Senior Software Engineer, Consensus

Software Engineer, Consensus - Anza 

Solana is the leading high-performance network powering internet capital markets, payments, and crypto applications, built to become the capital market for every asset on earth. Anza is the core engineering team behind it. Founded by the engineers who built the original Solana validator client at Solana Labs, we develop Agave, the network’s primary and most widely run validator client, and ship the software that pushes the boundaries of blockchain performance and scale.

We advance the frontier of Solana’s core protocol. Most recently, Anza built and shipped Alpenglow, the biggest upgrade in Solana’s history, replacing the network’s original consensus protocol and bringing deterministic finality in about 150ms to mainnet-beta. And we’re just getting started, with work underway on faster block propagation, quicker leader handoffs, and the infrastructure that will carry Solana’s next phase of growth.

As a Software Engineer specializing in consensus, you will play a critical role in fortifying Anza's Agave client and the broader Solana network. Your work will directly improve the efficiency and reliability of our blockchain infrastructure, ensuring robust, timely consensus mechanisms. You will focus on optimizing the processes that underpin the agreement on block validity and order, ensuring they are secure, performant, and scalable to support future growth.

• Develop and Optimize Consensus Mechanisms: Design, implement, and optimize the mechanisms for consensus to enhance the throughput and stability of the Solana network.
• Efficient Coordination: Develop and refine algorithms to ensure fair and efficient agreement on block production among validators.
• Ensure Security and Integrity: Identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities within the consensus mechanisms, ensuring robust protection against emerging threats.
• Scalability and Performance: Work on improving the scalability of the consensus system to handle increasing transaction volumes and validator participation without compromising on performance.
• Testing and Validation: Create and execute comprehensive tests to validate the reliability and efficiency of the consensus mechanisms, including stress tests, fault injection, and performance benchmarking.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including core protocol engineers, security experts, and infrastructure teams, to ensure the seamless integration and functioning of the consensus components.
• Documentation and Code Review: Maintain thorough documentation of the consensus protocols and conduct peer code reviews to uphold high standards of code quality and consistency.

• Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience and 3+ years of hands-on experience with core infrastructure software and distributed systems.
• Technical Expertise: Strong proficiency in systems programming languages such as Rust or C++. Experience with consensus algorithms, distributed systems, and blockchain technology is highly desirable.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex systems, identify potential issues, and develop effective, flexible solutions.
• Security Mindset: Knowledge of common security threats and best practices in securing consensus processes.
• Growth Mindset: Actively consuming research papers, designing, and investigating new solutions.
• Performance Optimization: Experience with performance profiling and optimization techniques.
• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Familiarity with Linux, systems automation tools, and systems architecture.
• Understanding of networking, architecture, and principles underlying distributed systems.
• A knack for designing secure protocols, software, and algorithms that minimize trust requirements.
• Self-driven, research oriented, and the ability to learn independently.
• Active participation in Bitcoin/Ethereum/Blockchain projects or the open-source community is highly desirable.

We offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation and problem-solving are at the heart of everything we do. Here, your work will have a direct impact on the security and scalability of blockchain technology, contributing to the foundation of decentralized applications worldwide.

We're excited to welcome individuals who share our passion for pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology. If you're ready to take on the challenge and contribute to the next generation of blockchain infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

The salary range for US-based candidates will be determined throughout the interview process depending on experience, skill, and location. Candidates should anticipate an annual base salary (not including incentive compensation or other benefits) of $180,000 USD to $300,000 USD.