the client is seeking a founding-level engineering leader to architect, build, and scale a ZK-native, privacy-preserving Layer 2 infrastructure. This role owns the full technical stack, spanning protocol design through production rollout, and works closely with cryptography and product teams to deliver a high-performance zkEVM-based ledger. The position focuses on end-to-end delivery, technical leadership, and driving engineering decisions that shape the platform’s core architecture.
Key responsibilities include leading engineering for a Layer 2 rollup from architecture to production deployment; building and scaling a performant, composable zkEVM with privacy guarantees; and recruiting, mentoring, and managing a multi-domain engineering team across areas such as protocol, infrastructure, smart contracts, and full-stack development. The role will also optimize zk circuits, prover performance, and privacy features in collaboration with cryptography experts, and drive major technical decisions related to sequencer design, data availability layers, rollup tooling, and bridging. Additionally, it is expected to ensure secure integration of stablecoins, RWAs, and DeFi applications into the platform.
Requirements include proven experience delivering a blockchain/L2/zkEVM product from inception to scale, along with extensive engineering experience and leadership of blockchain/L2 infrastructure teams. The role expects hands-on expertise with ZK systems and strong understanding of Ethereum, rollups, and zkEVM mechanics. Candidates should have strong proficiency in relevant development languages for systems and smart contracts, as well as zk circuit languages, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills. Preferred qualifications may include experience with stablecoins and privacy-preserving assets or programmable wallets, knowledge of sequencing, MEV protection, and interoperability frameworks, and contributions to open-source ZK tooling or rollup frameworks.