Protocol Engineer
Skills
About the Role
You will design and implement a zk-friendly virtual machine and the ZKsync smart contract platform. You will develop system contracts (Solidity, Yul) and build server-side components for L1 and L2. You will conduct independent research, design prototypes, and document solutions. You will help shape the protocol roadmap and contribute to cross-functional discussions to ensure secure, scalable protocol evolution.
Requirements
- 3–10 years in protocol, blockchain, or systems engineering depending on level
- Hands-on experience with Solidity or Vyper
- Familiarity with Yul, Cast tools, and Foundry is a strong plus
- Proficiency in strongly typed languages such as C++, Scala, or Go; Rust experience a plus
- Knowledge of Merkle trees and related data structures
- In-depth knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and computational complexity
- Experience implementing data structures and algorithms from scratch
- Understanding of cryptography, high-load systems, or protocol design is a plus
- Ownership mindset and strong collaboration and communication skills
- Fluent written and spoken English
Responsibilities
- Design and implement the ZKsync smart contract platform (zk-friendly VM)
- Develop system contracts in Solidity and Yul
- Build server-side components for L1 and L2
- Conduct independent research, design prototypes, and document solutions
- Shape the protocol roadmap with internal teams and external partners
- Contribute to cross-functional discussions to ensure secure and scalable protocol evolution
Benefits
- Competitive compensation, equity, and token package
- Premium health, dental, and vision coverage
- 16 weeks paid parental leave
- Flexible paid time off plus company-wide closure weeks
- $2 000 equipment stipend & $300 monthly co-working allowance