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Zk Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Succinct

General Application

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Our core product is SP1, a breakthrough zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine) that enables developers to generate ZK proofs from normal code (like Rust) with state-of-the-art performance. To support ...

Renegade

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100/day

Docs * Code About The Role We are seeking a systems-focused engineer to join our close-knit team ... About You You're excited by hard systems problems: trading infrastructure, ZK, distributed systems ...

Renegade

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100/day

Docs * Code About The Role We are seeking a systems-focused engineer to join our close-knit team ... About You You're excited by hard systems problems: trading infrastructure, ZK, distributed systems ...

All JobsZk Developer JobsZk Developer Jobs in California

Zk Developer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Zk Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Zk Developer, you need strong expertise in cryptography, blockchain fundamentals, and programming languages like Rust or Solidity, typically supported by a background in computer science or mathematics. Familiarity with zero-knowledge proof frameworks (such as zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs), cryptographic libraries, and blockchain development tools is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in designing secure and efficient protocols. These skills are crucial for building scalable, privacy-preserving blockchain solutions and ensuring the integrity of decentralized systems.

What types of projects and collaborations can a Zk Developer expect to work on within a blockchain development team?

As a Zk Developer, you will typically work on projects involving zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs) to enhance privacy and scalability in blockchain applications. You can expect to collaborate closely with smart contract developers, cryptographers, and backend engineers to design and implement secure, efficient protocols. Common challenges include optimizing proof generation times and ensuring compatibility with existing blockchain infrastructure. Team structures often encourage knowledge sharing and code reviews to stay updated with the rapidly evolving zk ecosystem, offering ample opportunities for professional growth.

What is a Zk Developer?

A Zk Developer is a software engineer who specializes in building applications and protocols using zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography. Zero-knowledge proofs allow one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any underlying information. Zk Developers typically work on blockchain scalability, privacy solutions, and security features using technologies like zk-SNARKs or zk-STARKs. Their responsibilities include designing, implementing, and optimizing cryptographic protocols and integrating ZK proofs into decentralized applications. This role requires deep knowledge of cryptography, blockchain infrastructure, and programming languages such as Rust, Go, or Solidity.

What is the difference between Zk Developer vs Blockchain Developer?

AspectZk DeveloperBlockchain Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of zero-knowledge proofs, cryptography, programming languages like Solidity or RustUnderstanding of blockchain protocols, cryptography, smart contract development
Work EnvironmentFocus on privacy-preserving tech, cryptography, and zero-knowledge systemsDeveloping decentralized applications, smart contracts, and blockchain infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageCrypto projects, privacy-focused blockchain companies, DeFi platformsWide range of blockchain companies, startups, and enterprises

While both roles involve blockchain technology and cryptography, Zk Developers specialize in zero-knowledge proofs and privacy solutions, whereas Blockchain Developers focus on building and maintaining blockchain networks and applications. The roles often overlap but serve different technical focuses within the blockchain industry.

What are popular job titles related to Zk Developer jobs in California? For Zk Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Zk Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Zk Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Zk Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Zk Developer job openings:
Zk Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Zk Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution.

ZK and ML Compiler Engineer

Polyhedra

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

ZK and ML Compiler Engineer

San Francisco Bay Area

We are at the forefront of Zero-Knowledge Machine Learning technology, developing breakthrough solutions that combine data-protective computation with advanced machine learning capabilities. Our compiler team plays a crucial role in making zkML practical and efficient.

We're seeking an exceptional Compiler Engineer with expertise in Zero-Knowledge proofs and cryptography to develop specialized compilers for ZK Machine Learning applications. This role sits at the intersection of cryptographic protocols, machine learning, and compiler optimization.

AI Tool Proficiency Requirements

  • Expert-level proficiency with advanced coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, etc.)
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively prompt and interact with AI systems for maximum productivity
  • Strong experience using AI tools for debugging and optimization tasks
  • Experience integrating AI-assisted workflows into development processes
  • Ability to critically evaluate and validate AI-generated code and solutions

What You Will Do

  • Design and implement advanced compiler optimizations specifically for zkML circuits
  • Develop efficient arithmetic circuit representations for ML operations
  • Create and optimize intermediate representations for ZK proof systems
  • Implement novel proof-generation optimization techniques
  • Optimize constraint system generation and polynomial commitment schemes
  • Collaborate with cryptography and ML teams to implement efficient proving systems
  • Research and implement new optimization techniques for ZK-ML compilation
  • Contribute to the design of new ZK-friendly ML algorithms and architectures

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or M.S. in Computer Science with focus on cryptography, compilers, or related field from a top-tier university
  • Strong background in Zero-Knowledge proofs and cryptographic protocols
  • Solid understanding of machine learning algorithms and their implementation
  • Expert-level proficiency in C++, Rust, or similar systems programming languages
  • Experience with ZK proof systems
  • Strong mathematical foundation in cryptography and abstract algebra

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with ML compiler optimization and frameworks
  • Contributions to ZK proof systems or compiler projects
  • Experience with proof system implementation
  • Publication record in relevant conferences (CCS, CRYPTO, PLDI, etc.)
  • Open-source contributions to ZK or compiler projects
  • ACM-ICPC Regional or World Finals medalist
  • USACO (USA Computing Olympiad) Gold/Platinum award
  • Top-tier algorithmic competition achievements

Technical Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of compiler design and implementation
  • Expertise in cryptographic primitives and protocols
  • Proficiency in optimization techniques for arithmetic circuits
  • Strong background in algorithm design and complexity theory
  • Experience with performance profiling and optimization
  • Familiarity with hardware architecture and constraints

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge zkML technology
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Collaboration with leading researchers in ZK and ML
  • Impact on the future of data-protective computation

Apply