Blockchain Protocol Engineer (Go/Cosmos SDK) (contract)

Core Protocol Development

Architect and build a custom blockchain application using Go, Cosmos SDK, and CometBFT (Tendermint).

Cryptographic Implementation

• Implement and optimize privacy-preserving primitives, specifically Pedersen Commitments and Bulletproofs (Range Proofs), ensuring no trusted setup is required.

Consensus Customization

Engineer custom ABCI++ extensions (specifically PrepareProposal and Vote Extensions) to implement an on-chain Multi-Party Computation (MPC) mixing network.

State Machine Design

Design a custom KVStore state machine that manages homomorphic encrypted balances (Elliptic Curve points) instead of plaintext integers.

Performance Engineering

Optimize cryptographic operations (scalar multiplication, point addition) for low latency and high throughput in a distributed environment.

Auditing Infrastructure

Build secure off-chain query layers and "view key" mechanisms that allow for granular, permissioned regulatory auditing.

Required Qualifications

• Specialty Software Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work or consulting experience, training, military experience, education.

Key Responsibilities

• Core Protocol Development
• Cryptographic Implementation
• Consensus Customization
• State Machine Design
• Performance Engineering
• Auditing Infrastructure

Key Requirements

• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Blockchain Core: Deep experience with Cosmos SDK and CometBFT. Comfort building custom modules and modifying consensus logic, not just deploying smart contracts.
• Pedersen Commitments (Homomorphic encryption properties)
• Zero-Knowledge Proofs (specifically Bulletproofs or Sigma protocols)
• Math-to-Code: Demonstrated ability to read academic whitepapers/preprints and translate mathematical specifications into functioning code
• Experience with MPC (Multi-Party Computation) or Verifiable Secret Sharing (VSS) schemes
• Familiarity with the Ristretto255 curve or libraries like gnark-crypto
• Background in FinTech, payment systems, or high-frequency trading platforms
• Understanding of the Account Model vs. UTXO Model trade-offs in privacy-preserving ledgers