TRM Labs
Senior or Staff Software Engineer, Protocol Engineer
Job Summary
The role involves leading the development of scalable, reliable distributed systems with expertise in network protocol design, systems engineering, and blockchain technologies. Responsibilities include designing and implementing network and blockchain protocols, optimizing protocol behaviors, and collaborating across teams to solve complex technical challenges. The position requires proficiency in low-level programming languages, experience with peer-to-peer networking, and a strong interest in blockchain protocol development. It offers an opportunity to impact global financial safety through innovative system design in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
TRM Labs is a blockchain intelligence company committed to fighting crime and creating a safer world. By leveraging blockchain data, threat intelligence, and advanced analytics, our products empower governments, financial institutions, and crypto businesses to combat illicit activity and global security threats. At TRM, you'll join a mission-driven, fast-paced team made up of experts in law enforcement, data science, engineering, and financial intelligence, tackling complex global challenges daily. Whether analyzing blockchain data, developing cutting-edge tools, or collaborating with global organizations, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
TRM’s Blockchain Infrastructure team is responsible for monitoring the flows of data on blockchain networks. We are looking for a Senior Engineer with deep expertise in network protocol design and implementation, as well as strong foundations in systems engineering and distributed systems. You will lead projects from research and ideation through protocol feasibility and production, with a focus on network or blockchain runtimes . This is a unique opportunity to apply your low-level systems and networking expertise to help build a safer financial system for billions of people. Blockchain knowledge is preferred but if you are deep into networking or cryptography protocols, the team would love to talk to you.
The impact you’ll have here:
- Architect and build highly scalable, reliable, and data-heavy distributed systems that will integrate a variety of data sources
- Build and maintain performant, production-grade systems from whiteboard to deployment
- Research, design, and productionize proprietary network and blockchain protocols, focusing on client-server and peer-to-peer (p2p) communication layers
- Design and optimize protocol behaviors including message passing, consensus, synchronization, and fault tolerance in distributed environments
- Work across the stack (databases, caches, application code, deployment pipelines) to resolve technical challenges end-to-end
- Mentor fellow team members and participate in code reviews and design reviews
- Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, designers, and product managers to define and implement services.
- Drive innovation around challenges in p2p networking, libp2p, block propagation, chain re-org detection, and network observability
What we’re looking for:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or related field
- Extensive experience in designing and implementing network protocols and distributed systems
- Proficiency in lower-level programming languages such as Rust, C++, or Java, and familiarity with systems and networking technologies such as TCP/IP, HTTP, gRPC, libp2p, Kafka, Kubernetes, Docker, and Elasticsearch
- Hands-on experience with peer-to-peer networking, client-server protocol development, and real-time communication systems preferred
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; clear documentation and succinct communication are very important.
- Ability to work independently, be proactive, prioritize, communicate, and set and meet goals
- Flexibility to coordinate across global time zones and an ability to work independently with minimal oversight
- Strong interest in acquiring knowledge in any Blockchain at the protocol level and Networks
- A passion for solving complex network and protocol challenges at scale, and building systems that are robust, performant, and secure
About TRM's Engineering Levels:
Engineer: Responsible for helping to define project milestones and executing small decision decisions independently with the appropriate tradeoffs between simplicity, readability, and performance. Provides mentorship to junior engineers, and enhances operational excellence through tech debt reduction and knowledge sharing.
Senior Engineer: Successfully designs and documents system improvements and features for an OKR/project from the ground up. Consistently delivers efficient and reusable systems, optimizes team throughput with appropriate tradeoffs, mentors team members, and enhances cross-team collaboration through documentation and knowledge sharing.
Staff Engineer: Drives scoping and execution of one or more OKRs/projects that impact multiple teams. Partners with stakeholders to set the team vision and technical roadmaps for one or more products. Is a role model and mentor to the entire engineering organization. Ensures system health and quality with operational reviews, testing strategies, and monitoring rigor.
The following represents the estimated range of compensation for this role:
- Individual pay is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. The compensation details listed in this posting reflect the US base salary only
- The estimated base salary range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000.
- Additionally, this role may be eligible to participate in TRM’s equity plan.
- Please note – we factor in the different costs for geographies outside the United States
Life at TRM Labs
Leadership Principles
Our LPs are foundational elements of our strategy, guiding how we make decisions, how we treat each other, and how we behave day-to-day.
- Impact-Oriented Trailblazer – We put customers first, driving for speed, focus, and adaptability.
- Master Craftsperson – We prioritize speed, high standards, and distributed ownership.
- Inspiring Colleague – We value humility, candor, and a one-team mindset.
Accelerate your Career
Join a mission-driven team of industry leaders and make a real-world impact—disrupting terrorist networks, recovering stolen funds, and more. At TRM, you will:
- Work alongside top experts and learn every day.
- Embrace a growth mindset with development opportunities tailored to your role.
- Take on high-impact challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Thrive as a Global Team
As a remote-first company, TRM Labs is built for global collaboration.
- We cultivate a strong remote culture through clear communication, thorough documentation, and meaningful relationships.
- We invest in offsites, regional meetups, virtual coffee chats, and onboarding buddies to foster collaboration.
- By prioritizing trust and belonging, we harness the strengths of a global team while staying aligned with our mission and values.
Join our mission!
We’re looking for team members who thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments and love building from the ground up. TRM is remote-first, with an exceptionally talented global team. If you enjoy solving tough problems and seeing your work make a difference for billions of people, we want you here. Don’t worry if your experience doesn’t perfectly match a job description— we value passion, problem-solving, and unique career paths. If you’re excited about TRM’s mission, we want to hear from you.
Recruitment agencies
TRM Labs does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to TRM employees. TRM Labs is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company without a signed agreement.
Privacy Policy
By submitting your application, you are agreeing to allow TRM to process your personal information in accordance with the TRM Privacy Policy
Learn More: Company Values | Interviewing | FAQs
TRM Labs
TRM Labs’ trusted blockchain intelligence allows you to detect and monitor crypto crime and conduct investigations. Learn more.
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