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Zk Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Developer Hub & Application Marketplace - A decentralized platform where developers build, deploy ... hash functions, zk-proofs, signature schemes, and post-quantum candidates Prior experience ...

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Zk Engineer information

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$36.5K

$107.3K

$137.5K

How much do zk engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for zk engineer in the United States is $107,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Zk Engineer vs Blockchain Developer?

AspectZk EngineerBlockchain Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of zero-knowledge proofs, cryptography, programming skillsProficiency in blockchain platforms, smart contract development, cryptography
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, cryptography labs, blockchain companiesSoftware development teams, blockchain startups, fintech firms
Industry UsageSpecialized in privacy-preserving tech, zero-knowledge protocolsDeveloping decentralized applications, smart contracts, blockchain solutions

While both roles involve blockchain technology and cryptography, Zk Engineers specialize in zero-knowledge proofs and privacy solutions, whereas Blockchain Developers focus on building decentralized applications and smart contracts across various blockchain platforms.

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

To thrive as a Zk Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, cryptography, and mathematics, often supported by experience with zero-knowledge proofs and blockchain technologies. Familiarity with programming languages like Rust or Go, zk-SNARK/zk-STARK frameworks, and cryptographic libraries is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and addressing complex engineering challenges. These skills are essential to ensure robust, secure, and scalable implementations of zero-knowledge protocols within blockchain and privacy-focused systems.

What is a Zk Engineer?

A Zk Engineer is a specialist who works with zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography, a technology that enables one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any additional information. Zk Engineers typically design, develop, and implement zero-knowledge protocols and applications, often for blockchain, privacy, and security use cases. Their work involves cryptographic research, writing efficient code (often in languages like Rust or Solidity), and collaborating with other engineers to integrate ZK systems into larger platforms. This role is crucial for advancing privacy and scalability solutions across decentralized technologies.

What are some common challenges Zk Engineers face when implementing zero-knowledge proofs in production systems?

Zk Engineers often encounter challenges related to optimizing the performance and scalability of zero-knowledge proof systems, as these cryptographic protocols can be computationally intensive. Ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure and maintaining security standards while integrating new proof systems can also be complex. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving zero-knowledge technologies and frameworks requires continuous learning and adaptability. Collaborative problem-solving with developers, security teams, and product managers is key to overcoming these obstacles and successfully deploying robust solutions.
More about Zk Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Zk Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Zk Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Zk Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Zk Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Zk Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Protocol / Technical Lead

Launch Legends

Cheyenne, WY • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Shape the Future of Blockchain—Bringing Business On-Chain

We’re offering a unique opportunity to join Launch Legends (and Autheo) as a part-time Equity Cofounder. Founded nearly four years ago, Launch Legends is at the forefront of bridging Web3 blockchain technology with the next evolution of Web2 integration—bringing businesses on-chain through enterprise-grade solutions, DePIN innovations, and decentralized financial infrastructure.

Our flagship project, Autheo, is an AI enabled Layer-Zero OS with an integrated Layer-1 blockchain and complete decentralized infrastructure that includes decentralized compute, storage, identity, and service marketplaces, as well as a Full-stack development environment (DevHub)—engineered for scalable enterprise adoption, developer innovation, and real-world blockchain integration.

Our Projects

  • Autheo – www.autheo.com
  • Autheo Teamhttps://www.autheo.com/teams
  • Launch Legends (Parent Company)www.launchlegends.io
  • Twitter: https://x.com/Autheo_Network

About Autheo
With nearly 100 equity cofounders from leading companies and institutions—many with advanced degrees and PhDs—Autheo is solving the critical challenges blocking business adoption of blockchain technology.

Key Features:

  • Enterprise-Grade Layer-1 Blockchain – High-speed, self-securing, and cost-efficient infrastructure built for scale.
  • Developer Hub & Application Marketplace – A decentralized platform where developers build, deploy, and monetize real-world apps.
  • Web2-Web3 Integration – Microservices, SDKs, and governance frameworks for seamless business migration.
  • Decentralized Cloud & Compute – Secure, privacy-preserving storage and AI-powered compute for next-gen applications.
  • DePIN Infrastructure – On-chain networks powering real-world infrastructure ownership and resource sharing.

