Research Engineer, Formal Methods

AI Chopping Block; Palo Alto, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

401(k) matching

Employer-paid health, vision, and dent

HSA available

Job summary

Harmonic is seeking a Research Engineer to push the limits of AI-based theorem proving for software and hardware verification. You will collaborate with AI researchers to train and develop systems that reliably check proofs and properties.

The role focuses on developing new approaches to express and prove important properties, contributing to a rigorous, high-precision AI stack in safety-critical domains.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in CS/Math or equivalent industry experience
• Basic proficiency in Python
• Proficiency and practical experience with at least one proof assistant (Lean/Coq/Isabelle/Agda)
• Experience driving highly technical research projects from concept to delivery

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in formal methods for verification of software, hardware and mathematical domains
• Apply formal verification techniques using Lean or similar frameworks to verify safety-critical systems
• Develop and implement algorithms to improve formal methods for AI systems

Skills

Python basics

Formal methods

Research leadership

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or Mathematics

Equivalent industry experience

Tools

Lean

Coq

Isabelle

Agda

Job description

About Harmonic

At Harmonic, we are building a mathematical reasoning engine that operates with absolute precision. While most AI makes maximum-likelihood guesses, Harmonic's Aristotle uses Lean4 and reinforcement learning to verify its reasoning and results.

Following our Gold Medal-level performance on the 2025 International Math Olympiad (IMO) and the successful resolution of long-standing open problems, we are proving that AI can master the most rigorous domains of human thought. Backed by some of the world’s most prominent investors, we are intentionally scaling an elite technical team.

Visit our company blog to learn more about what we are working on!

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer to join our Formal Methods team. The initial focus of this position will be on pushing the limits of AI based theorem proving for verification of software and/or hardware. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing new approaches to express and prove important software and hardware properties, work with AI researchers to train and develop AI systems to reliably check them.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in formal methods for verification of software, hardware and mathematical domains
• Apply formal verification techniques using Lean or similar frameworks to formally verify safety critical systems
• Develop and implement algorithms and techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of formal methods for AI systems

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Mathematics, a related technical field, or equivalent industry experience
• Basic proficiency in python
• Proficiency and practical experience with at least one proof assistant (e.g., Lean, Coq, Isabelle, Agda) and a strong foundation in formal methods and mathematical logic
• Experience driving highly technical research projects from early concept to delivery

Preferred Qualifications

• Expert level knowledge of Lean4
• PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, or related technical field
• Experience verifying programs in safety critical fields such as; aerospace/defense, automotive, medical, cryptography, etc
• Proven track record in research or development of programming languages
• Proven track record of high-quality research demonstrated by publications, patents, or software contributions
• Contributions to open-source projects or development of software tools in the field

What We Offer

• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) matching
• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for employees and 50% coverage for dependents. Harmonic offers varied health coverage options to select what is best for you and your family.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) available for qualifying health plans

Equal Opportunity Statement

Harmonic is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.