Senior Rust Engineer

About Irys

Irys is a Layer-1 Datachain that unlocks the value of data, letting you store your data, monetize it and more.

Execution-focused blockchains—like Ethereum, Solana, Aptos, etc.—excel at executing smart contracts and processing payments, but fail when it comes to working with data. On these networks, data storage is prohibitively expensive, static, and disconnected from broader applications.

First-generation datachains, like Filecoin and Arweave, sought to address this gap by making onchain storage more affordable. While they reduced costs compared to execution chains, they introduced new challenges: scalability limitations, fragmented or non-existent execution layers, and architectural bottlenecks that compromised decentralization, verifiability, or performance.

These limitations have shifted the burden of data-driven innovation to the next generation of datachains. That’s us.

Irys goes beyond just storage by making data programmable and deeply integrated. Like other datachains, Irys economically incentivizes data storage—differentiated through a unique Useful Proof of Work and Stake consensus mechanism that ensures only quality data is stored. What sets Irys apart is its unified architecture: the Irys data layer provides a low-cost pathway to its execution layer—the IrysVM—enabling entirely new ways for smart contracts to interact with data.

With adaptable ledgers, verifiable datasets, and a primitive process that enables programmability, Irys allows data to flow dynamically across onchain applications. Developers can define logic, smart contracts can execute it, and transformed data can be written back to the chain.

Our Values

  1. Commitment to Excellence: We set high standards and push boundaries.
  2. First Principles Thinking: We break down challenges to their foundational principles.
  3. Relentless Execution: We iterate rapidly, learning from failures.
  4. Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: We respect individuals while being ruthless with ideas.
  5. User-Centric Innovation: We actively seek and implement user feedback.
  6. Transparency: We communicate clearly and honestly.
  7. Respect: Every team member is valued, regardless of role or background.
  8. Long-Term Focus: We execute rapidly while thinking in decades.

About The Role

Role: Sr. Rust Engineer

Objective: Oversee the design, development, and optimization of our blockchain protocol, driving technical excellence and team productivity with a hands-on approach to leadership.

Requirements:

  • Strong engineer – the role is 90% coding, 10% management
  • Deep expertise in Rust programming language
  • Ability to push individuals to get their max output
  • Experience in organizing and managing a team
  • Willingness to ship fast and be agile
  • Willingness to work EST hours
  • Reth is a plus

Responsibilities:

  • Research, oversee and implement foundational design decisions related to core blockchain infrastructure
  • Process surrounding development, testing, and optimization of those components for performance, reliability, security, and scalability
  • Plan projects and lead small to medium teams (up to 10 engs)
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the core components of the system

Applying through us gives you a notably higher chance of getting your CV in front of the Irys team. Since we’re working closely with them, your profile won’t just sit in a pile.

Apply For This Role