Job Title: Protocol Engineer (Convos)

Company Name: XMTP Labs

Job Details: $225k-$265k/yrRemoteFull,Time

Job Url: https://hiring.cafe/viewjob/3j2xjklhbd13uz0m

Job Description: Posted 2mo agoProtocol Engineer (Convos)@ XMTP LabsView All JobsWebsiteUnited States$225k-$265k/yrRemoteFull TimeResponsibilities:Advance protocol, Collaborate systems, Open sourceRequirements Summary:10+ years of staff-level software engineering experience; expertise in mobile development (Kotlin, Swift, React Native, or C++); strong Rust experience or willingness to learn; experience with building communication protocols, SDKs, or developer APIs; knowledge of security, performance, and scalability; open source contributions.Technical Tools Mentioned:Rust, OpenMLS, Kotlin, Swift, React Native, C++, XMTP
Build the messaging app you’ve always wanted — and shape the future of communication.We’re building Convos. It’s not your average chat app.We’re a small, experienced team with a big, meaningful mission.We are not going to talk you into joining a startup.To apply, simply share a link to a project you’re proud of.Can’t wait to meet you.EssentialsStaff+ impact and responsibility$225-265K base pay and equity upsideZero-to-one projectsShape XMTP for ConvosConvos is secured by XMTP, an open-source, decentralized messaging protocol — the same messaging infrastructure securing World App, Base by Coinbase, Zora and thousands more projects.Because of Convos' unique product perspective, we have unique needs that vanilla, out-of-the-box XMTP does not yet meet. That’s your cue. In this role, you’ll develop and shape XMTP in ways that enable Convos to move forward quickly — and contribute to the network’s capabilities overall.Role-specific responsibilitiesThe Convos protocol is a unique application of XMTP — you’re a cryptographically “new you” in every convo.ResponsibilitiesAdvance the encrypted XMTP messaging protocol (built on Rust and OpenMLS) to accelerate Convos product development and capabilities.Collaborate with Convos and XMTP Labs teammates to design systems, evaluate trade-offs, and deliver improvements, balancing security, scalability, and efficiency.Engage as an open source contributor, making intuitive changes that serve Convos and — by extension — empower the next generation of privacy-preserving apps.Experience10+ years of professional experience as a staff-level software engineer.Expertise in mobile development with one or more of Kotlin, Swift, React Native, or C++, including delivering production-ready SDKs or apps.Solid experience with Rust, or a strong interest in learning Rust and building Rust-to-mobile bindings.Experience building and maintaining communication protocols, SDKs, or developer-facing APIs with an emphasis on performance, scalability, and security. A well-rounded, "T-shaped" expertise profile is preferred.Bonus points if you have prior experience with Messaging Layer Security.A proven aptitude for adversarial systems design, including identifying and mitigating potential security risks.Prior involvement in open source SDK projects and public communications.Nice-to-HaveExperience with large-scale distributed database systems.Experience in implementing and adhering to security compliance requirements.Interest in or prior experience with privacy-preserving cryptographic technologies, or with zero-knowledge cryptography.Experience with smart contract development, web3 technologies, and/or protocol mechanism design.Experience contributing to a Layer 1 blockchain.Working at ConvosNo red tapeYou drive your projects from start to finishPlan, design, build, test and maintain Convos app(s)Execute consumer-grade product experiences — from performance to polishCollaborate with experienced product, design and engineering teammates to efficiently produce effective productsHold yourself and others to a high bar for quality and teamworkOwn communication, alignment and progress for your projectsNo rookiesYou’ve worked on a world-class consumer app team beforeTaken products from concept to launch to scaleExperience leading technical projects and driving architectural decisionsFamiliarity with API design, unit testing, and building maintainable codebasesExperience in open-source projects and collaborating with external developersNice-to-haveExperience with messaging apps or protocolsPrior involvement in open-source projectsNo coastingYou’re capable and motivated to move things forwardYou reduce ambiguity. You unblock yourself.You’re an excellent communicator, a team player, and “good in the room.”You love a challenge. You aim to make an impact. You’re here to win.You are always learning, embracing change, and open to new ideas and feedback.You’re online 9–11AM PST (15:00–17:00 GMT)CompensationComp is aligned to experience and locationBenefitsOur people are everythingRemote-first environment with quarterly+ IRL gatheringsSwitchboard office access in 17 citiesFully paid Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in the USParental LeaveIT Equipment and WFH setupMonthly Wellness and Lifestyle stipendUnlimited time off — and the expectation you’ll use itConvos is an independent business unit of XMTP Labs.