ZK Research Engineer (Web3)

TL;DR

ZK Research Engineer (Web3): Designing and implementing cryptographic protocol mechanisms for a programmable blockchain with an accent on zero-knowledge virtual machines and hybrid public/private state interoperability. Focus on transforming research prototypes into production-ready systems, profiling performance bottlenecks, and hardening cryptographic components for high-security decentralized environments.

Location: Remote (Worldwide)

Company

hirify.global is a movement supporting the development of a decentralized, privacy-preserving internet through the creation of protocols that uphold civil liberties.

What you will do

• Improve core protocol mechanisms through active research and development.
• Transform research prototypes into scalable, production-ready code.
• Implement and ship end-to-end blockchain functionality.
• Profile bottlenecks, harden cryptographic components, and conduct thorough system testing.
• Propose and prototype improvements for zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) architecture.
• Collaborate asynchronously across multiple time zones.

Requirements

• Solid experience with Rust programming.
• Understanding of modern cryptography and zero-knowledge-based blockchain systems.
• Experience working with zkVMs, blockchain, or peer-to-peer systems.
• Ability to propose architectural improvements to core protocols.
• Strong skills in asynchronous teamwork.
• Alignment with hirify.global/IFT values and manifesto.

Nice to have

• Experience with RISC0.
• Proven track record in building blockchain projects.
• Experience implementing core protocol-level systems.
• Background in testing systems and identifying cryptographic vulnerabilities.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully remote work culture with international team collaboration.
• Flexible compensation in fiat or cryptocurrency.
• Opportunity to contribute to a movement focused on privacy and decentralization.
• Engagement with cutting-edge zero-knowledge proof technology.

Hiring process

• Interview with People Operations team.
• Technical interview with Zones Team Lead.
• Pair programming task with the engineering team.
• Final interview with the Blockchain Team Lead.