Senior Engineer - ZK Interoperability

Summary

Join Celestia Labs, a remote-first modular blockchain company, as a seasoned engineer passionate about distributed systems and blockchain technology. You will design and implement secure bridging protocols, drive key architectural decisions, and proactively mitigate security vulnerabilities. The ideal candidate possesses 5+ years of backend or systems-level programming experience in Rust and Golang, with familiarity in zero-knowledge systems and interoperability protocols like Hyperlane. You will mentor junior engineers, lead by example, and contribute to a collaborative team. Celestia offers a competitive salary, flexible work environment, stipends, vacation time, and benefits like 401k and healthcare (for US team members).

Requirements

• Experienced Engineer: 5+ years of backend or systems-level programming experience working in both Rust and Golang
• Knowledgeable on Bridging: You’re familiar with current interoperability protocols in web3, specifically Hyperlane and are opinionated about what designs have the best properties for what users want
• Knowledgeable on Zero Knowledge: Familiarity with designing and hands-on coding experience at implementing circuits, specifically using sp1 and risc0. You should be aware of tradeoffs in performance and efficiency between different designs and algorithms
• Security-Conscious: Deep understanding of secure systems design, particularly around adversarial environments
• Self-Directed: You’re highly autonomous and able to identify and own high-impact work
• Problem-Solver: Skilled at identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks and security gaps with effective solutions
• Technical Leader: Known for setting technical direction, mentoring team members, and driving projects to success

Responsibilities

• Protocol Engineering: Design and implement secure and efficient bridging protocols based on zero knowledge primitives
• Architectural Leadership : Drive key architectural decisions, balancing trade-offs in scalability, performance, and security
• Security-First Design: Proactively identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in cross-chain interactions
• Mentorship & Collaboration: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers, and work closely with the broader engineering, research, and product teams
• Lead by Example : Set high standards for code quality, testing, documentation, and effective communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of solidity is a bonus
• While experience in the blockchain space is preferred – having general excitement about web3 and modular blockchain technology is a must!

Benefits

• Flexible and remote work environment with multiple onsites each year
• Competitive salary and meaningful long-term compensation package
• Stipends for home office, coworking space, professional and personal growth
• 4 weeks annual vacation
• Being part of a collaborative, supportive team with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth
• 401k and healthcare coverage for US team members