Boundless is the universal ZK protocol making blockchains internet-scale. It turns zero-knowledge proofs into a tradable resource: a global marketplace where anyone can contribute compute and power applications, rollups, and infrastructure across every ecosystem. Boundless introduced Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW), a new incentive model that rewards nodes for generating proofs that strengthen the network. As more provers join, capacity grows and computation becomes abundant rather than scarce, transforming how blockchains scale and interact. Since launch, Boundless has become the world’s largest proof network, uniting hundreds of provers, processing more than 500 trillion cycles of compute, and producing the first consensus proof of Ethereum.

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As a Staff Engineer focusing on zkVMs, you'll be at the forefront of zero-knowledge virtual machine technology, working to make Boundless the universal execution layer for verifiable computation. You'll lead our multi-zkVM strategy, conduct deep technical analysis of different proof systems, and contribute to the core protocols that power verifiable computation across the ecosystem. We welcome international applicants. Boundless is built by a global team, and we love working across time zones and cultures.

What You'll Do

Implement PoVW for Multiple zkVMs: Extend our Proof of Verifiable Work mechanism to support diverse zkVM architectures, ensuring fair reward distribution across different proof systems.
Optimize Proof Generation: Implement zkVM-specific optimizations to reduce proving time and costs across different architectures.
Protocol Contributions: Make direct contributions to zkVM protocol specifications and implementations, working with teams across the ecosystem.
Build Universal Compilation Layer: Develop compilation frameworks that enables single guest programs to target multiple zkVM backends.
Design Verification Systems: Build robust on-chain verification systems that can handle proofs from multiple zkVM types.
Conduct zkVM Trade-off Analysis: Lead comprehensive research comparing performance, security, and cost characteristics of zkVMs (RISC Zero, SP1, Polygon zkEVM, zkSync Era, Starknet) to drive integration prioritization.
Research & Development: Stay at the cutting edge of zkVM research, implementing new techniques for recursion, aggregation, and composition.

Requirements

5+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in systems programming
Strong background in cryptography, particularly zero-knowledge proofs
Experience with compiler design, virtual machines, or runtime systems
Proficiency in Rust and low-level systems programming
Understanding of different ZK proof systems (STARKs, SNARKs, Plonky2/3)
Track record of technical leadership and cross-team collaboration

Nice to Have

Direct experience with zkVM development or integration
Contributions to major zkVM projects (RISC Zero, SP1, Polygon zkEVM)
Background in formal verification or security auditing
Experience with RISC-V or other instruction set architectures
Published research in zero-knowledge proofs or verifiable computation
Understanding of circuit design and arithmetization

Benefits

At Boundless, we take care of our people, because building the future of decentralized computing starts with an empowered team. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

- Competitive salary + equity/token allocation
- Health, dental, vision (for U.S. employees; region-adjusted globally)
- Flexible PTO + home-office/equipment stipend
- Professional development and conference travel budget
- Remote-first with regular off-sites and a high-trust, high-velocity team environment