Senior Protocol Engineer

Summary

Join Magic Labs as a Protocol Engineer and build core features for our Rust-based, VM-less Layer 2, built on Reth. You will play a key role in defining the technical foundations of Newton Keystore Rollup, architecting performant, secure, and scalable systems. This hands-on role involves collaborating with product, infrastructure, and security teams to align technical execution with real-world use cases. You will drive projects from inception to completion, solve complex protocol-level challenges, and shape the future of self-custody and account abstraction. The position requires extensive experience in backend or distributed systems, with a focus on blockchain client/protocol development and proficiency in Rust. You will be responsible for protocol engineering and architecture, cross-functional execution, and research and innovation.

Requirements

• 7+ years of backend or distributed systems experience, with 4+ years focused on blockchain client/protocol development
• 4+ years writing production-grade Rust
• Deep familiarity with Ethereum execution clients (Reth, Geth): profiling, extending, and debugging at the internals level
• Proven track record owning high-throughput, low-latency distributed systems or L2 stacks
• Strong foundation in Ethereum architecture: P2P, blocks, Merkle trees, tx pools, etc
• Security-first mindset with experience threat-modeling wallets and bridging flows
• Highly self-directed, thrives in environments with evolving priorities and high ownership
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills; works well in fast-paced, collaborative teams

Responsibilities

• Architect and ship foundational protocol components in Rust for our custom execution layer
• Own end-to-end implementation: translate ambiguous product ideas into precise technical plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Debug hard issues across layers—performance bottlenecks, consensus bugs, and security flaws
• Collaborate with our product, infra, and security teams to ensure the protocol aligns with user needs and strategic goals
• Maintain a high standard of code quality, documentation, and testing through design reviews and mentorship (no direct reports)
• Explore and implement modern scaling techniques, from data availability to account abstraction
• Stay current on Ethereum fundamentals and zk/Rollup innovations to inform protocol decisions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience guiding an L1/L2 roadmap or driving EIPs/RFCs
• Familiarity with zkVMs (e.g., SP1, Risc0) and building Rust-based zk circuits
• Contributions to open-source crypto or distributed-systems projects
• Knowledge of account abstraction tools (Bundlers, Paymasters) and solver-based cross-chain designs
• Deep understanding of smart contract best practices and onchain security patterns

Benefits

• Remote-first culture with flexible working hours
• Competitive salary with stock options
• 99% company-paid medical*, dental and vision insurance; 100% company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan* (US) or pension plan (CAN)
• $3,600 annual reimbursement for remote work, wellness and professional development
• Flexible time off
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Family planning and reproductive health benefits, including up to $5,000 reimbursement, through Maven*