Zero Knowledge Auditor — Cryptography/ZK Systems

Nethermind builds blockchain infrastructure, security tooling, and cryptographic systems across Ethereum, Layer 2, and zero-knowledge ecosystems. The team works closely with protocol teams and ZK projects to evaluate and secure next-generation decentralized systems.

This role sits within security research, focusing on auditing cryptographic primitives and zero-knowledge systems across Ethereum and Aztec ecosystems. The position involves reviewing zkDSL circuits, zkVM programs, and protocol implementations, ensuring correctness, soundness, and security. The role contributes to both client-facing audits and internal tooling, supporting secure deployment of advanced ZK systems at scale.

🔹 Responsibilities

• Perform security audits of cryptographic systems and zero-knowledge protocols, including primitives, zkDSL circuits, and zkVM programs
• Analyze correctness, soundness, completeness, and potential privacy leakage in ZK implementations
• Review production systems across Ethereum and Aztec ecosystems to identify and remediate vulnerabilities
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve blockchain security tooling
• Design and implement new tools for cryptographic and ZK security analysis
• Stay updated on emerging proof systems, ZK constructions, and attack vectors
• Participate in client discussions to communicate findings and recommend improvements
• Contribute to internal research documentation and knowledge sharing

🔹 Requirements

• 1+ year of experience in security reviews related to cryptography or zero-knowledge systems
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Mathematics, or related field
• Strong foundation in cryptographic primitives and protocols
• Practical experience implementing or auditing cryptographic systems
• Strong proficiency in Rust (experience auditing Rust codebases preferred)
• Hands-on experience with ZK proof systems (e.g., Groth16, PLONK, Halo2, Bulletproofs)
• Experience with zkDSLs such as Circom, Noir, Halo2, or Cairo
• Understanding of zkVM architectures and proof pipelines
• Ability to identify cryptographic and ZK vulnerabilities
• Strong debugging and analytical skills
• Clear communication skills for technical and client-facing contexts

Nice to Have

• Experience in traditional cybersecurity prior to blockchain
• Exposure to advanced cryptographic systems such as threshold signatures, FHE, or anonymous credentials
• Experience with ZK rollups or Layer 2 systems (e.g., Aztec)
• Public audit reports, research publications, or technical content in cryptography or ZK security
• Experience in client-facing security roles

If you're planning to hire rust engineers for protocol teams or expand into zero-knowledge security, ArtOfBlockchain maps high-signal cryptography and audit talent across advanced blockchain systems.