Staff Protocol Engineer (Partner Enablement)

The main responsibilities of a Staff Protocol Engineer in Partner Enablement at Ephemera include supporting developers in debugging and improving their apps built on the XMTP platform, collaborating closely with them to address any technical challenges, and providing valuable feedback that helps shape the XMTP protocol and its documentation. You will dive into the XMTP codebase and work with integrators to ensure they have the best tools and experiences available.

Candidates applying for the Staff Protocol Engineer position at Ephemera should have solid engineering skills and a strong understanding of MLS-based messaging protocols along with multiple SDKs, such as JavaScript, Swift, and Kotlin. Proven experience in building high-quality software, debugging skills, and a genuine passion for helping developers succeed are essential. Familiarity with secure messaging systems and contributions to open-source projects are highly desirable.

The work environment at Ephemera for a Staff Protocol Engineer is remote-first, offering flexibility for engineers to work from anywhere. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and accountability, with semi-yearly gatherings to connect in person. This environment encourages continuous learning, with ample opportunities to engage with talented peers and industry-leading developers.

A Staff Protocol Engineer at Ephemera can expect a generous and competitive compensation package with a salary range between $230-$265k, depending on experience. Additional benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, parental leave, equipment for a work-from-home setup, and a wellness stipend. Unlimited time off also promotes a healthy work-life balance.

The role of Staff Protocol Engineer is crucial to the success of XMTP at Ephemera. By enabling partners and developers to build seamless integrations and providing essential troubleshooting support, you help shape the future of secure communication in decentralized technology. Your work directly influences the developer experience and fosters trust in the platform, ultimately contributing to the broader adoption and success of XMTP.

When answering this question, detail your understanding of the MLS (Messaging Layer Security) protocol, highlighting any practical experience you've had working with it. Discuss specific projects where you implemented MLS or related protocols and how you navigated any challenges.

Describe your systematic approach to debugging, focusing on identifying the root cause, analyzing logs, and collaborating with developers to gather context about the issue. Mention any tools you use and how communication plays a key role in resolving problems efficiently.

Share methods you have utilized to simplify complex concepts, such as using analogies, visual aids, or documentation. Emphasize the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your communication style to ensure clarity and engagement.

Discuss specific contributions you've made to tooling or docs by identifying gaps and providing solutions. Highlight any feedback processes you've implemented that have led to improved resources for developers, demonstrating your commitment to enhancing the developer experience.

Offer a detailed account of a specific problem that required innovative thinking and collaboration. Explain the steps you took to analyze the issue, collaborate with your team, and implement a successful solution, showcasing your technical skills and team spirit.

Explain your approach to engaging with developers to understand their needs, such as conducting interviews, surveys, or feedback sessions. Stress the importance of active listening and how you turn that information into actionable insights that can shape product improvements.

Share your methods for staying up-to-date, such as attending conferences, participating in online forums, or following industry thought leaders on social media. Highlight your proactive approach to learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.

Highlight qualities like empathy, accountability, technical acumen, and the ability to foster trust with your team. Share examples of how you've demonstrated these traits in past roles, creating a supportive environment for developers.

Provide an instance where you collaborated with a colleague, detailing how you identified areas for improvement, provided technical guidance, and the positive outcome of that collaboration. Focus on your mentoring and teamwork skills.

Share your passion for decentralized technology and how it aligns with your values surrounding privacy and accessibility. Discuss what motivates you about building secure communications and how you see yourself contributing to that vision at Ephemera.