Remote

Senior Systems Engineer (Rust)

RISC Zero logo RISC Zero
$280,000 - $330,000
Seattle - United States 🇺🇸

Company Overview:

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. 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.

About the Role:

We're looking for a Senior Systems Engineer (Rust) who is ready to tackle the exciting challenge of developing system libraries for Rust, followed by languages like C++ and Go. You'll be at the forefront of creating robust APIs for our zkVM, ensuring cross-version support that sets new industry standards.

This role is tailor-made for a generalist with a zest for versatility and innovation. You'll have the opportunity to shape the building blocks of our core systems, working with a language that's renowned for its safety and speed (Rust). Your work will not only influence our current projects but will pave the way for future technologies that will rely on the foundations you help build.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Grasp the existing system architecture quickly for effective development and implementation
  • Design, develop, and implement system libraries primarily in Rust, with 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

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

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)

Bonus:

  • Previous experience in the crypto/blockchain space
  • Experience with LLVM
  • Familiarity with Zero-Knowledge Proofs

What we Offer:

  • Salary: $280,000-$330,000
  • This role is remote with the ability to travel up to 20% for team ‘onsite’ meetings.
  • We have an Industrious co-working space in Seattle, with the flexibility to rent in other locations.
  • Health insurance: Premera Blue Cross (medical dental, vision, HSA) 85% premium coverage for employees, 75% for dependents.
  • 401k
  • Generous company equity: 3,600-5000 units annually, vesting immediately each month.
  • Paid time off: Unlimited (3-5 weeks is the norm)
  • 11 paid holidays, sick leave, etc.
  • A supportive and collaborative work environment.
  • Leadership Coaching and opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development.

Our Commitment to Inclusion: We are equal opportunity and value diversity. We do not discriminate. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

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