Software Engineer – (Rust) – Aiken

Summary

Are you a seasoned software engineer with a passion for Rust and blockchain technology? IO Global, the visionary creator of the Cardano blockchain platform, is seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Rust to join our dynamic smart contract platform team. You’ll be working with a team to develop a Rust smart contract platform called Aiken, built on top of Cardano’s Plutus. If you’re eager to contribute to the future of smart contracts and are excited about working on groundbreaking projects, we want you!

At IO Infrastructure, we’re at the forefront of developing Cardano’s smart contract functionality, using functional programming languages as our foundation. Our smart contract platform team is an interdisciplinary group that not only engages in original research and development but also translates its findings into real-world production systems. 

Duties

As a Rust Software Engineer in the Plutus smart contracts team, your mission is to elevate Cardano’s smart contract languages and tooling to a world-class level, capable of satisfying the diverse requirements of our users while adhering to the system’s technical constraints. Your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with a team of seasoned engineers and researchers to design and implement missing features in Cardano smart contract languages, compilers, and runtime systems
• Crafting comprehensive documentation to assist users in effectively utilizing the languages
• Leveraging your seniority to guide and mentor junior colleagues, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the team

Requirements

Key Competencies

• Proficiency in Rust programming, with a proven track record in software development within blockchain environment
• Familiarity with Aiken a major plus
• Knowledge of Elm, Gleam or similar languages a plus
• Deep understanding of computer science fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures and concurrency
• Knowledge of blockchain technology and its core concepts, such as consensus mechanisms, cryptography and smart contracts
• Proficiency in Haskell is a plus
• Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to execute software development tasks independently
• Leading by example to cultivate a culture of craftsmanship and innovation
• Proficient in writing documentation for code and technical user manuals

Education / Experience 

• At least 5 years of experience in software development , with at least 3 years focus on Rust programming language
• You have a custom-centric, solution-oriented and actionable approach to solving problems
• Experience in remote work and collaboration across different time zones
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (is desirable but not essential) or equivalent practical experience
• Background in designing and implementing programming languages, compilers, and runtime systems
• Experience with another functional programming language is a plus
• Experience in software development, data structures, and algorithms
• Academic or industrial R&D experience, including writing papers or implementing innovations from research papers
• Experience working in a complex, matrixed organization with cross-functional projects
• Good communication skills with ability to present technical topics to internal audience (e.g leadership) and external parties (e.g. customers, partners etc)
• Experience with Git
• Knowledge of functional and object -oriented programming paradigms is a plus
• Experience in a technical leadership role, leading projects and setting technical direction, would be a significant bonus
• Exposure to blockchain and UTXO-based ledgers is also a bonus

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Competitive PTO 
• Medical Benefits

At IOG, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.