Protocol Engineer (Onchain Payments)

Role overview Build the integration layer that lets AI agents make payments through different protocols while keeping payment authorization consistent. You’ll implement protocol adapters from incoming requests through signed decisions, and route each payment through an option accepted by the seller. The work includes tracking evolving specifications and shaping planned updates to signed decisions and agent identity.

Responsibilities - Own integrations for x402, AP2, and ACP, translating each protocol’s payment requests and responses into the authorization service’s common flow. - Keep integrations aligned with evolving protocol specifications. - Build routing that selects a protocol the seller accepts, without requiring the agent to manage those differences. - Help design the next version of signed payment decisions and later work on agent identity. - Work directly with technical leadership on protocol and payments infrastructure.

Requirements - Production programming experience in TypeScript or Go, with willingness to work in both. - Experience implementing a specification, such as a payments API, open standard, or network protocol. - Ability to read specifications closely and identify ambiguity or gaps. - Residence in a country where the role can be hired. - Relevant experience from open source, hackathons, or personal projects is welcome; a specific job title is not required.

Nice to have - Experience with x402, AP2, or ACP, including side projects, or contributions to x402, AP2, A2A, or MCP. - Payment processor or card network integrations. - Familiarity with EIP-712, EIP-3009, or USDC on Base or Solana.

Benefits and work setup - US salary range: $170,000–$230,000; offers elsewhere are benchmarked to the local market and may be paid in USD or USDC. Includes 0.35% vesting equity. - Health coverage varies by location; US employees receive full employee medical, dental, and vision premiums, with 75% coverage for dependents. Elsewhere, there is a local plan or a $300 monthly contribution toward private coverage. - 25 vacation days plus public holidays, a year-end closure, and 14 weeks of paid parental leave. - Laptop, $1,000 workspace allowance, and $1,500 annual learning budget; work-related conference travel is also covered. - Flexible hours with a shared availability window from 14:00 to 17:00 UTC. The role may be combined with another job if there is no conflict.