Stellar Smart Contract Developer - DeFi Execution Layer - Freelance

Location: Remote (with occasional meetings in Paris)
Start: August 2025
Duration: 3-4 months project-based contract

Introduction to the Ecosystem

Are you ready to build critical infrastructure for the next generation of DeFi on Stellar As liquidity management becomes increasingly complex across decentralized exchanges we need sophisticated execution layers that can bridge advanced algorithms with on-chain operations.

At Lobster Protocol were developing a comprehensive liquidity optimization solution funded by the Stellar Community Fund. Our data-driven approach analyzes DEX pools in real-time identifying optimal strategies for liquidity providers. Weve already built successful solutions across Arbitrum and BNB Chain and now were bringing our expertise to Stellars growing ecosystem.

This is your opportunity to build the smart contract infrastructure that will transform how liquidity flows through Stellar DEXs. Youll create the critical execution layer that connects our proven optimization algorithms with on-chain operations directly impacting capital efficiency across the ecosystem.

Why Lobster

The Stellar ecosystem presents a unique opportunity with its built-in DEX native multi-asset support and efficient consensus mechanism. Unlike EVM chains Stellar offers native order books and path payments enabling sophisticated liquidity strategies without the overhead of complex smart contracts.

Our solution leverages these Stellar-specific advantages while adding an intelligent optimization layer through Soroban smart contracts. By combining Stellars native efficiency with advanced algorithms were creating infrastructure that couldnt exist on other chains.

Tasks

Build Soroban Smart Contracts:
Develop WASM-compiled smart contracts using Rust and the Soroban SDK. Implement secure validation for liquidity operations including XLM and token deposits/withdrawals. Create contracts that interface with Stellars native DEX and handle path payments efficiently. Ensure proper integration with Stellars account and trustline system.

Develop Stellar Integration Layer:
Build the infrastructure to connect our off-chain algorithms with Soroban contracts via Horizon API and Soroban RPC. Implement transaction building and signing mechanisms that respect Stellars sequence number requirements. Handle Stellar-specific operations like trustline management and path payment optimization.

Optimize for Stellars Architecture:
Design contracts that minimize storage costs on Stellars ledger. Implement efficient data structures considering Stellars fee model. Ensure contracts work seamlessly with Stellars native multi-asset support and built-in DEX functionality. Optimize for Stellars 5-second block time.

Deploy to Stellar Network:
Handle deployment through Stellars testnet (Futurenet for Soroban) with comprehensive testing. Execute mainnet deployment following Stellar Foundation recommendations. Configure proper network settings and monitor contract performance using Stellar-specific tools.

Requirements

Programming Skills:

• Rust (mandatory): Expert-level proficiency with Soroban SDK for smart contract development
• Experience with WASM compilation and optimization
• Familiarity with Stellar SDKs (JavaScript Python or Go) for off-chain integration
• Understanding of asynchronous programming patterns

Stellar Ecosystem Knowledge:

• Proven experience deploying Soroban smart contracts on Stellar testnet/mainnet
• Deep understanding of Stellars account model and native asset system
• Experience with Horizon API and Soroban RPC endpoints
• Knowledge of Stellars fee structure and transaction optimization
• Understanding of Stellar DEX architecture (order books liquidity pools)
• Familiarity with Stellar-specific tools (Stellar Laboratory Freighter wallet)

Soroban Development:

• RESTful API design for Horizon and Soroban RPC integration
• Transaction builder patterns for Stellar operations
• Experience with Stellars XDR (External Data Representation) format
• Stellar-specific error handling and retry mechanisms

Security & Best Practices:

• Soroban contract security patterns and anti-patterns
• Understanding of WASM security considerations
• Experience with Stellars authorization model
• Knowledge of storage optimization on Stellars ledger

Nice to Have:

• Experience with Stellar anchors and issued assets
• Contributions to Stellar ecosystem projects
• Familiarity with Phoenix Soroswap or other Stellar DEXs
• Experience with Stellars SDEX (native decentralized exchange)
• Knowledge of other WASM-based smart contract platforms

Personal Requirements:

• At least one production Stellar/Soroban project deployed
• Strong autonomy with ability to work from specifications
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills
• Clear communication for technical discussions
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Available for initial onboarding call and regular progress updates

Benefits

• Work on a project leveraging Stellars unique features (native DEX multi-asset support)
• Build infrastructure specifically designed for Stellars efficient architecture
• Collaborate with a team bringing cross-chain expertise to Stellar
• Contribute to Stellars growing DeFi ecosystem with SCF backing
• Create solutions that utilize Stellars low fees and fast finality
• Potential to shape liquidity management standards on Stellar
• Direct impact on Stellar DEX efficiency and adoption