Protocol Engineer (Go)

Apex Systems; Concord, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 199,752,000 - 214,906,000; Full time

Job summary

Averforth Apex seeks a Protocol Engineer (Go) in Concord, CA to design and implement a high-performance settlement engine for a next-generation digital asset platform.

The role focuses on distributed systems, cryptography, and building on-chain components using Go, Cosmos SDK, and CometBFT, with an emphasis on privacy-preserving techniques and scalable performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Specialty Software Engineering experience.
• 3+ years of backend or systems programming with Go.
• 1+ year of experience with BFT consensus, P2P networking, and state replication.
• 6+ months of experience with ECC.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build a custom blockchain application using Go, Cosmos SDK, and CometBFT (Tendermint).
• Implement and optimize privacy-preserving primitives (Pedersen Commitments, Bulletproofs).
• Engineer ABCI++ extensions for on-chain MPC mixing network.
• Design a KVStore state machine for homomorphic balances.
• Optimize cryptographic operations for low latency in distributed systems.

Skills

Go

Backend programming

ECC

Cosmos SDK

CometBFT

MPC

Tools

YugaByte/Postgres

Liquibase

Job description

# Protocol Engineer (Go)Apply**Job#: 3055319****Job Description:****Job title: Protocol Engineer (Go)****Location: Concord, CA (Onsite)****Job Type: 12 Months Contract****Rate: $70/hr - $75/hr****Note: We are not able to consider C2C or third-party submissions**Role OverviewIn this contingent resource assignment, you will contribute to a next-generation Digital Asset Platform. You will be responsible for architecting the core settlement engine, working at the intersection of distributed systems and applied cryptography. This role involves translating complex mathematical proofs into high-performance, production-grade Go code.Key Responsibilities* Consult on or participate in moderately complex initiatives and deliverables within Specialty Software Engineering.* Contribute to large-scale planning related to Specialty Software Engineering deliverables.* Architect and build a custom blockchain application using Go, Cosmos SDK, and CometBFT (Tendermint).* Implement and optimize privacy-preserving primitives, specifically Pedersen Commitments and Bulletproofs (Range Proofs).* Engineer custom ABCI++ extensions to implement an on-chain Multi-Party Computation (MPC) mixing network.* Design a custom KVStore state machine that manages homomorphic encrypted balances.* Optimize cryptographic operations for low latency and high throughput in a distributed environment.* Build secure off-chain query layers and \"view key\" mechanisms for granular, permissioned regulatory auditing.Required Qualifications**Experience:*** 5+ years of Specialty Software Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education.* 3+ years of experience in backend or systems programming, with expert-level proficiency in Go (Golang).* 1+ year of experience with BFT consensus algorithms, P2P networking, and state replication; reliable, distributed systems experience.* 6+ months of experience with Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC).**Technical Skills:*** YugaByte/Postgres* LiquibasePreferred Qualifications* Deep experience with Cosmos SDK and CometBFT.* Experience with Pedersen Commitments (Homomorphic encryption properties).* Knowledge of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (specifically Bulletproofs or Sigma protocols).* Demonstrated ability to read academic whitepapers and translate mathematical specifications into functioning code.* Experience with Multi-Party Computation (MPC) or Verifiable Secret Sharing (VSS) schemes.* Familiarity with the Ristretto255 curve or libraries like gnark-crypto.* Background in FinTech, payment systems, or high-frequency trading platforms.* Understanding of the Account Model vs. UTXO Model trade-offs in privacy-preserving ledgers.Why Join Us* Work on fundamental privacy/compliance contradictions in the global financial system.* Your code will secure high-value institutional transactions.* You will play a key role in architectural decisions, choosing the right curves, libraries, and design patterns. *Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.**Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy**Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.**Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.**If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at [e-mail] or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.**UnitedHealthcare creates and publishes the Transparency in Coverage Machine-Readable Files on behalf of Everforth Apex Systems.***Employee Type:** Contract**Location:** Concord, CA, US**Job Type:****Date Posted:** October 8, 2026**Pay Range:** $70 - $75 per hour