layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Lead Protocol Engineer (Go / Cryptography) at Wells Fargo | LAYIQ

Core Protocol Development: Architect and build a custom blockchain application using Go , Cosmos SDK , and CometBFT (Tendermint)
Cryptographic Implementation: Implement and optimize privacy-preserving primitives, specifically Pedersen Commitments and Bulletproofs (Range Proofs) , ensuring no trusted setup is required
Consensus Customization: Engineer custom ABCI++ extensions (specifically PrepareProposal and Vote Extensions) to implement an on-chain Multi-Party Computation (MPC) mixing network
State Machine Design: Design a custom KVStore state machine that manages homomorphic encrypted balances (Elliptic Curve points) instead of plaintext integers
Performance Engineering: Optimize cryptographic operations (scalar multiplication, point addition) for low latency and high throughput in a distributed environment
Auditing Infrastructure: Build secure off-chain query layers and "view key" mechanisms that allow for granular, permissioned regulatory auditing
Required Qualifications: 5+ years of Specialty Software Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
3+ years of experience in backend or systems programming, with expert-level proficiency in Go (Golang)
6+ months of experience with Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)
1+ year of experience with BFT consensus algorithms, P2P networking, and state replication; reliable, distributed systems experience
Desired Qualifications: Blockchain Core: Deep experience with Cosmos SDK and CometBFT . Comfort building custom modules and modifying consensus logic, not just deploying smart contracts
Pedersen Commitments (Homomorphic encryption properties)
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (specifically Bulletproofs or Sigma protocols)
Math-to-Code: Demonstrated ability to read academic whitepapers/preprints and translate mathematical specifications into functioning code
Experience with MPC (Multi-Party Computation) or Verifiable Secret Sharing (VSS) schemes
Familiarity with the Ristretto255 curve or libraries like gnark-crypto
Background in FinTech, payment systems, or high-frequency trading platforms
Understanding of the Account Model vs. UTXO Model trade-offs in privacy-preserving ledgers
Job Expectations: This position offers a hybrid work schedule
Relocation assistance is not available for this position
Locations: 3075 Loyalty Circle, Columbus, Ohio
1755 Grant Street, Concord, California

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.
Health benefits
401(k) Plan
Paid time off
Disability benefits
Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
Parental leave
Critical caregiving leave
Discounts and savings
Commuter benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Scholarships for dependent children
Adoption reimbursement
Posting End Date: 29 Sep 2026 * Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
We Value Equal Opportunity
Wells Fargo 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, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.
Applicants with Disabilities
To request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo .
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Wells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.
Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements: a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.
b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.

Lead Protocol Engineer (Go / Cryptography)

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