Strategic Overview
ZK Proof Engineer at Axiom is defined by the responsibilities and candidate requirements in the employer's listing.
The published role emphasizes work such as We are looking for a ZK Proof Engineer who will implement and optimize cutting-edge cryptographic code for zero-knowledge proof generation. You will be responsible for building systems to interface between low-level computer systems like the RISC-V ISA, compiler frameworks like LLVM, and database backends and…
The role is listed for United States with a remote working arrangement, giving candidates the practical context needed to assess fit before applying.
Key information at a glance
About This Role
Axiom is using zero-knowledge proofs to enable new types of verifiable and private software applications, starting with crypto and fintech. We are a small but incredibly strong team backed by the best investors in crypto . We’re looking for exceptional people who are excited to work on challenging and impactful problems in a fast-paced environment.
We recently released OpenVM , a performant and modular zkVM framework built for customization and extensibility. OpenVM allows developers to verify the correct execution of arbitrary computer programs in a flexible and performant way. We are building ZK-enabled products using OpenVM and supporting teams building on OpenVM.
The Role
Key Responsibilities & Objectives
- We are looking for a ZK Proof Engineer who will implement and optimize cutting-edge cryptographic code for zero-knowledge proof generation. You will be responsible for building systems to interface between low-level computer systems like the RISC-V ISA, compiler frameworks like LLVM, and database backends and…
- We are looking for someone with strong engineering design skills, the ability to work across the stack, and a security mindset. We also value the ability to make pragmatic technology choices which empower our small team without adding too much overhead.
Required Qualifications & Candidate Blueprint
- You have a strong background in math/cryptography, or strong problem-solving skills and interest in zero-knowledge proofs.
- You have proficiency in Rust, C/C++, or a similarly performant backend language. We work primarily in Rust.
- You are extremely detail oriented and have a security mindset.
- You’ve worked on challenging software projects and have an eye for performance.
- You’re a clear communicator and value collaboration.
- You have a strong bias towards action.
- You have an extremely strong work ethic.
Preferred Qualifications
- You have experience with compiler frameworks like LLVM or MLIR.
- You've worked with aspects of low level computer architecture like RISC-V or programmed FGPAs or other custom hardware.
- You have experience with database backends, including experience with query planning or low level query engines.
- You've done research in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or theoretical physics.
- You have experience with low-level details of Ethereum
- You’ll be one of the earliest employees with ownership to make key technical/product decisions.
- You’ll be working on groundbreaking tech that has the potential to be a key piece of infrastructure for the crypto industry.
- You’ll receive a competitive salary with equity.
- You will work with and receive mentorship from an exceptional team.
Salary & Benefits
Published compensation: USD 125,000 – 250,000 / yearly
Full Job Description
The following is the complete job description supplied by the source. We sanitize unsafe markup and remove external links, but do not shorten or rewrite the employer's source content.
About Us
Axiom is using zero-knowledge proofs to enable new types of verifiable and private software applications, starting with crypto and fintech. We are a small but incredibly strong team backed by the best investors in crypto. We’re looking for exceptional people who are excited to work on challenging and impactful problems in a fast-paced environment. Our office is in NYC and working in person in NY is our strong preference, but we're open to remote candidates as well.
We recently released OpenVM, a performant and modular zkVM framework built for customization and extensibility. OpenVM allows developers to verify the correct execution of arbitrary computer programs in a flexible and performant way. We are building ZK-enabled products using OpenVM and supporting teams building on OpenVM.
The Role
We are looking for a ZK Proof Engineer who will implement and optimize cutting-edge cryptographic code for zero-knowledge proof generation. You will be responsible for building systems to interface between low-level computer systems like the RISC-V ISA, compiler frameworks like LLVM, and database backends and connecting them with cutting-edge zero-knowledge proof systems. The role will involve both optimizing ZK provers and implementing novel ZK circuits. Your work will require making design choices to enable rapid development of secure and efficient systems.
We are looking for someone with strong engineering design skills, the ability to work across the stack, and a security mindset. We also value the ability to make pragmatic technology choices which empower our small team without adding too much overhead.
Who you are
You have a strong background in math/cryptography, or strong problem-solving skills and interest in zero-knowledge proofs.
You have proficiency in Rust, C/C++, or a similarly performant backend language. We work primarily in Rust.
You are extremely detail oriented and have a security mindset.
You’ve worked on challenging software projects and have an eye for performance.
You’re a clear communicator and value collaboration.
You have a strong bias towards action.
You have an extremely strong work ethic.
Bonuses
You have experience with compiler frameworks like LLVM or MLIR.
You've worked with aspects of low level computer architecture like RISC-V or programmed FGPAs or other custom hardware.
You have experience with database backends, including experience with query planning or low level query engines.
You've done research in mathematics, theoretical computer science, or theoretical physics.
You have experience with low-level details of Ethereum
We welcome diverse backgrounds. Some non-traditional profiles that may be a good fit include high-frequency trading, math/physics/CS academia, and hardware engineering.
Why join us
You’ll be one of the earliest employees with ownership to make key technical/product decisions.
You’ll be working on groundbreaking tech that has the potential to be a key piece of infrastructure for the crypto industry.
You’ll receive a competitive salary with equity.
You will work with and receive mentorship from an exceptional team.
Our Team
Our founders Yi Sun and Jonathan Wang met while studying math at Harvard and have been working on ZK since 2021. Together, they wrote some of the most performant ZK circuits for elliptic curve cryptography and Ethereum data reads before starting Axiom.
Before Axiom, Yi was a professor at UChicago Statistics and did a math PhD at MIT. He was previously an advisor for Gauntlet and worked at an HFT startup from inception to profitable trading. Jonathan published number theory research in top math journals and did a math PhD at UChicago.
The rest of our small but incredibly strong team includes alums of Applied Intuition, Coinbase, Color, Neon, Google, and Perplexity as well as math / CS PhDs and IMO / IPhO / Codeforces winners. We look forward to working with you!
Editor’s Market Perspective (Our Custom Analysis)
Why This Position Matters
This opening may suit candidates who can demonstrate experience relevant to the employer's published requirements. Its strongest career signal is the scope of the work itself — particularly We are looking for a ZK Proof Engineer who will implement and optimize cutting-edge cryptographic code for zero-knowledge proof generation. You will be responsible for building systems to interface between low-level computer systems like the RISC-V ISA, compiler frameworks like LLVM, and database backends and… — rather than a generic title alone.
Resume & Application Strategy
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