Senior Software Engineer, Secrets Management

Coinbase, Inc.; Jefferson City (MO); Hybrid; USD 186,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Coinbase is seeking a senior software engineer to lead architecture of cryptographic infrastructure and regulatory-compliant services. You will shape multi-quarter technical strategies and own high-stakes initiatives in a zero-trust environment.

You will mentor a team of senior engineers, drive rigorous code reviews, and partner with Security, Product, and Policy to ensure flawless execution. A strong background in distributed systems and cryptography is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering building distributed systems.
• Deep cryptography, KMS/HSM expertise with MPC preferred.
• Proficiency in Golang, Java, C++, or Rust for secure infra.
• Experience in highly resilient, low-latency, secure services.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and execution of cryptographic infrastructure for global compliance.
• Define technical strategy with multi-quarter horizons amid ambiguity.
• Own risky cryptographic initiatives ensuring secure protocols.
• Mentor senior engineers and enforce rigorous code reviews.
• Collaborate with Security, Product, and Policy for flawless execution.

Skills

Distributed systems

Applied cryptography

KMS/HSM

Multi-Party Computation (MPC)

Golang

Java

C++

Rust

Security engineering

Tools

Golang

Java

C++

Rust

Job description

Ready to do the most impactful work of your career? At Coinbase, we are uncompromising on our mission to increase economic freedom. The bar is high, the environment is intense, and we like it that way. This isn't a place for complacency, it’s a place to be pushed past your perceived limits. If you're ready to build the future of finance alongside people who refuse to settle for "good enough," you belong here. Coinbase is a remote-first, but not remote-only company. Expect to get together quarterly for intense in-person working sessions called “surges.” learn more about working at Coinbase.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the architecture and execution of critical cryptographic infrastructure, including services required for global regulatory compliance
• Define technical strategies with a multi-quarter horizon, bringing clarity to highly ambiguous requirements for novel cryptographic solutions
• Own risky and ambitious initiatives, implementing secure and resilient cryptographic protocols in a high-stakes, zero-trust environment
• Shape engineering quality practices as a technical anchor and mentor within a team of senior engineers, driving rigorous code reviews and eliminating single points of failure
• Build alignment and secure commitment from cross-functional partners across Security, Product, and Policy to drive flawless execution

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering with demonstrated success building highly available, distributed systems
• Deep domain expertise in applied cryptography, Key Management Systems (KMS), or Hardware Security Modules (HSMs), with proven experience safely implementing cryptographic protocols (Multi-Party Computation experience strongly preferred)
• Extensive programming experience in systems languages such as Golang, Java, C++, or Rust, with ability to operate in a Golang-heavy environment
• Proven track record operating Tier-0 or highly critical infrastructure where system resilience, security, and low latency are absolute prerequisites
• Demonstrated experience leading a team's technical strategy, architecture, and deliverables for large-scale projects, including navigating complex regulatory requirements and translating them into robust engineering solutions
• Utilizes generative AI responsibly, maintaining human oversight to deliver business-ready outputs and drive measurable improvements in workflow efficiency, cost, and quality.

*Pay Transparency Notice:** *Base salary varies by location (see range below). Total compensation may also include equity and bonus eligibility, and benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401(k)).

Annual base salary range (excluding equity and bonus): $186,065—$218,900 USD

• *Application Limit: *Candidates may submit a maximum of 3 applications within a 6-month period.
• *Equal Opportunity Employer: *Coinbase is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Applicants with criminal histories will be considered consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• *US Applicants: *View Employee Rights, Know Your Rights, and E-Verify Notice of Participation.
• *Accommodations: *If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation, email us your request and contact info at accommodations[at]coinbase.com.Need screen reading technology? Click here to download a free compatible screen reader and view the tutorial.
• *Data Privacy & Arbitration: *By submitting your application, you agree to our Candidate Privacy Notice. US applicants: By submitting your application, you agree to Arbitration of Disputes.