Software Engineer (Engineer III to Principal) - Formal Methods

As a Software Engineer at CertiK, you will design and develop tools that automatically ensure the correctness of smart contracts and identify security issues in blockchain code. You join a multinational team of programming language experts working on formal verification techniques to secure blockchain protocols and smart contracts. Positions are available at all levels of seniority (Engineer III to Principal), with title and responsibilities commensurate with your experience and background.

What you'll do

• Extend the scope and depth of automated program verification tools, and brainstorm, design, and implement new tools.
• Adapt and improve algorithms for symbolic software model checking, including 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 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.

What you bring

• A Master's Degree in Computer Science or a related field, or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• Minimum 4 years of software development experience (including internships, software developed during research, and open-source development).
• Minimum 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.
• A background in programming language theory and automated reasoning, with a passion for applying theoretical computer science to real-world problems.
• A collaborative mindset: you share ideas, brainstorm with peers, give and receive feedback, and are comfortable with the unknown in a startup environment.

Nice to have

• A PhD in the broader field of automated reasoning.
• A publication record in conferences such as POPL, CAV, TACAS, FMCAD, or FM.
• Experience in functional programming (OCaml or Haskell).
• Prior experience in a professional software development environment.

What we offer

• Target annual base salary of $115,000-$230,000 for roles performed in the US, determined by skills and experience of qualified candidates.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• HSA (with high deductible plan) and FSA.
• Flexible paid time off and holidays.

About CertiK

Founded in 2018 by professors from Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK is a pioneer in blockchain security. The company applies cutting-edge innovations from academia to secure blockchain protocols and smart contracts, with a mission to secure the cyber world and enable mission-critical applications to be built with security and correctness.