Staff Software Engineer
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled software engineers in the fintech space has grown significantly, with a 25% increase in job postings over the last year. As companies like Coinbase continue to expand their remote teams, the need for experts in applied cryptography and secure infrastructure has never been more pressing. With the rise of digital assets, companies are looking for professionals who can balance innovation with stringent security and compliance standards. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the high stakes and intense environment that comes with working on critical cryptographic initiatives, and be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise and ability to lead in a remote setting.
Job Description
About the Role
The Staff Software Engineer role at Coinbase is a critical position that requires a deep understanding of applied cryptography and secure infrastructure development. As a member of the Security Platform Engineering group, you will be responsible for leading the development of high-availability services that directly protect customer assets and ensure global regulatory compliance. This is a remote position based in Israel, with quarterly in-person working sessions.The Security Platform Engineering group owns Coinbase's Tier-0 Multi-Party Computation (MPC) engine, which secures 99% of assets under custody. As a Staff Software Engineer, you will serve as the primary execution anchor for the company's most critical regulatory and cryptographic initiatives. Your work will have a direct impact on the security and compliance of Coinbase's operations, and you will be expected to lead by example, driving rigorous code reviews and eliminating single points of failure.
What You Will Do
- Lead the architecture and execution of critical cryptographic infrastructure, including services required for global regulatory compliance
- Define technical strategies with a multi-quarter horizon, bringing clarity to highly ambiguous requirements for novel cryptographic solutions
- Own risky and ambitious initiatives, implementing secure and resilient cryptographic protocols in a high-stakes, zero-trust environment
- Shape engineering quality practices as a technical anchor and mentor within a team of senior engineers
- Build alignment and secure commitment from cross-functional partners across Security, Product, and Policy to drive flawless execution
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new features and technologies
- Participate in code reviews and ensure that all code meets the company's high standards for quality and security
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this knowledge to improve the company's systems and processes
- Develop and maintain technical documentation and guides for internal and external use
- Participate in on-call rotations to ensure 24/7 coverage of critical systems
What We Are Looking For
- 8+ years of experience in software engineering with demonstrated success building highly available, distributed systems
- Deep domain expertise in applied cryptography, Key Management Systems (KMS), or Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), with proven experience safely implementing cryptographic protocols
- Extensive programming experience in systems languages such as Golang, Java, C++, or Rust, with ability to operate in a Golang-heavy environment
- Proven track record operating Tier-0 or highly critical infrastructure where system resilience, security, and low latency are absolute prerequisites
- Demonstrated experience leading a team's technical strategy, architecture, and deliverables for large-scale projects
- Strong understanding of secure coding practices and experience with security testing and review
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working with cross-functional teams
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions
- Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git
Nice to Have
- Experience with Multi-Party Computation (MPC) or other advanced cryptographic protocols
- Knowledge of cloud-based infrastructure and containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with security and compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001
- Familiarity with machine learning or artificial intelligence technologies and their applications in security and finance
- Certification in security or a related field, such as CISSP or CISM
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and equity package
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) or other retirement plan matching
- Flexible PTO and vacation policy
- Remote work stipend and equipment allowance
- Quarterly in-person working sessions and team-building activities
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and training opportunities
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects with a talented team of engineers and security experts
How to Stand Out
- Make sure your resume and online profiles highlight your experience with cryptographic protocols and secure infrastructure development.
- Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience leading technical teams and developing secure systems.
- Familiarize yourself with Coinbase's products and services, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and goals.
- Practice your coding skills and be prepared to complete a technical interview or coding challenge as part of the application process.
- Research the company culture and be prepared to discuss how you will contribute to and thrive in a remote work environment.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with security and compliance frameworks, and how you have implemented these in previous roles.
- Consider reaching out to current or former employees to learn more about the company culture and what it's like to work at Coinbase.
This is a remote position listed on WFA Digital, the platform for professionals who work from anywhere. Browse more remote jobs across all categories.