Zcash Open Development Lab (ZODL) Logo

Zcash Open Development Lab (ZODL)

Principal Engineer

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Remote
Hiring Remotely in United States
190K-230K Annually
Expert/Leader
Remote
Hiring Remotely in United States
190K-230K Annually
Expert/Leader
Build and maintain ZODL's core Rust-based wallet and infrastructure (Zallet and core libraries). Implement protocol features from specifications, improve performance and reliability, support mobile teams, participate in reviews, testing, releases, and respond urgently to bugs and security issues.
The summary above was generated by AI

Location: Remote

Reports to: Head of Engineering

Compensation: $190K–$230K base + equity

About ZODL

ZODL (Zcash Open Development Lab) is building the software necessary to onboard billions of users to Zcash. Created by the original inventors and developers of the Zcash protocol, we deliver world-class UX for ZEC on top of our core protocol work.

Our product suite includes Zodl mobile (iOS and Android) with built-in cross-chain swaps, and Zallet, a full-node Zcash wallet written in Rust, built as a replacement for the zcashd wallet. On the horizon: Zodl Vault (a desktop wallet for multisig, inheritance, and institutional use cases), web-based wallets, and headless/agentic wallet infrastructure.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a pragmatic, high-output Rust engineer to build and maintain ZODL’s core infrastructure and wallet stack. This role focuses on shipping secure, reliable systems while collaborating closely with protocol and cryptography experts.

You don’t need deep cryptographic expertise — but you must be able to implement sensitive systems correctly and understand the why behind them.

  • Build and maintain Zallet (our CLI wallet) and Zcash’s Rust-based core libraries

  • Implement protocol features based on existing specifications and guidance

  • Developing and maintaining specifications to enhance, document, and support security analysis of the Zcash protocol, either led by ZODL or in collaboration with third-party developers.

  • Develop wallet infrastructure and features

  • Improve performance, reliability, and developer ergonomics of core systems

  • Support downstream teams (e.g. Zodl mobile) with developing features, and investigating issues

  • Participate in code reviews, testing, and release processes

  • Respond to bugs and security issues with urgency

The Core Engineer will report to the Head of Engineering. The Engineering Team now encompasses both Core and Zodl wallet development. Although this role will primarily involve the former, you will also be collaborating closely with developers working on the Zodl wallet.

What We're Looking For

Required

  • Experience with Rust, and with developing secure and reliable code in modern programming languages similar to Rust, Swift, Kotlin, and Go.

  • Experience building reliable, secure backend or systems-level software

  • Ability to work from technical specifications

  • Solid understanding of security fundamentals

  • Experience with testing, debugging, and performance optimization

  • Comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment

  • Experience with cryptography libraries or blockchain systems

  • Deep knowledge of cryptography is not required, but a willingness to learn and an appreciation for the importance of security are essential.

  • Familiarity with Zcash concepts

  • Experience with mobile-integrated backends or SDKs

  • Open-source contributions

Key Traits
  • Pragmatic and delivery-focused

  • Strong ownership and accountability

  • Knows when to ask for review vs. push forward

  • Comfortable operating with incomplete information

Similar Jobs

Yesterday
Remote
United States
180K-250K Annually
Expert/Leader
180K-250K Annually
Expert/Leader
Blockchain • Fintech • Payments • Cryptocurrency
Lead and build an R&D function to identify and validate new product opportunities across wallets and infrastructure. Independently prototype feasibility using code (Rust, TypeScript, Swift, Kotlin, Python), assess protocol and partner technology fit, produce handoff artifacts, and present recommendations to the CEO and leadership for further development.
Top Skills: Atomic SwapsBridgesBrowser ExtensionsCross-Chain InteroperabilityDefiFrostHardware Wallet IntegrationsKotlinProgressive Web AppsPythonRustShielded TransactionsSwiftThreshold SignaturesTypescriptViewing KeysZcashZero-Knowledge Proofs
Yesterday
Remote
Senior level
Senior level
Information Technology • Software
Lead design, development, and optimization of cloud-native data platforms and ETL/ELT pipelines. Architect data models, enforce engineering best practices, implement orchestration (Airflow/dbt), monitoring, and data quality frameworks. Mentor engineers, drive architectural decisions, ensure security and governance, and support analytics and machine learning initiatives across teams.
Top Skills: AirflowAWSAzureCi/CdData LakeData VaultData WarehouseDbtEltETLGCPPythonSnowflake SchemaSQLStar Schema
11 Days Ago
Remote
Senior level
Senior level
Software • Consulting
Lead design and delivery of production-grade AI features and platforms. Build backend LLM orchestration, RAG pipelines, evaluation systems, and front-end experiences. Architect scalable, cost-efficient AI workflows, define best practices, mentor engineers, and collaborate with Product and Design to prioritize MVPs and technical trade-offs.
Top Skills: Ai EvaluationAWSC#Ci/CdGoJavaLlmsNode.jsObservabilityPostgresPrompt EngineeringPythonReactRetrieval-Augmented Generation (Rag)Typescript

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
  • Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
  • Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
  • Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account