Traction (Testnet Launch):

  • Wallet Accounts: 290,000+
  • Twitter Followers: 30,000+
  • Discord Members: 19,000+
  • Smart Contracts Deployed: 30,000+
  • Developers Registered for MVP DevHub: 7,500+

Compensation & Growth Path
This is a part time equity / token-based cofounder opportunity. You will receive equity in Launch Legends, Autheo, and the WFO Creator Network, along with token allocations in the Autheo blockchain. We have already completed an initial financing round to support infrastructure and marketing, and are currently in discussions with VCs and crypto investors to fund expansion and salaries.  Salaried compensation is expected to begin within 4 to 5 months, following our node, token sales or funding.

ROLE: Protocol / Technical Lead

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Protocol / Technical Lead is the Foundation's senior technical voice and the steward of the Autheo network's long-term technical integrity. You will not write all the code, but you will be the person builders, validators, and grantees looks to for technical direction, standards-setting, and protocol governance. This role requires hands-on blockchain expertise combined with the communication skills to represent the Foundation's technical positions clearly to the communty and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain the Autheo protocol standards roadmap: consensus mechanism upgrades, EVM compatibility updates, IBC integration priorities, and post-quantum cryptography adoption timeline

Lead the technical review of all grant applications, including written assessments and technical findings to the Grants Committee

Coordinate network upgrade proposals along side the Autheo Engineering Team for community coordination, testnet deployment, and mainnet activation

Serve as the primary technical liaison: communicate upgrade requirements, provide technical support during network events, and gather infrastructure feedback

Oversee the Foundation's security posture: coordinate third-party audits, review audit reports, manage responsible disclosure for reported vulnerabilities, and publish security advisories

Set technical standards for open-source repositories maintained or funded by the Foundation, including code review standards, documentation requirements, and testing expectations

Evaluate and provide technical guidance on PROGRAMS

Represent the Foundation's technical perspective at conferences, in research publications, and in cross-chain working groups

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with blockchain protocol engineering; familiarity with at least one major L1 or L2 stack

Knowledge of node implementations

Strong expertise and understanding of EVM equivalence / compatibility tradeoffs

Experience leading or participating in live network upgrades and external stakeholder coordination

Familiarity with cryptographic primitives relevant to blockchain systems: hash functions, zk-proofs, signature schemes, and post-quantum candidates

Prior experience reviewing smart contract audits, threat models, or security research

Ability to communicate highly technical concepts clearly in writing and in public presentations

NICE TO HAVE

Published research or significant open-source contributions

Experience with decentralized identity standards (W3C DID, Verifiable Credentials, ERC-725/735)

Background in AI/ML systems at the infrastructure level, particularly agent orchestration or on-chain AI verification

Prior role at an established blockchain foundation or core development team

What We Offer

Equity shares in Autheo & AUTHEO token allocation  ·  Remote-first culture  ·  Mission-driven work at the frontier of decentralized technology  ·  Direct impact on foundation strategy and ecosystem direction

About Our Organization
Autheo is a visionary technology company building the world's most resilient DePIN platform guaranteeing 99.999% uptime across 1,000+ global nodes processing millions TPS, 200GB/s storage, and AI inference with unbreakable security and automated GDPR/CCPA/HIPAA compliance. Our mission is to create unbreakable infrastructure empowering developers to build sovereign dApps, confidential DeFi, secure enterprise solutions, and privacy-preserving AI systems. Backed by pioneering SRE leadership and global team of elite systems engineers, cryptographers, and blockchain architects, Autheo is positioned to dominate $300B+ SRE market. Join us to build the reliability foundation for the sovereign digital economy.

🌐 🚀 WHY JOIN LAUNCH LEGENDS?

  • Traction with Momentum: Autheo is already gaining significant traction in the blockchain space, with rapid developer adoption, platform growth, and partnership interest.
  • Cross-Industry Impact; Autheo is positioned to transform not only the Web3 ecosystem—but also Web2 and the broader technology sector—by enabling real-world business adoption of decentralized infrastructure.
  • Real Innovation, Not Hype: Unlike many blockchain ventures, Autheo is focused on substance over speculation. We are building real solutions: modular fullstack infrastructure, enterprise-grade toolkits, decentralized identity, cloud, compute, and service orchestration.
  • Backed by Elite Talent: You’ll join a team composed of professionals from top-tier universities, Fortune 500 companies, and major blockchain platforms. Our team includes multiple PhDs and senior engineers who have launched and scaled world-class technologies.

If you're ready to redefine blockchain adoption, empower global business integration, and help shape the next generation of Web3 and developer ecosystems, we invite you to take the next step.

Let’s build the future—together.