Senior Protocol Engineer
Role in brief
Rootstocklabs is looking for a Senior Protocol Engineer to build Bitcoin-secured Layer 2 rollups. This role involves designing core protocol components and maintaining an open-source codebase. Candidates with significant experience in blockchain protocol development and proficiency in Go or Rust should consider applying.
About the role
As a Senior Protocol Engineer at Rootstocklabs, you will focus on developing and scaling Bitcoin-secured Layer 2 rollups. This involves designing and maintaining key protocol components such as execution and consensus clients, and collaborating with a diverse team in a fully remote setting.
Rootstocklabs is a significant contributor to Rootstock, which aims to transform Bitcoin into productive capital through institutional infrastructure. Success in this role will be marked by your ability to effectively manage a large open-source codebase and deliver reliable releases on public chains.
Skills that matter here
- Go: This role requires solid production experience in Go for core protocol development.
- Rust: Experience in Rust is a plus for developing and maintaining blockchain components.
- Java: Proficiency in Java is beneficial given its relevance in mainstream software engineering.
- blockchain: A deep understanding of blockchain internals is essential for effective protocol design.
- EVM: Knowledge of the Ethereum Virtual Machine is crucial for working on cross-layer functionalities.
- Docker: Experience with Docker is important for deployment and orchestration of services.
Who this role suits
- A professional with over 5 years of software engineering experience, including 2 years in blockchain protocol development.
- Someone who thrives in autonomy and ownership, able to define their work and not just execute tasks.
- A team player who can communicate effectively in English within a diverse, remote team.
- An individual with a passion for continuous learning and staying updated with cutting-edge blockchain technology.
From the employer
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build and maintain core protocol components: execution and consensus clients, sequencer, block derivation and batch submission to the parent chain.
- Work on the bridge and the proof system: deposits, withdrawals, cross-layer messages and state validation.
- Maintain a large open source codebase: learn how its parts work together, make changes that are safe for a live network, and keep the code easy to evolve.
- Review code, write design docs and RFCs, and take part in architecture decisions.
- Test and debug a distributed system: unit to adversarial tests, local devnets, reorgs, node desync and performance problems.
- Deliver and operate releases on public chains: upgrades, hard forks, monitoring and incidents, etc.
- Collaborate with Product, DevOps and Security to plan and ship each release.
What You Bring
- Must have 5+ years of professional software engineering, with at least 2 years in blockchain core or protocol development (node clients, consensus, etc.).
- Solid production experience in mainstream languages (for example Go, Rust or Java).
- Deep knowledge of blockchain internals and the EVM: consensus, P2P networking, state and storage, transaction lifecycle, JSON-RPC, etc.
- Experience working effectively in large codebases you did not write.
- AI-assisted development is a core part of your work, while owning what you deliver.
- Autonomy and ownership: you help define the work, not only execute assigned tasks.
- Good English, spoken and written, since the team is international and remote.
- Nice to have: Professional experience with Go and/or Rust.
- Hands-on experience with Ethereum Layer 2 rollups (optimistic or ZK).
- Understanding of rollup design: sequencing, data availability, derivation, finality, etc.
- Contributions to open source blockchain clients or rollup stacks.
- Experience with fault proof systems or validity proofs.
- Knowledge of Bitcoin and EVM compatible chains.
- Experience with Docker, cloud providers, Prometheus and Grafana.
- Able to read and review Solidity (bridge and system contracts).
Rooties Benefits
- Competitive compensation package and unique benefits designed to support your growth and well-being.
- 100% Remote Work from Europe & Latin America, with access to global CoWorking spaces.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid vacation and sick leave days.
- Continuous Learning: Access to training programs, language courses, and learning sponsorship annually.
- Unique Projects: Work with cutting-edge blockchain technology in a global, diverse team.
Questions about this role
What is the remote policy?
The position is fully remote, available to candidates in Europe and Latin America.
What level of experience is required?
Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional software engineering experience, with 2 years in blockchain core or protocol development.
How can I apply for this position?
Interested candidates can apply through the company's website at https://www.rootstocklabs.com/?ref=sailonchain.com.
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