Chief Architect - Partner Chains

About Partner Chains:

Partner Chains is a venture within IOHK focused on developing an open source blockchain toolkit which will allow for easy bootstrapping of blockchains that are secure, and natively enables multi chain transactions. Our mission is to make it easy for blockchain developers to focus on their core business, with interoperability as the foundational capability of the protocol layer.

We aim to empower developers to create secure, transparent solutions that enable multi chain transactions without relying on financial intermediaries. By building robust protocols and tools, we foster financial inclusion, reduce transaction costs, and return control to users.

What the role involves:

We are seeking a hands-on Chief Architect who will be the most senior technical strategist in our organization, owning the architectural vision for the Partner Chains protocol and innovating in the cross-chain interoperability space, using advanced cryptographic techniques and contributing code. In this role, you will own our blockchain's technical direction, collaborating closely with research scientists, engineers, and cryptographers to ensure scalability, security, and strategic alignment. This is a well funded venture opportunity for the entrepreneurially minded who have a founders mindset, and want to build something with impact.

• Define and lead the architectural vision for the Partner Chains Substrate node development, ensuring high standards of scalability, performance, and security.
• Architect a novel cross-chain protocol leveraging advanced cryptographic techniques, such as Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS), to drive secure and efficient cross-chain interactions.
• Deep understanding of how cross chain transactions, including well known messaging protocols such as IBC, wallet based implements like HTLC 
• Guide the integration of cryptographic solutions within our blockchain architecture, ensuring security best practices are followed.
• Mentor engineering teams on best practices for Rust development, blockchain architecture, and advanced cryptographic implementation.

Requirements

Who you are:

• 15+ years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in an architectural or technical leadership role, within blockchain or distributed systems.
• A computer science or other STEM degree is preferred
• Strong expertise in Rust, with extensive experience designing scalable blockchain architectures using the Substrate framework.
• Understanding of cryptographic techniques, especially Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS), and their application in cross-chain protocols.
• Deep experience working with Ethereum or other blockchain ecosystems, including familiarity with their architecture, smart contracts, and cross-chain challenges.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor technical teams, driving protocol design and implementation to meet strategic goals.
• A passion for cross-chain interoperability and innovation; experience with Cosmos IBC or other bridging technologies is a significant advantage.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex architectural concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Are you an IOHKer?

Do you find yourself questioning the status quo? Do you tinker with ideas and long to turn those ideas into solutions? Are you able to spark thoughtful debates, bringing out the inquisitiveness in others? Does the promise of continuously growing excite you? Then get ready to reimagine everything you thought wasn’t possible because that’s what it means to be an IOHKer - we don’t set limits, we break them. 

Benefits

• Remote work
• Laptop reimbursement
• New starter package to buy hardware essentials (headphones, monitor, etc)
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Competitive PTO and Sick Leave plan

At IOG, we value diversity and always treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.