Protocol Engineer at MatterLabs

Overview

Matter Labs is hiring a Protocol Engineer to design, implement, and evolve the zkSync protocol. This role involves working on both L1 and L2 components, including core contracts, verification systems, and the zkSync smart contract platform - a zero-knowledge-friendly virtual machine powering zkSync Era. The position is globally remote and housed in the Engineering Core - Protocol team.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement the zkSync smart contract platform and zk-friendly virtual machine.
• Develop and maintain system contracts using Solidity and Yul, and implement server-side components for L1 and L2.
• Conduct independent research, design prototypes, and produce technical documentation for proposed solutions.
• Help shape the protocol roadmap in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Participate in cross-functional discussions to ensure secure, scalable protocol evolution and contribute to design reviews and launches.

Experience, qualifications and competencies

• Experience - 3 to 10 years in protocol, blockchain, or systems engineering depending on seniority level.
• Smart contract skills - Hands-on experience with Solidity or Vyper and familiarity with Yul, Foundry, or Cast tools is a strong plus.
• Systems languages - Proficiency in strongly typed languages such as C++ or Go, with Rust experience considered a plus.
• Blockchain fundamentals - Strong understanding of blockchain and EVM protocols, Merkle trees, and related data structures.
• Algorithmic skills - In-depth knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and computational complexity, with experience implementing data structures from scratch.
• Security and cryptography - Understanding of cryptography and protocol design is a plus.
• Core competencies - Ownership mindset, strong collaboration and communication skills, curiosity, and fluency in written and spoken English.

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