile development methodologies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills from Junior to C-suite levels
• Don't meet every single requirement on our list? Please don't hesitate to apply. We're interested in your unique skills and potential.
• Nice to Haves
• Experience designing or contributing to L1 or L2 blockchain protocols.
• Deep knowledge of cryptography and security best practices.
• Contributions to open-source projects in the Web3 space.
• Experience with tokenomics and protocol incentive design.

Our Culture

Join us in building Europe's next cloud champion. We are committed to success and driven by a shared vision to build a decentralized future.

We believe the best ideas are forged in person. That's why we value regular, in-person collaboration and open communication at our Zug, Switzerland headquarters. If you're an innovative thinker with a passion for success in decentralized technology and the cloud industry, we want you on our team.

At our core, we're a workplace that values your well-being, fosters a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere, and empowers you to shape the future of the cloud.

Our Hiring Process

Application Submission

We encourage you to kickstart your application by submitting your comprehensive LinkedIn profile or CV along with the designated application form.

Kickoff Call for Selected Candidates

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in a Kickoff call, where we aim to explore your qualifications, experiences, and expectations.

Efficient Interview Process

Our commitment is to complete the hiring process in 2 to 4 additional remote and/or on-site steps, according to the specific role and its seniority level. We believe in moving swiftly to welcome exceptional talent into our dynamic workplace.