Core Protocol Engineer
WFA Digital Insight
The intersection of crypto and AI is redefining the tech landscape, with demand for blockchain specialists growing 25% in 2025. Ritual's innovative approach to building a sovereign execution layer for AI sets it apart. To succeed in this Core Protocol Engineer role, candidates must possess deep expertise in Ethereum execution clients and a strong understanding of EVM internals. With the blockchain market expected to reach $23.3 billion by 2027, this is an exciting time to join a pioneering company. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the high-energy, fast-paced environment and the need for excellent communication skills.
Job Description
About the Role
Ritual is at the forefront of building a sovereign, execution layer for AI, with its private testnet already live and running. The company's mission to bridge the transformative technologies of crypto and AI has led to the development of innovative products like Infernet, which enables developers to access AI models both on-chain and off-chain. As a Core Protocol Engineer, you will play a crucial role in extending the EVM for next-generation compute capabilities, working closely with the research team to implement novel mechanism design primitives and expand the execution layer to support stateful precompiles.The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of EVM internals and Ethereum execution clients, as well as strong experience implementing and optimizing precompiles. You will be working in a highly collaborative environment, contributing to core protocol development and EIP implementations, and designing robust testing frameworks for execution client modifications.
Ritual's commitment to innovation and its pioneering approach to AI-native operations make this an exciting opportunity for talented engineers looking to make a significant impact in the blockchain and AI space.
What You Will Do
- Design and implement extensions to EVM clients for supporting stateful precompiles
- Implement novel mechanism design primitives into the execution layer
- Develop and optimize transaction processing pipelines for heterogeneous workloads
- Research and implement solutions for state access conflicts
- Contribute to core protocol development and EIP implementations
- Collaborate with the research team on protocol specifications and mechanism design improvements
- Design and implement robust testing frameworks for execution client modifications
- Work on expanding the execution layer to support parallel execution patterns
- Implement and optimize precompiles for improved performance
What We Are Looking For
- Deep understanding of EVM internals and Ethereum execution clients
- Strong experience implementing and optimizing precompiles
- Expertise in Go and/or Rust for systems programming, and Solidity
- Thorough knowledge of Ethereum's roadmap and active participation in protocol discussions
- Experience with parallel execution patterns in blockchain systems
- Strong understanding of consensus mechanisms and blockchain architecture
- Ability to read, understand, and implement EIPs and protocol specifications
- Proven track record of shipping production-grade blockchain systems
Nice to Have
- Knowledge of mempool dynamics, transaction ordering, and the mev-boost implementation
- Background in mechanism design or market systems
- Deep knowledge of proof systems and their trade-offs around prover time, verifier time, and proof size
Benefits and Perks
- Highly competitive compensation package, including annual discretionary bonus
- Optimized tax structure compared to the vast majority of web3 startups
- Top 1% of benefits across the web3 startup space
- 100% of premiums covered on highest quality healthcare
- Aggressive company 401k match
- Fully remote and/or hybrid work arrangement
- Participation in virtual and in-person events
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects
How to Stand Out
- To stand out, ensure your portfolio showcases your expertise in EVM internals and Ethereum execution clients, with specific examples of precompile implementation and optimization.
- Familiarize yourself with Ritual's products, such as Infernet, and be prepared to discuss how your skills align with the company's mission.
- During interviews, highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and your experience with collaborative development.
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of consensus mechanisms and blockchain architecture, and how you stay updated with Ethereum's roadmap.
- When negotiating salary, consider the company's competitive compensation package and optimized tax structure, and be prepared to discuss your expectations based on industry standards.
- Pay attention to the company culture and values during the interview process, and be sure to ask about opportunities for professional growth and development.
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