Technical Context & Problem Space
Build `rust-bitcoin`, `rust-lightning` (LDK), and firmware security for Bitkey hardware wallets in memory-safe, zero-dependency Rust.
LDK is a pure-Rust state machine with zero runtime I/O dependencies, enabling deterministic fuzzing of Lightning channel revocation, HTLC routing, and MuSig2 schnorr signatures. Every microsecond saved on the hot path translates directly into lower hardware footprint.
Key Engineering Deliverables
- Contribute upstream to `rust-bitcoin` and `rust-secp256k1`, audit `no_std` embedded wallet firmware, and expand BOLT12 offer protocol support.
- Harden distributed state machines and I/O pipelines written in no_std, rustls, Serde, Tokio against network partitions and disk faults.
- Build deterministic benchmarks and chaos tests that catch regressions before production rollout.
Candidate Profile & Compensation
- 3+ years writing performance-critical systems software in Rust (with production exposure to no_std and rustls).
- Solid grasp of virtual memory, page caches, thread-per-core scheduling, or modern hardware interconnects.
- Annual base band: $190k - $260k USD (US / Canada / Remote), paired with equity and async-first remote workflows.
