Job Description
This role is pivotal in shaping the cryptographic foundation of the Aptos blockchain and its ecosystem. The Software Engineer, Cryptography will work on defining and implementing secure cryptographic protocols that underpin the platform's functionality and integrity. This includes developing standards for cryptographic practices, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of blockchain technology and decentralized applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, maintain, and audit cryptographic schemes such as signature algorithms, authenticated data structures, secret sharing mechanisms, and zero-knowledge proof systems.
- Conduct in-depth evaluations of cryptographic libraries to ensure their safety, performance, and compatibility with Aptos' architecture.
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate cryptographic solutions into the Rust Blockchain code stack, Move framework, and SDKs (e.g., Typescript, Python, Rust).
- Develop and publish original research on cryptographic advancements to top-tier academic and industry conferences.
- Work closely with partner teams to ensure cryptographic standards meet regulatory, compliance, and security requirements across the ecosystem.
- Stay updated on emerging cryptographic trends and technologies to continuously improve Aptos' security posture.
- Document cryptographic processes, protocols, and findings for internal and external stakeholders.
Job Requirements
- Proven expertise in cryptographic algorithm design and implementation, with a focus on blockchain applications.
- Deep understanding of cryptographic protocols, including symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing, and key exchange mechanisms.
- Experience with Aptos Improvement Protocols (AIPs) and blockchain development frameworks like Move and Rust.
- Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Rust, Typescript, and Python, with a focus on security-critical code.
- Knowledge of cryptographic libraries (e.g., OpenSSL, libsodium) and their integration into blockchain systems.
- Ability to conduct rigorous security audits and vulnerability assessments of cryptographic implementations.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate with engineering teams, researchers, and external partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex cryptographic challenges.
- Preferred: Experience with zero-knowledge proofs, distributed systems, and consensus algorithms.
- Preferred: Publication record in cryptographic research or blockchain security domains.
Research Contributions
This position requires active participation in advancing cryptographic research. Candidates should be prepared to contribute original work to academic conferences, focusing on topics like post-quantum cryptography, privacy-preserving techniques, and secure multi-party computation. Research efforts should align with Aptos' mission to create a secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain platform.
Collaboration and Teamwork
The role demands close collaboration with engineering teams, product managers, and external partners to ensure cryptographic solutions are integrated seamlessly into Aptos' ecosystem. This includes working on cross-cutting security requirements, providing technical guidance, and participating in design reviews to maintain the highest standards of cryptographic integrity.
