Principal Software Engineer
Job Description
Principal Software Engineer – Rust – Remote – US, Canada, Europe – $160K – $230K
My client is a tech startup developing an open-source security protocol aimed at protecting decentralized applications (DApps) on Layer 2 networks by actively preventing and censoring hacks at the network level. They are currently building two key products: which will be open-sourced soon.
They believe the future of security lies in open-source software. By fostering open security, they empower users and communities to share security practices and tools. This approach stands in contrast to many competitors who rely on closed-source solutions. Their philosophy is that security can be achieved without “security through obscurity.” Instead, they focus on designing robust protocols and implementing them with precision.
Their lean team of 10 engineers tackles one of Web3’s greatest challenges: hack prevention.
This is a remote-first role, with a hub in NYC
About the role
This company is seeking a Principal Level Rust Engineer to lead the implementation of the offchain component of a novel hack prevention protocol for EVM chains. This protocol focuses on low-latency EVM simulations, ensuring that each transaction is valid based on a set of rules within extreme time constraints, often in the tens of milliseconds. Your work will play a pivotal role in securing decentralized applications by running software close to Web3 infrastructure, actively preventing hacks in real-time.
As part of the Company’s team, you’ll contribute to Credible Layer, one of their core products. This role involves protocol design, hands-on Rust development, and crafting scalable, security-first systems. You’ll also have the opportunity to shape the overall direction of their engineering efforts while working closely with other top engineers in the field of cryptography and security.
Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture and implementation of the offchain component for the company’s Hack Prevention Protocol.
- Collaborate with external L2 teams to integrate the company’s systems with their APIs (e.g., sequencers) and ensure seamless operation within their infrastructure.
- Ensure the implementation is performant and secure, treating it as “critical infrastructure” to prevent hacks on decentralized applications.
- Develop and maintain low-latency EVM simulations, ensuring transaction validation within strict time requirements (tens of milliseconds).
- Contribute to the design and review of security protocols and systems, ensuring they are robust, scalable, and future-proof.
- Drive innovation by researching and experimenting with new tools and technologies in the Rust ecosystem aiming to improve the company’s security offerings.
MUST HAVE (and you will be asked to give examples) –
- Strong experience in software development with Rust and systems architecture
- Experience in developing high-performance and low-latency systems
- Experience in performance optimizations in relation to databases and networking
- Building in Rust within the Ethereum Ecosystem
About you
- Strong experience in software development with Rust and systems architecture.
- Experience in developing high-performance and low-latency systems.
- Experience in protocol design and an understanding of how protocols work at a high level.
- Experience in performance optimizations related to databases and networking.
- Ability to collaborate with external teams for integration with Layer 2 systems and APIs.
- Experience in open-source contributions and engagement with the Rust or broader open-source communities.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.