ZK Proof Engineer

About the role

You will implement and optimize cutting-edge cryptographic code for zero-knowledge proof generation, owning the full lifecycle of performance-critical proof systems. You will design and build systems that bridge low-level computer architectures such as RISC-V with compiler frameworks like LLVM and database backends, integrating them with advanced zero-knowledge proof systems. This role requires you to make precise design choices that balance security, performance, and development speed for a fast-moving product. You will optimize ZK provers to achieve significant efficiency gains while implementing novel ZK circuits that expand the set of provable computations. You will collaborate closely with engineers across crypto and fintech to translate complex requirements into robust, verifiable software solutions. Your work will directly shape the infrastructure that enables verifiable and private software applications across the industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

Implement high-performance ZK proof generation components in Rust, focusing on correctness, security, and scalability.

Optimize prover performance for complex circuits, identifying bottlenecks in constraint generation and proof computation.

Design interfaces between compiler frameworks such as LLVM or MLIR and zero-knowledge proof systems to enable efficient program verification.

Build integration layers that connect low-level instruction set architectures like RISC-V with cryptographic proof backends.

Develop adapters for database backends, aligning query execution with the requirements of zk-friendly verification.

Collaborate with protocol engineers to implement circuits that verify critical operations in crypto and fintech applications.

Conduct performance profiling and iterative refinement of ZK circuits to meet strict latency and throughput targets.

Evaluate and prototype new zero-knowledge proof techniques, assessing their tradeoffs for production use.

Document system architecture and implementation details to support maintainability and knowledge sharing.

Partner with the product team to translate technical constraints into feasible engineering roadmaps for ZK-enabled features.

Guide code reviews and contribute to security-focused best practices across the proof engineering workflow.

Investigate and resolve complex bugs that span compilers, virtual machines, and cryptographic libraries.

Support the deployment and testing of proof systems in staging and production environments.

Continuously explore optimizations that reduce proof size and verification time without compromising security guarantees.

Requirements

You have a strong background in mathematics, cryptography, or computer science, or you possess strong problem-solving skills and a deep interest in zero-knowledge proofs.

You demonstrate proficiency in Rust, C, or C++, with substantial experience in at least one systems-level language used for high-performance backend development.

You are extremely detail oriented, with a proven ability to write correct and secure systems code under tight constraints.

You have worked on challenging software projects where performance was a critical success factor.

You communicate clearly and effectively, thriving in collaborative environments with cross-functional stakeholders.

You maintain a strong bias towards action, delivering tangible results even in the face of ambiguous requirements.

You show an extremely strong work ethic, taking ownership of complex problems and following through to completion.

You are comfortable making technical decisions with limited precedent, balancing innovation against delivery risk.

You understand the security implications of low-level execution and are cautious when designing systems that handle sensitive data.

Nice to have

You have hands-on experience with compiler frameworks such as LLVM or MLIR, building passes or transformations for program analysis.

You have worked with low-level computer architecture, including RISC-V, or you have programmed FPGAs or other custom hardware accelerators.

You have experience with database backends, including query planning, execution engines, or storage layer design.

You have conducted research in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or theoretical physics, publishing work in relevant domains.

You have familiarity with the low-level details of Ethereum, including execution environments, transaction formats, and consensus mechanisms.

Practical notes

This role is full_time based in New York, with a strong preference for in-person work.

Remote applications are considered, though in-office presence in New York is encouraged.

No specific visa sponsorship details or travel requirements are outlined in the source material.

The position does not include explicit compensation details in the provided source.

Deadline information or specific hours are not provided in the source, and the role is presented as an active open position.