Zero Knowledge Engineer Job Description Template

The zero knowledge engineer builds systems that prove a statement is true without revealing the underlying data, which underpins privacy preserving applications and validity rollups. The work spans circuit design, proving system selection and the substantial engineering required to make proving fast enough to be practical. It is one of the most mathematically demanding roles in the sector.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and implement arithmetic circuits for zero knowledge proofs
• Select and integrate proving systems appropriate to the application
• Optimize circuit size and proving time
• Implement and verify on chain verifier contracts
• Build proving infrastructure and manage its resource requirements
• Test circuits thoroughly, including for under constrained conditions
• Work on trusted setup ceremonies where the system requires one
• Benchmark proving and verification performance
• Document circuit design and its security assumptions
• Support audit and formal review of circuits

Education

• Master’s or PhD in mathematics, cryptography or computer science, or equivalent demonstrated expertise

Required Skills and Experience

• 2+ years working with zero knowledge proof systems
• Strong mathematical foundation including finite fields and elliptic curves
• Experience with a circuit language such as Circom, Halo2, Noir or Cairo
• Understanding of SNARK and STARK constructions and their trade offs
• Ability to detect under constrained circuits, which are the classic failure
• Proficiency with Rust
• Rigorous testing and verification practice
• Verifiable work in the field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a production zk rollup
• Research publications or open source circuit contributions