Build the messaging app you’ve always wanted — and shape the future of communication.

We’re building Convos. It’s not your average chat app.

We’re a small, experienced team with a big, meaningful mission.

We are not going to talk you into joining a startup.

To apply, simply share a link to a project you’re proud of.

Can’t wait to meet you.

Essentials

Staff+ impact and responsibility

$225-265K base pay and equity upside

Zero-to-one projects

Shape XMTP for Convos

Convos is secured by XMTP, an open-source, decentralized messaging protocol — the same messaging infrastructure securing World App, Base by Coinbase, Zora and thousands more projects.

Because of Convos' unique product perspective, we have unique needs that vanilla, out-of-the-box XMTP does not yet meet. That’s your cue. In this role, you’ll develop and shape XMTP in ways that enable Convos to move forward quickly — and contribute to the network’s capabilities overall.

Role-specific responsibilities

The Convos protocol is a unique application of XMTP — you’re a cryptographically “new you” in every convo.

Responsibilities

• Advance the encrypted XMTP messaging protocol (built on Rust and OpenMLS) to accelerate Convos product development and capabilities.

• Collaborate with Convos and XMTP Labs teammates to design systems, evaluate trade-offs, and deliver improvements, balancing security, scalability, and efficiency.

• Engage as an open source contributor, making intuitive changes that serve Convos and — by extension — empower the next generation of privacy-preserving apps.

Experience

• 10+ years of professional experience as a staff-level software engineer.

• Expertise in mobile development with one or more of Kotlin, Swift, React Native, or C++, including delivering production-ready SDKs or apps.

• Solid experience with Rust, or a strong interest in learning Rust and building Rust-to-mobile bindings.

• Experience building and maintaining communication protocols, SDKs, or developer-facing APIs with an emphasis on performance, scalability, and security. A well-rounded, "T-shaped" expertise profile is preferred.

• Bonus points if you have prior experience with Messaging Layer Security.

• A proven aptitude for adversarial systems design, including identifying and mitigating potential security risks.

• Prior involvement in open source SDK projects and public communications.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with large-scale distributed database systems.

• Experience in implementing and adhering to security compliance requirements.

• Interest in or prior experience with privacy-preserving cryptographic technologies, or with zero-knowledge cryptography.

• Experience with smart contract development, web3 technologies, and/or protocol mechanism design.

• Experience contributing to a Layer 1 blockchain.

Working at Convos

No red tape

You drive your projects from start to finish

• Plan, design, build, test and maintain Convos app(s)

• Execute consumer-grade product experiences — from performance to polish

• Collaborate with experienced product, design and engineering teammates to efficiently produce effective products

• Hold yourself and others to a high bar for quality and teamwork

• Own communication, alignment and progress for your projects

No rookies

You’ve worked on a world-class consumer app team before

• Taken products from concept to launch to scale

• Experience leading technical projects and driving architectural decisions

• Familiarity with API design, unit testing, and building maintainable codebases

• Experience in open-source projects and collaborating with external developers

• Nice-to-have

  • Experience with messaging apps or protocols

  • Prior involvement in open-source projects

No coasting

You’re capable and motivated to move things forward

• You reduce ambiguity. You unblock yourself.

• You’re an excellent communicator, a team player, and “good in the room.”

• You love a challenge. You aim to make an impact. You’re here to win.

• You are always learning, embracing change, and open to new ideas and feedback.

• You’re online 9–11AM PST (15:00–17:00 GMT)

Compensation

Comp is aligned to experience and location

Benefits

Our people are everything

• Remote-first environment with quarterly+ IRL gatherings

• Switchboard office access in 17 cities

• Fully paid Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in the US

• Parental Leave

• IT Equipment and WFH setup

• Monthly Wellness and Lifestyle stipend

• Unlimited time off — and the expectation you’ll use it

Convos is an independent business unit of XMTP Labs.

Compensation Range: $225K - $265K