About the Role

We are seeking a world-class Senior Software Engineer to enhance our zero-knowledge proof system and stay at the forefront of cryptographic innovation. This role involves the development of advanced cryptographic protocols tailored for zero-knowledge proof applications and the enhancement of our core proof system, zkVM.

We are looking for candidates who are deeply invested in the field of zk cryptography and who exhibit a strong sense of curiosity and dedication to the craft. If you have a track record of developing cryptographic solutions and are excited about pioneering new protocols in the ZKP space, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine cryptographic protocols for various use cases of ZKPs.

• Continuously improve the zkVM, our core proof system, ensuring its robustness and efficiency.

• Provide support for ZKP-enabled cryptographic protocols, including analysis for partners and the creation of demonstrations.

• Collaborate with team members to support platform development from a cryptographic perspective.

• Conduct meticulous code reviews for contributions that involve sensitive cryptographic elements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven applied cryptography experience, such as having written cryptographic code that is currently utilized in production environments.

• Deep understanding of the Rust programming language. 

• Familiarity with Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) systems and a passion for keeping up to date with advancements in this field.

• A strong mathematical foundation, capable of engaging with new research topics in mathematics related to cryptography.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members and external partners.

• An acute attention to detail, ensuring precision in code development and protocol design.

What We Offer

• Salary: Competitive range of $237-288K USD

• Professional Development: Access to leadership coaching and numerous learning opportunities.

• Work Flexibility: Remote work with up to 20% travel for team meetings and events, plus a Seattle co-working space.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage with Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield (US employee), including significant premium contributions. Gold-level insurance for international employees via Deel.

• Retirement Plan: 401k to support your future or statutory plans in your given country.

• Equity: Generous company equity via Profit Incentive Units (PIUs), vesting monthly.

• Vacation: Unlimited PTO, with 3-5 weeks standard.

• Holidays: 11 paid holidays for rest and rejuvenation.

• Culture: A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

About Us

We're on a mission to transform the internet for the better. Our team of innovative hackers, visionary futurists, and passionate nerds is devoted to creating a digital space that's safe, inclusive, and empowers everyone. By developing the world's first zero-knowledge virtual machine, we've laid the groundwork for running arbitrary code as a zero-knowledge proof. Utilizing a ZK Coprocessor to assist or enhance the compute of an on-chain application, we have created a unique package - the RISC Zero ZK Coprocessor, comprised of the zkVM, Bonsai, and ETH Relay. Now, we're ambitiously constructing an entire ecosystem around this groundbreaking technology.

Before You Apply:

• E-Verify: All U.S.-based employees must complete an E-Verify check.

• Accessibility: Need accommodations? Contact us at email.

• Work Authorization: Must have the legal right to work in the country you are located in. No visa sponsorships.

• Privacy: By applying, you consent to the processing of your data per our privacy policy.

• Compliance: We adhere to local labor laws. Employment terms are based on location. Non US employees will be hired through our Employer of Record Deel.

• Background Check: Final candidates before hired will undergo a background check.

• Equal Opportunity: We welcome all qualified applicants, period.

• Language Requirement: This position requires proficiency in English.

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Who We Are

Twine is building a next-generation multi-chain ZK Layer 2 (L2) platform focused on advanced cross-chain interoperability. Our team comprises globally distributed cryptographers, engineers, and blockchain enthusiasts driven by the mission to unlock trust-minimized transactions across different Layer 1 (L1) networks. We’ve secured backing from top VCs and prominent figures in the Web3 space, including Founders of Solana, Celestia, LayerZero, Sei, Nebra, Espresso, Gitcoin and prominent VCs (1kx, Robot Ventures) ensuring a strong foundation and network for our ambitious roadmap.

What We’re Doing

Our goal is to enable secure, scalable, and synchronous cross-chain transactions by leveraging ZK proof systems, sophisticated proof aggregation techniques, and distributed protocols. Twine aggregates security from multiple L1s without relying on traditional bridging or wrapped assets—offering developers a unified platform for building decentralized applications that interact across multiple blockchains seamlessly. We integrate cutting-edge proving systems like GKR along with top performing general purpose ZK VMs (SP1 ZKVM from Succinct, Risc0) and other modern cryptographic frameworks to scale and secure multi-chain interactions.

What You’ll Do

• Design & Architect Protocols Lead and shape Twine’s core protocol with an emphasis on ZK and distributed technologies. Ensure that modularity, scalability, and security remain cornerstones of our architecture.
• ZK & L2 Leadership Research, prototype, and pioneer the integration of advanced zero-knowledge techniques (e.g., GKR, PCD and others) and next-gen rollup architectures into Twine’s multi-chain platform.
• Hands-On Rust Development Develop high-performance Rust code for cryptographic proof generation, verification, and protocol logic—emphasizing concurrency, memory safety, and optimized cryptographic operations.
• Distributed Protocols & Cryptography Spearhead the development and refinement of distributed protocols, ensuring fault-tolerant design that can scale across multiple chains and adversarial conditions.
• Mentorship & Collaboration Drive technical excellence by mentoring engineers and cryptographers, conducting thorough code reviews, and standardizing best practices for testing and security.
• Security & Audits Define security best practices, coordinate formal audits, and manage vulnerability assessments for core protocol components.

⠀ What We’re Looking For

• Expert Rust Skills Demonstrable command of Rust for systems programming, particularly in performance-critical cryptographic routines and distributed systems.
• ZK Cryptography Experience Hands-on experience with zero-knowledge protocols and familiarity with foundational and advanced concepts.
• Distributed Protocols Knowledge Proven experience designing and deploying distributed protocols, consensus mechanisms, or P2P networks in production environments.
• Systems & Architecture Strong background in architecting resilient, scalable systems and writing high-quality code for mission-critical applications.
• Leadership & Communication Adept at leading technical discussions, explaining cryptographic and distributed systems concepts to diverse audiences, and collaborating across a global team.
• Security Mindset Deep understanding of secure coding practices, formal verification methodologies, and protocol design principles.
• Adaptability & Autonomy Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, taking initiative, and delivering impactful results.

⠀ Why Twine

• High-Impact Role Help define the future of cross-chain L2 solutions, combining groundbreaking cryptographic research and real-world use cases.
• Cutting-Edge Tech Work at the forefront of ZK innovation and shape the multi-chain infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s decentralized applications.
• Remote-First Culture Join a distributed team with the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.
• Tier 1 Backing Benefit from access to top-tier investors, advisors, and prominent Web3 figures who support our mission and growth.
• Collaborative Environment Engage in a mission-driven team that values curiosity, creativity, and teamwork—where your contributions directly drive innovation.

⠀ If this resonates with you and you’re excited about shaping the future of ZK-powered, trust-minimized cross-chain solutions, we want to hear from you.

Apply Now: