Founding Protocol Engineer
Role in brief
Joyride Labs is developing a crypto options exchange that blends fast execution with blockchain security. This role focuses on building the core trust and verification layers of their hybrid architecture. It suits experienced systems engineers with a strong background in blockchain development and applied cryptography who can ensure secure interaction between off-chain and on-chain components.
About the role
This position involves developing the foundational trust and verification mechanisms for an options exchange designed for crypto traders. The architecture combines a central limit order book for rapid transactions with a blockchain for transparent and secure settlement. The engineer will be responsible for proving that off-chain execution can be verified on-chain, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the platform's core functions.
A key aspect of this role is designing robust systems that allow for censorship-resistant recovery and unilateral exit, providing users with control and security. This includes actively threat-modeling the interface between off-chain and on-chain systems to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. The work requires a deep understanding of how these two distinct environments interact and how to secure that boundary effectively.
Success in this role means establishing a secure and verifiable hybrid architecture that upholds the principles of decentralized finance while delivering high performance. The engineer will work closely with the Founding Principal Engineer to bring this options exchange to fruition, contributing to a platform that aims to bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology through derivatives trading.
The salary for this role ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually.
Skills that matter here
- Rust: This role requires significant experience in Rust for systems engineering, contributing to the development of the exchange's core components.
- C++: Candidates should have experience with C++ for systems engineering, applying it to the exchange's architecture.
- Go: Proficiency in Go is needed for systems engineering tasks related to building the options exchange.
- Solana: Deep experience with Solana program development is essential for building and integrating the blockchain components of the exchange.
- cryptography: Strong applied cryptography skills are critical for designing secure verification layers, including the use of Merkle trees, digital signatures, and hash-based commitments.
- Merkle trees: Understanding and applying Merkle trees is necessary for ensuring the integrity and verifiability of data within the hybrid architecture.
Who this role suits
- A systems engineer with at least five years of experience in low-level programming languages.
- Someone with a strong background in blockchain development, particularly with Solana or similar runtimes.
- An individual who excels at applying cryptographic principles to solve real-world security challenges.
- A professional who understands DeFi security concepts and common exploit vectors.
From the employer
- Own the trust and verification layer of Joyride's hybrid architecture.
- Work alongside the Founding Principal Engineer to build an options exchange.
- Prove off-chain execution verifiable on-chain.
- Design systems for censorship-resistant recovery and unilateral exit.
- Threat-model the boundary between off-chain and on-chain systems.
- 5+ years of systems engineering in Rust, C++, or Go.
- Deep experience with Solana program development or equivalent blockchain runtime.
- Strong applied cryptography: Merkle trees, digital signatures, hash-based commitments, proof systems.
- Understanding of DeFi security: common exploit vectors, smart contract auditing patterns.
- Experience with hybrid or L2 architectures.
- Competitive salary and meaningful equity.
- Remote-first.
- Full autonomy over your domain.
- Open-source friendly.
Questions about this role
What is the remote work policy for this position?
This is a remote-first position, allowing for full remote work.
What level of seniority is expected for this role?
This is a lead-level position, indicating a need for significant experience and leadership capabilities.
What are the key technical skills required for this role?
Candidates need strong skills in Rust, C++, or Go, deep experience with Solana development, and expertise in applied cryptography including Merkle trees and digital signatures.