Software Engineer - Layer 1

About Nexus

Nexus is innovating at the intersection of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and zero-knowledge cryptography to build a Layer 1 for the AI era. Our team of world-leading experts is developing the Nexus Layer 1 blockchain, Nexus zkVM, and other breakthrough products with the goal of creating a verifiable world.

Nexus has raised $25M in Series A funding from Lightspeed, Pantera, Dragonfly, SV Angel, and more.

We are headquartered in San Francisco, and this role will be an in-person, hybrid role with the rest of the Nexus team.

Software Engineer - Layer 1

The Layer 1 team is a full-stack team working on the Nexus Layer 1 blockchain, an EVM-compatible blockchain powered by zkVM. This team is for bold engineers who thrive across the stack and can balance security and speed. This is a 0 to 100 project.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the research team on protocol design, ensuring security, scalability, and liveness.
• Implement and maintain the blockchain client software (e.g., Rust, Golang).
• Manage blockchain artifacts, including RPC endpoints, explorers, faucets, and financial integrations.
• Integrate zkVM and verifiable compute R&D into the chain (e.g., Rust).
• Write and audit smart contracts in Solidity, ensuring security best practices.
• Collaborate with Nexus partners to build and expand the ecosystem.
  

Requirements

• Experience building Layer 1 blockchains or deep expertise in distributed systems.
• Proficiency in Rust, Golang, or equivalent.
• Strong passion for consensus protocols, ZK, and cryptography.
• Open-source contributions and a desire to work in an open, transparent environment.
• Embrace AI as a core part of how you work, think, and build.
  

Bonus Points

• Advanced degree in a technical field.
• Experience with programming competitions or math Olympiads.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to spearhead new projects.
• Experience with zero-knowledge proofs and zkVM concepts.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and generous equity compensation
• Health insurance for employees and their dependents
• Daily lunch and dinner provided at SF headquarters
• Company-paid travel to events and conferences

Nexus is committed to diversity in our workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).