Senior Backend Engineer - Perps

LI.FI is simplifying multi-chain DeFi for traditional financial institutions, fintechs and service providers by offering a unified API to access all on-chain liquidity across major blockchains for best price same-chain and cross-chain swaps. We are a passionate team on a mission to enable a fairer, more decentralised world. Apart from the tech, we care a lot about user experience and aim to make complex technologies accessible to everyone.

A quick run-down of the job

Join LI.FI as a Backend Developer with a dedicated focus on integrating Hyperliquid functionalities into our API platform. This role is backend-only—no frontend or design work required—letting you shape core integrations at the infrastructure layer. The ideal candidate is excited about Hyperliquid and its protocols, eager to help us distribute programmatic trading features (e.g., TWAP, perps) to the broader DeFi ecosystem through performant backend systems.

Please note: You must be located in the EMEA region. Your application will not be considered otherwise.

What you'll do

• Extend LI.FI’s API stack to include Hyperliquid ecosystem projects and feature sets

• Design, build, and maintain backend services using Node.js and TypeScript

• Work with MongoDB, Redis, and MySQL to support high-throughput, low-latency trading workflows

• Collaborate closely with the Expansion PM and other backend engineers to improve integrations, routing, and user flows, and help evaluate new opportunities for feature expansion

• Ensure robust, high-quality backend code with a strong focus on scalability, performance, and reliability for same-chain and cross-chain trading

• Participate in code reviews, system design discussions, and technical documentation

What makes a good candidate

• 5+ years of experience in crypto, ideally building or integrating production-grade DeFi or trading systems

• Strong backend engineering background with hands-on experience in Node.js and TypeScript

• Database experience with MongoDB, Redis, and MySQL in performance-sensitive backend environments

• Hyperliquid architecture familiarity: Understanding of builder codes (spot, perps), HIP-3, precompiles, and HyperEVM at a design level, with the ability to keep up with evolving documentation

• Hyperliquid focus: Genuine interest in the Hyperliquid ecosystem; prior projects, integrations, or self-driven exploration are highly valued

• Orderbook fundamentals: Solid understanding of orderbook mechanics and comfort working with programmatic trading features

• EVM & integration patterns: Experience building backend systems that integrate with EVM-based protocols; frontend or modal design work is not expected

• Independence: Ability to drive integrations and propose new features with minimal oversight while collaborating effectively in a remote-first team

• Cross-chain experience: Background working with bridges or backend infrastructure supporting multi-chain environments is a strong plus

Bonus: Familiarity with Solana, Bitcoin, or mobile backend development.

How we hire

We prioritize candidates who show genuine excitement for Hyperliquid and demonstrate technical familiarity with its protocols. Expect conversations where you can showcase prior Hyperliquid-related projects and discuss ideas for future integration work. We won’t require prior Hyperliquid work experience but will test your understanding through interview discussions and portfolio review.

Company culture

• Embracing the differences

• Embrace your own differences

• Respect and welcome the unique qualities of others

• See others’ differences as an opportunity to grow

• Own it, do it

• Own tasks end-to-end

• Hold yourself to a high bar for execution

• Make bold decisions, and be accountable

• Understand your limitations and seek for help

• Fail forward

• Try - don’t be afraid to fail

• Learn - don’t make the same mistake twice

• Adapt - grow with the experience

• Have fun together

• Take the time to get to know and understand each other better

• Don’t take yourself too seriously and keep it light-hearted

• Fun should be coming from a place of love and respect

What you’ll get

• Annual team offsites (Thailand in 2023 and Vietnam in 2024 were a blast, Marrakech in March 2025 was blast-ier; let’s see what happens in 2026!)

• 30 days of PTO

• Flexible remote days

• Flexible working hours

• Equity participation from day 1

• Entitlement to work computer (choice of equipment)

• An annual 1,000€ personal development budget once you have worked 6+ months (pro-rated the first year)

• A one-time 1,000€ remote budget to use on coworking, office setup, etc.

If you join us as an independent contractor, you’re only entitled to the first five benefits of this list.

Application process

Setting yourself up for success starts with the application! Click here to discover valuable tips that will help you navigate our application process effectively.

LI.FI is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. Join us in our dedication to fostering a workplace that values and respects each team member's unique contributions.

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a comprehensive interview process, including a people operations interview, a take-home assignment, a meet-the-team & founder interview, and a reference check.

For more information, visit our page detailing our hiring process!