Role in brief
Ripple is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their RippleX Programmability team. This role involves enhancing the XRP Ledger's smart contract capabilities and overall programmability using C++ and Rust. Candidates with significant experience in these languages, along with WebAssembly and a passion for blockchain technology, will find this role a strong fit.
About the role
This position focuses on developing and maintaining core components of the XRP Ledger, specifically to improve its programmability and smart contract functionality. The work involves contributing to the full software development lifecycle, from initial architecture and design through to development and testing. A key aspect of the role is integrating and maintaining a WebAssembly virtual machine within the existing C++ core of the XRPL.
The successful candidate will be part of the RippleX Programmability team, which aims to evolve the core capabilities of the XRP Ledger. This team is central to supporting smart contracts and more complex on-ledger functions, contributing to Ripple's mission of democratizing the digital economy. The role requires active participation in technical discussions and upholding coding and testing standards within the open-source XRP Ledger community.
Success in this role means independently solving complex technical challenges and contributing to the scalability and performance of the XRP Ledger. It involves authoring system design documents and engaging with both internal and external engineering stakeholders. The engineer will play a direct role in shaping the future of decentralized applications on one of the world’s fastest public blockchains.
The salary for this position ranges from $152,000 to $190,000 annually.
Skills that matter here
- C++: This role requires significant experience in modern C++ for developing and maintaining core components of the XRP Ledger.
- Rust: The position involves using Rust for development, alongside C++, to enhance the XRP Ledger's capabilities.
- WebAssembly: A key responsibility is the integration and maintenance of a WebAssembly virtual machine within the XRP Ledger's C++ core.
- Blockchain: A genuine passion for blockchain technology and its technical underpinnings is required, as the role focuses on enhancing the XRP Ledger.
- Smart Contracts: The engineer will be directly involved in evolving the XRP Ledger to support smart contracts and more complex on-ledger functionality.
Who this role suits
- Someone with at least five years of software development experience who enjoys working on complex, foundational systems.
- An engineer who is passionate about blockchain technology and its potential, particularly in the context of decentralized applications.
- A person who thrives in an environment that requires independent problem-solving and technical leadership.
- An individual who values contributing to an open-source community and maintaining high coding standards.
From the employer
- Design, build, and maintain core components of the XRP Ledger to enhance its programmability, smart contract capabilities, performance, and scalability.
- Lead the integration and maintenance of a WebAssembly (WASM) virtual machine within the XRPL’s C++ core.
- Engage in the full software development lifecycle, from architecture and design to development in modern C++ and Rust, and rigorous testing.
- Author system design documents and lead technical discussions with internal and external engineering stakeholders.
- Uphold high standards for coding and testing as a steward of the open-source XRP ledger community, including active participation in code reviews.
- 5+ years of hands-on software development experience.
- Significant experience in modern C++ and Rust.
- Demonstrable experience with WebAssembly (WASM), particularly in integrating a WASM VM or runtime with a C++ codebase.
- Genuine passion for blockchain technology and its technical underpinnings and potential benefits.
- Ability to independently solve highly complex problems with creative and effective solutions.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain difficult technical concepts to various audiences.
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science or a related technical field.
Questions about this role
What is the seniority level for this position?
This is a senior-level position requiring at least five years of hands-on software development experience.
What are the key technical skills required?
Key technical skills include significant experience in modern C++ and Rust, along with demonstrable experience with WebAssembly, especially integrating a WASM VM with a C++ codebase.
What is the remote work policy for this role?
This position is designated as a hybrid role, indicating a mix of in-office and remote work.