Software Engineer (Engineer III to Principal) - Formal Methods

CertiK; United States; Remote; USD 115,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering blockchain security company dedicated to securing the cyber world. As a research software engineer, you'll design and develop innovative tools for automated verification of smart contracts, tackling complex problems with cutting-edge techniques from theoretical computer science. Work alongside a supportive multinational team of experts, where your contributions will directly impact the security of blockchain applications. This is a unique opportunity to grow in a dynamic environment, embracing the challenges of the startup life while making a significant difference in the digital landscape. If you're passionate about technology and innovation, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in software development with a focus on automated reasoning.
• Strong background in programming language theory and formal verification.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop tools for automated program verification of smart contracts.
• Collaborate with engineers to enhance and create new verification tools.

Skills

Programming Language Theory

Automated Reasoning

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Education

Master's Degree in Computer Science

PhD in Automated Reasoning

Tools

Z3

CVC4

MathSAT

OCaml

Haskell

Job description

Why us?

Blockchain technology is enabling a rapidly-growing era of innovation for the digital world. It is crucial that blockchain code such as protocols and smart contracts are provably secure and correct. Once deployed, they are public and cannot be changed. Vulnerabilities and bugs in such programs regularly put millions of dollars at stake. This is where CertiK comes in. We are the leading blockchain security company. Our goal is to secure the cyber world by applying cutting edge techniques from academia to secure blockchain code. Come and join this ambitious mission as a research software engineer to work on automated analyses for provably secure and correct blockchain applications!

What you will do

You will design and develop tools that automatically ensure the correctness of smart contracts or identify security issues and bugs in smart contracts. We have software engineer positions available at all levels of seniority. Title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience and background.

As part of our multinational team of programming language experts, you will participate in the development of tools that rest upon techniques such as symbolic model checking, SAT/SMT solving, abstract interpretation, data flow analysis, and deductive verification. You will have the opportunity to work on all stages of tool development from idea generation to implementation and iterative improvements. Our team is highly supportive and collaborative with great opportunities to learn and grow.

About you

You have a background in programming language theory and automated reasoning and love to work on the forefront of applying results from theoretical computer science. You love to tackle computationally hard problems and have a proven track record of achieving results, where results are people using your tool to do their jobs. You are collaborative: you share ideas, love to brainstorm with peers, and give and receive feedback. You are comfortable with the unknown and understand that #startuplife means that you will be wearing multiple hats.

Responsibilities

• Extend the scope and depth of our automated program verification tools and brainstorm, design, and implement new tools.
• Adapt and improve algorithms for symbolic software model checking. Examples include bounded model checking (BMC), counterexample-guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR), and property directed reachability (IC3/PDR).
• Build and extend translators from different input languages into intermediate representations, optimizing the generated models for automated analysis.
• Identify new classes of security properties of smart contracts and formalize properties for use in our automated verification tools.
• Closely collaborate with other software engineers in developing tools and set technical direction for solving problems in consultation with your team and management.
• Work on all aspects of delivering working software that meets customer needs, including analysis, design, automated testing, operations, CI/CD, measuring results, incorporating customer feedback, and support.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Computer Science or a related field or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of software development experience (includes internships, software developed during research, and open-source development).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with one or more of the following: model checking, formal verification, SAT/SMT solving (Z3, CVC4, Yices, MathSAT, SMTInterpol), abstract interpretation, or closely related disciplines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts such as data structures, algorithms, mathematical logic, and automata theory.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in the broader field of automated reasoning.
• Publication record in conferences like POPL, CAV, TACAS, FMCAD, FM, etc.
• Experience in functional programming (OCaml or Haskell).
• Strong and creative problem-solving skills; always willing to learn and embrace new technologies and to collaborate.
• Prior experience in a professional software development environment.

About the Company

Founded in 2018 by professors of Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK is a pioneer in blockchain security, utilizing best-in-class technology to secure and monitor blockchain protocols and smart contracts. CertiK’s mission is to secure the cyber world. Starting with blockchain, CertiK applies cutting-edge innovations from academia into enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to be built with security and correctness.

Compensation

Target annual base salary for this role performed in the US is $115,000 - $230,000. The exact compensation at which this job is filled will be determined by the skills and experience of qualified candidates.