Staff Software Engineer - zkVM

About Boundless

Boundless is a protocol for accessing verifiable compute on any chain and rewarding nodes for contributing useful work. Our mainnet launch in September 2025 pioneered Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW), a novel mechanism for verifiably rewarding provers for generating ZK proofs, and raised $71M from its community sale (18× oversubscribed). Through The Signal campaign, we raised ~300 ETH to prove the finality of every Ethereum block using ZKasper, the first ZKVM-friendly implementation of Casper FFG. We've built a network of 2,500+ provers generating billions of proofs daily. With breakthrough products like Kailua (the leading ZK fraud-proof system reducing rollup finality from days to hours) and Zeth (the first Type 0 zkEVM), we're making zero-knowledge proofs practical and accessible across Web3. Our technology powers critical infrastructure including EigenLayer’s slashing system, BOB’s hybrid ZK rollup, and Citrea’s Bitcoin zkRollup.

As a Staff Engineer focusing on zkVMs, you'll be at the forefront of zero-knowledge virtual machine technology, working to make Boundless the universal execution layer for verifiable computation. You'll lead our multi-zkVM strategy, conduct deep technical analysis of different proof systems, and contribute to the core protocols that power verifiable computation across the ecosystem. We welcome international applicants. Boundless is built by a global team, and we love working across time zones and cultures.

What You'll Do

• Implement PoVW for Multiple zkVMs: Extend our Proof of Verifiable Work mechanism to support diverse zkVM architectures, ensuring fair reward distribution across different proof systems.
• Optimize Proof Generation: Implement zkVM-specific optimizations to reduce proving time and costs across different architectures.
• Protocol Contributions: Make direct contributions to zkVM protocol specifications and implementations, working with teams across the ecosystem.
• Build Universal Compilation Layer: Develop compilation frameworks that enables single guest programs to target multiple zkVM backends.
• Design Verification Systems: Build robust on-chain verification systems that can handle proofs from multiple zkVM types.
• Conduct zkVM Trade-off Analysis: Lead comprehensive research comparing performance, security, and cost characteristics of zkVMs (RISC Zero, SP1, Polygon zkEVM, zkSync Era, Starknet) to drive integration prioritization.
• Research & Development: Stay at the cutting edge of zkVM research, implementing new techniques for recursion, aggregation, and composition.

Requirements

• 5+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in systems programming

• Strong background in cryptography, particularly zero-knowledge proofs
• Experience with compiler design, virtual machines, or runtime systems
• Proficiency in Rust and low-level systems programming
• Understanding of different ZK proof systems (STARKs, SNARKs, Plonky2/3)
• Track record of technical leadership and cross-team collaboration

Nice to Have

• Direct experience with zkVM development or integration
• Contributions to major zkVM projects (RISC Zero, SP1, Polygon zkEVM)
• Background in formal verification or security auditing
• Experience with RISC-V or other instruction set architectures
• Published research in zero-knowledge proofs or verifiable computation
• Understanding of circuit design and arithmetization

Benefits

At Boundless, we take care of our people, because building the future of decentralized computing starts with an empowered team. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Competitive Salary.
• Annual Offsites.
• Bi-Weekly Virtual Coffees.
• Home Office Budget.
• 401(k) Plan (USA Only).
• Healthcare, Dental & Vision.
• Professional Development.
• An Exceptional Team.