Principal Software Engineer (Rust) - Partner Chains

Partner Chains is a venture within IOHK that is developing a research-backed blockchain protocol aimed at simplifying the incubation, innovation, and deployment of applications to address specialized business challenges. Our goal is to make it easier for blockchain developers to focus on their core business, with decentralized finance as a foundational capability at the protocol layer.

Our mission is to make it easy for developers to create secure, transparent products that enable direct transactions without relying on financial intermediaries. We build protocols and tools that promote financial inclusion, reduce transaction costs, and give users ownership over their assets.

What the role involves:

As a Principal Software Engineer in the Partner Chains team, you will be a key contributor in developing and maintaining the Rust implementation of the Partner Chains Substrate node. Your primary focus will be on designing and implementing an innovative cross-chain protocol that leverages advanced cryptographic techniques like Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS). This role needs deep expertise in Rust, distributed systems, smart contracts, and blockchain protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and development of the Partner Chains Substrate node in Rust, ensuring it meets high standards of performance, security, and scalability.
• Architect and implement a novel cross-chain protocol, integrating cryptographic techniques such as TSS to enable secure and efficient cross-chain interactions.
• Collaborate with engineers, cryptographers, and researchers to design and implement protocol improvements and new features.
• Optimize and maintain the existing codebase, ensuring robust and efficient performance of the blockchain node.
• Mentor and guide other engineers in best practices for Rust development and blockchain protocol design.
• Conduct thorough code reviews, ensuring code quality, security, and be a technical bar raiser.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in the blockchain protocol, particularly those related to cross-chain interactions and cryptographic implementations.
• Contribute to the broader architectural vision of the Partner Chains Tribe, ensuring the protocol aligns with strategic goals.

Requirements

What You Bring:

• 5+ years of blockchain software development experience, with at least 3+ years in Rust and preferred expertise in the Substrate framework.
• Understanding of cryptographic techniques, especially Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS), and their application in cross-chain protocols. 
• Experience with Ethereum would be a plus, including understanding its architecture, smart contracts, and cross-chain interaction challenges.
• Experience in leading technical teams and mentoring engineers in protocol design and development.
• A passion for innovation and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in cross-chain interoperability. Special plus if you’ve worked with Cosmos IBC, or worked on bridging implementations in the past.

Benefits

Location

IOHK is a fully distributed organization but due to team distribution, we require someone to be based in the United States.

The base salary for this position has a range of $210k up to $275k per year at the commencement of employment. Any offer is determined by overall experience and performance during the interview process. This is only part of the total compensation package.

US Employees

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits coverage through Anthem for the employee and dependents
• 401k
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
• Learning & Development opportunities

At IOHK, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.