Senior Software Engineer - Zero-Knowledge Proof

As a Senior Software Engineer on our SQL Proof Engineering team you will be joining highly skilled engineers, cryptographers, mathematicians, and tech leads responsible for developing high-performance in-database mechanisms to verify that the SQL results returned to a client are tamperproof and cryptographically guaranteed. You will be at the forefront of developing a novel Proof of SQL mechanism, akin to a specialized zero-knowledge proof/SNARK, that enables the secure loading of outsourced SQL job results into smart contracts via a decentralized oracle network, while minimizing potential attack surfaces. This role requires a strong background in applied cryptography or related mathematical fields, as well as a willingness to learn and research novel algorithms and techniques

The US salary range for this full-time position is $125,500 - $172,200. In addition to your base salary, your total compensation package includes a targeted annual bonus, RSU, and benefits.

Individual base pay depends on various factors, such as the complexity and responsibility of the role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with a highly skilled team to design and develop a Proof of SQL mechanism based on zero-knowledge proof principles and SNARKS
• Architect and implement high-performance in-database mechanisms to ensure tamperproof and cryptographically guaranteed SQL results
• Research and explore innovative cryptographic algorithms and techniques to enhance the security of efficiency of the Proof of SQL mechanism
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the developed mechanisms through thorough testing and optimization
• Codifying the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the developed mechanisms through thorough testing and optimization
• Working with engineering leadership to define, prioritize, and ensure smooth deployments with other operational components

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in math, computer science, computer engineering, or related technical field. Masters or PhD is a plus
• Minimum 6+ years software engineering experience. Experience with applied cryptography is a bonus
• Experience with the design of zero-knowledge proofs and SNARKS
• Experience programming with Rust a plus
• Rock solid engineering fundamentals; algorithm development/design, high-performance distributed computing
• Rock solid cryptography fundamentals; hashing, elliptic curves/pairings, field/group theory, etc.
• Nice to have: High-level understanding of distributed computing, database cluster fundamentals (such as Apache Spark, Snowflake, etc)
• Nice to have: Passionate about Web3, blockchain, and decentralization
• Nice to have: familiarity with how zero-knowledge proofs, SNARKs, and other arguments work (e.g. PLONK, bulletproofs, KZG, etc.)

Benefits: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, basic life, and supplemental voluntary  insurance

• 401(k) with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible personal paid time off 

• 17 company-paid holidays in 2024 (including a winter holiday shutdown) 

Notice to Third Party Recruitment/Staffing Agencies:

Space and Time Labs, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruiters or employment agencies without a binding, fully executed, written agreement. Any written or verbal communication with any person within Space and Time Labs, Inc. does not create a binding agreement.

Space and Time Labs, Inc. will not pay a fee to any parties that do not have a valid, fully executed Agreement in place. Any unsolicited resumes or CVs, including those submitted to hiring managers or employees are deemed to be the property of Space and Time Labs, Inc. Space and Time Labs, Inc. explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

Parties without a fully executed and valid agreement are requested not to contact any hiring managers of the Company with recruiting inquiries or resumes. All candidate resumes must be presented to the hiring managers directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team.

Agencies interested in partnering with Space and Time Labs, Inc. may contact our Talent Acquisition team (careers@spaceandtime.io).

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

At Space and Time, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Space and Time are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.