Senior Software Engineer, Research

Circle; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company at the forefront of blockchain innovation as a Senior Software Engineer, Research. This role offers the chance to work on groundbreaking smart contracts, focusing on stablecoins and their impact on the digital economy. You will engage in blockchain research, collaborate with leading institutions, and contribute to open-source projects. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, this opportunity provides a dynamic environment for growth and innovation. If you're passionate about decentralized finance and eager to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Professional Development Support

Collaborative Environment

Opportunities to Lead Research Projects

Qualifications

• Proven experience in blockchain smart contract development, especially with Ethereum.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Julia, and Solidity.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype smart contracts for stablecoins and DeFi use cases.
• Collaborate with academic institutions and industry partners.

Skills

Blockchain Smart Contract Development

Python

Solidity

AI Tools for Programming

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Advanced Degrees Preferred

Tools

Slack

MacOS

GSuite

Job description

Join to apply for the Senior Software Engineer, Research role at Circle.

Circle is a financial technology company at the forefront of the emerging internet of money, enabling value to travel globally, nearly instantly, and at lower costs than traditional systems. Our infrastructure, including USDC—a blockchain-based dollar—supports businesses, institutions, and developers in harnessing these advancements.

What You’ll Be Part Of

Circle values visibility and stability, with a focus on growth in strong jurisdictions. Our core values include High Integrity, Future Forward, Multistakeholder, Mindful, and Driven by Excellence. We foster a flexible, diverse environment encouraging new ideas and stakeholder engagement.

What You'll Be Responsible For

As a Blockchain Research Software Engineer, you will prototype and develop smart contracts, focusing on stablecoins and their role in the digital economy. Your work will involve blockchain research, open-source contributions, and driving innovation in decentralized finance infrastructure.

What You'll Work On

• Design and prototype smart contracts for stablecoins and DeFi use cases.
• Research blockchain protocols, consensus mechanisms, and their implications for stablecoins.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, blockchain foundations, and industry partners.
• Analyze on-chain data and transaction patterns to optimize protocols.
• Contribute to publications and present at industry conferences.
• Stay updated on blockchain, cryptography, and distributed systems advancements, sharing knowledge internally.
• Develop security standards and audits for smart contracts to ensure robustness.

Core Requirements

• Proven experience in blockchain smart contract development, especially with Ethereum.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Julia, and Solidity.
• Ability to apply AI tools for programming, with experience in vibe coding.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field; advanced degrees preferred.
• Research experience through publications, projects, or grants.
• Interest and experience in stablecoin design, implementation, or regulation.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Contributions to AI and machine learning projects related to blockchain or DeFi.
• Experience at Web3-native firms.
• Familiarity with Slack, MacOS, GSuite.
• Knowledge of generative AI models (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) and prompt crafting.

What We Offer

• A collaborative environment at the forefront of blockchain innovation.
• Opportunities to lead research projects and engage with industry leaders.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including professional development support.

Circle is committed to creating an inclusive financial future, valuing diversity and transparency. Salary ranges are determined based on experience, skills, and location.