Staff Systems Engineer (Rust)

About the Role

As our Staff Systems Engineer specializing in Rust, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our technology landscape. You will report directly to our VP of Engineering and work closely with our CTO. Your primary responsibilities will include designing, developing, and implementing system libraries in Rust, which will be complemented by C++ and Go.

An active contributor to our GitHub repositories, you'll uphold best practices in software development and occasionally delve into compiler development, using tools like LLVM. Your role extends beyond technical expertise to facilitating cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking, aiming to innovate and enhance our systems engineering continuously.

Key Responsibilities

• Grasp the existing system architecture quickly for effective development and implementation

• Design, develop, and implement system libraries primarily in Rust, with a secondary focus on C++ and Go

• Develop and maintain APIs for zkVM with cross-version support

• Work on protocol buffers (protobuf), Capn’Proto, or FlatBuffers as needed

• Contribute to the company’s GitHub repositories and follow best practices

• Occasionally delve into compiler and OS development, leveraging LLVM

• Facilitate cross-functional collaborations and communications

• Continuously innovate and think strategically, always looking to improve existing processes

Minimum Qualifications

• Expert-level experience in Rust programming or C++ as a secondary language

• Solid understanding of systems programming and computer architecture

• Familiarity with Protocol Buffers, Capn’Proto, or FlatBuffers

• Background in compiler development or systems programming

• Hands-on experience with managing GitHub Open Source projects

• Working knowledge of other programming languages (Polyglot)

• Previous experience in Blockchain technology

• Familiarity with Zero-Knowledge Proofs

• Experience with LLVM (bonus)

Ideal Candidate Qualities

• 🔒 Authenticity: Demonstrates ethical leadership, honesty, and transparency in all interactions.

• 💖 Empathy: Shows understanding and concern for the well-being of team members, demonstrating a humane orientation to leadership.

• 🌟 Resilience: Demonstrates positivity and resilience in the face of challenges, providing inspiration and motivation to the team.

• 🌱 Growth Mindset: Encourages continuous learning and personal development within the team, focusing on the human dynamic and the unique needs and strengths of all stakeholders.

• 🎯 Strategic Thinking: Exhibits the ability to think strategically and act decisively, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.

• 🌍 Inclusive Leadership: Champions diversity and inclusion, promoting equitable opportunities and treatment for all team members.

• 🤝 Collaborative: Excels at breaking down silos and creating a "one team, one roadmap" culture. Has a strong ability to facilitate productive relationships across teams.

• 👷🏾‍♀️ Builder: You’re a Creator and a Doer, you get the vision, create the strategy, and take ownership of building it

What We Offer

• Salary: Competitive range of $288,000 - $330,000

• Professional Development: Access to leadership coaching and numerous learning opportunities.

• Work Flexibility: Remote work with up to 20% travel for team meetings and events, plus a Seattle co-working space.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage with United Health Care Choice Plus (US employee), including significant premium contributions. Gold-level insurance for international employees via Deel.

• Retirement Plan: 401k to support your future or statutory plans in your given country.

• Equity: Generous company equity via Profit Incentive Units (PIUs), vesting monthly.

• Vacation: Unlimited PTO, with 3-5 weeks standard.

• Holidays: 11 paid holidays for rest and rejuvenation (US).

• Culture: A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

About Us

We're on a mission to transform the internet for the better. Our team of innovative hackers, visionary futurists, and passionate nerds is devoted to creating a digital space that's safe, inclusive, and empowers everyone. By developing the world's first zero-knowledge virtual machine, we've laid the groundwork for running arbitrary code as a zero-knowledge proof. Utilizing a ZK Coprocessor to assist or enhance the compute of an on-chain application, we have created a unique package - the RISC Zero ZK Coprocessor, comprised of the zkVM, Bonsai, and ETH Relay. Now, we're ambitiously constructing an entire ecosystem around this groundbreaking technology.

To ensure effective collaboration and seamless communication across our global team, all candidates must be available to overlap with the Pacific Standard Time (PST) zone for at least 3 hours during regular business hours. This requirement is essential for maintaining efficient workflow, participating in team meetings, and facilitating timely responses to customer inquiries and internal requests.

Before You Apply:

• E-Verify: All U.S.-based employees must complete an E-Verify check.

• Accessibility: Need accommodations? Contact us at [email protected].

• Work Authorization: Must have the legal right to work in the country you are located in. No visa sponsorships.

• Privacy: By applying, you consent to the processing of your data per our privacy policy.

• Compliance: We adhere to local labor laws. Employment terms are based on location. non US employees will be hired through our Employer of Record Deel.

• Background Check: Final candidates before hired will undergo a background check.

• Equal Opportunity: We welcome all qualified applicants, period.

• Language Requirement: This position requires proficiency in English.