Boston Fed seeks software engineer for CBDC research

The LinkedIn posting states that the position would “support the Federal Reserve System’s [CBDC] Research and Development program.”

article-image

Adobe and A.Ruiz/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston wants to hire a senior software engineer focused on digital currency. 

The LinkedIn posting states that the position would “support the Federal Reserve System’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Research and Development program.”

The engineer would head up a team focused on the CBDC research and “prototyping.” 

“This position offers a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class team working on cutting edge technologies related to CBDC R&D. You will participate in a dynamic work environment that has the feel of a startup while also maintaining the benefits of a larger organization,” the listing said.

The Boston branch of the US central bank is exploring how a CBDC could be implemented and what would be needed to roll one out. However, the Fed has not yet committed to a CBDC. 

Read more: Fed official: Stablecoins pose a threat, but could present innovative opportunities

In fact, the US remains unsure about CBDCs, with some lawmakers on Capitol Hill arguing that privacy is a concern. It’s a sticking point that isn’t just a worry for the US government either — the UK and other nations are researching how privacy could be safeguarded in any CBDC rollout.

Even RBC Wealth Management published a report on privacy earlier this year. 

In September, US Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, said that a poorly structured money system is “perhaps the biggest existential threat to Western civilization.”

Earlier this year, Republicans brought forth a Central Bank Digital Currency Anti-Surveillance State Act which aims to prevent the Fed from directly offering a CBDC to individuals. Democrats — including Rep. Maxine Waters, D-CA., have spoken out against the bill

Waters warned that the bill could impede the Fed’s research into a CBDC.

The proposed legislation is clearly not stopping the Fed from proceeding with its research into a possible digital dollar currently. Michael Barr, Vice Chair of Supervision at the Fed, said in October that while the central bank is no closer to making a decision on a CBDC, it continues to research potential systems. 

“The research is currently focused on end-to-end system architecture, such as how ledgers that record ownership of and transactions in digital assets are maintained, secured and verified, as well as tokenization and custody models,” Barr said at the time.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Unlocked by Template.png

Research

The march toward an interoperable and onchain-by-default internet depends on reliable messaging and value transfer across heterogeneous domains. Crosschain protocols now process >$1.3T in combined annual transfer volume and secure tens of millions of user interactions, yet no single design dominates.

article-image

The goal, per Santiago Santos, is to make crypto a relatable piece of tech for people who may not even understand it

article-image

Stripe stablecoin unit aims to operate under a federal charter enabling regulated stablecoin issuance and custody services

by Blockworks /
article-image

Will TradFi make crypto better or create more problems than it solves?

article-image

Subtle decisions by risk curators saved Aave from significant turmoil

article-image

The new Rootstock Institutional unit aims to connect professional investors to Bitcoin-native yield and liquidity strategies anchored in BTC’s security layer

by Blockworks /
article-image

DOJ files record civil forfeiture against more than 127,000 BTC linked to scam activity

by Blockworks /