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Job Details
Posted date: Mar 03, 2026
Category: Software Engineering
Location: Redmond, WA
Estimated salary: $188,900
Range: $119,800 - $258,000
Employment type: Full-Time
Work location type: 3 days / week in-office
Role: Individual Contributor
Description
OverviewThe Security Research Group at Microsoft Research Redmond is pushing the boundary of what is possible with the fascinating primitive of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs. You’ll work alongside experts who are shaping the future of secure and privacy-preserving computation through real-world applications of this primitive. Your contributions will help define the next generation of secure, scalable, and private systems in the cloud.
As a Senior Applied Cryptographer, you will design and implement next-generation zero-knowledge proof systems targeting improved performance, higher security (e.g., resistance to quantum computers), and programmability (e.g., supporting general computation). In this role, you’ll deepen your expertise in state-of-the-art proof systems and high-speed implementations. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills through hands-on innovation and collaboration with world-class researchers and engineers.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.
Responsibilities
Design and implement ZK circuits for real-world applications including signature verification and state management via Merkle trees.Use and extend circuit Software Development Kits (SDKs) to accelerate development.Develop reusable circuit components and SDKs to support new token standards.Add new functionality, extend existing functionality, and maintain high-speed cryptography libraries like Nova.Upgrade proof systems to include recent developments/optimizations.Parallelize proof generation across machines.GPU-based optimization of proving process.Embody our culture and values.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, RustOR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate (PhD) or Master's Degree in Computer Science or related fields.Prior experience with ZK circuit development using frameworks like Bellpepper, Circom, or Arkworks.Familiarity with blockchain token standards.Familiarity with state-of-the-art proof systems.Prior experience with implementing and optimizing proof systems.Experience with constraint systems and ZK proof systems.
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Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.