Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Distributed Systems Engineer image - Rise Careers
Job details

Distributed Systems Engineer

Pluralis Research is pioneering Protocol Learning—a fully decentralised way to train and deploy AI models that opens this layer to individuals rather than well resourced corporates. By pooling compute from many participants, incentivising their efforts, and preventing any single party from controlling a model’s full weights, we’re creating a genuinely open, collaborative path to frontier-scale AI. If you want your work to shape the future of truly open innovation in artificial intelligence, join us.

Key Responsibilities

  • High-Performance Networking: Optimise P2P connections, minimise latency, and ensure that data flows efficiently under real-world bandwidth constraints.

  • Scalability & Reliability: Design for fault tolerance in a multi-participant training environment. Build robust mechanisms to handle node failures and network disruptions without interrupting end-to-end learning.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with the AI team to merge cutting-edge research with large-scale distributed systems. Contribute to shared libraries, frameworks, and open-source projects.

  • Security & Privacy: Implement best practices for encryption, authentication, and node identity. Protect model shards to guarantee that no single party can fully reconstruct the model’s weights.

  • Continuous Improvement: Profile system bottlenecks, propose and implement performance optimisations, and keep our technology stack ahead of emerging standards in decentralised computing.

What We’re Looking For

  • Distributed Systems Mastery: Deep experience building and operating high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems at scale.

  • Network & Protocol Expertise: Solid understanding of peer-to-peer topologies, routing, and messaging frameworks.

  • Hands-on Engineering: Comfortable with the full software lifecycle—architecture, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

  • Open-Source Enthusiasm: Passion for collaborative development and an interest in reshaping AI infrastructure for global accessibility.

  • Bonus: Familiarity with crypto/blockchain frameworks, decentralised consensus algorithms, or large-scale ML pipelines.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Equity-Heavy Package: We offer meaningful ownership or token allocations for key technical contributors.

  • Competitive Base: Pluralis is hiring the best.

  • Visa Sponsorship: Optional full visa sponsorship and relocation support to either US or Australia.

  • Remote-First Culture: Flexible work environment with team members distributed globally. We have two hubs; New York and Melbourne with optional hybrid work if desired.

  • Cutting-Edge Domain: Work at the intersection of AI and decentralised systems, tackling some of the most challenging engineering problems in what is about to be one of the largest intersections of two previously non-overlapping fields ever.

Backed by Union Square Ventures and other tier-1 investors, we’re a world-class, deeply technical team of ML researchers. Pluralis is unapologetically ideological. We view the world as a better place if we are able to implement what we are attempting, and Protocol Learning as the only plausible approach to preventing a handful of massive corporations monopolising model development, access and release, and achieving massive economic capture. If this resonates, please apply. 

Average salary estimate

$110000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$90000K
$130000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Distributed Systems Engineer, Pluralis Research

At Pluralis Research, we are on a mission to revolutionize the landscape of artificial intelligence through our innovative approach to Protocol Learning. As a Distributed Systems Engineer, you will be part of our pioneering team that focuses on creating a decentralized way to train and deploy AI models, ensuring that cutting-edge technology is accessible to everyone, not just large corporations. Your role will involve optimizing peer-to-peer connections to minimize latency, designing scalable and reliable systems that can withstand the challenges of multi-participant environments, and collaborating closely with our AI team to blend research with real-world applications. We are looking for someone who has deep expertise in distributed systems and a passion for open-source development. With the flexibility of a remote-first culture and a competitive compensation package, including equity options, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of AI. If you're excited to shape the next generation of decentralized systems and work in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, we encourage you to bring your skills to Pluralis Research and help us build innovative solutions that make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Distributed Systems Engineer Role at Pluralis Research
What are the key responsibilities of a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research?

As a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research, you will be responsible for optimizing peer-to-peer connections to enhance high-performance networking. Your duties will include designing systems for scalability and reliability, implementing security best practices, collaborating with AI specialists, and continuously improving our technology stack to keep up with emerging decentralized computing standards.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications are needed to become a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research?

To qualify as a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research, candidates should have significant experience building and operating high-throughput, fault-tolerant systems. A solid understanding of network protocols, peer-to-peer topologies, and hands-on experience across the full software lifecycle is essential. Enthusiasm for open-source projects and additional knowledge of blockchain frameworks or large-scale machine learning pipelines will be advantageous.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the company culture like for a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research?

Pluralis Research boasts a remote-first culture that encourages flexibility and collaboration among team members distributed globally. Although we have hubs in New York and Melbourne, you can work from anywhere. We prioritize innovation, embracing the challenges at the crossroads of AI and decentralized systems—an exhilarating environment for a Distributed Systems Engineer looking to make a real impact.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What kind of compensation can a Distributed Systems Engineer expect at Pluralis Research?

At Pluralis Research, we offer a competitive base salary along with a significant equity-heavy package for key technical contributors. We value your expertise and ensure you’re rewarded for your contributions to our mission of democratizing AI access.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What does the recruitment process look like for a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research?

The recruitment process for a Distributed Systems Engineer at Pluralis Research typically involves initial screenings to assess technical skills and cultural fit, followed by interviews that focus on your experience with distributed systems, security practices, and your collaborative mindset. We place great emphasis on your passion for open-source development and willingness to contribute to a team aiming to reshape AI infrastructure.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Distributed Systems Engineer
Can you explain your experience with high-throughput, fault-tolerant distributed systems?

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you've designed or maintained distributed systems. Highlight your approach to ensuring fault tolerance and any metrics that demonstrate the system's performance and reliability.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Discuss a challenging networking problem you've encountered and how you solved it.

Prepare to discuss a specific networking challenge, detailing the context, your analysis, the solution you proposed, and the outcome. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and your role in the team during the process.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you keep up with the latest trends in decentralized systems and networking?

Mention the resources you use for staying updated, such as relevant journals, online courses, webinars, or participation in professional communities. Highlight any recent development or insight that has influenced your work.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What methods do you use to ensure data security in distributed systems?

Explain your approach to data security, including methods like encryption, secure authentication mechanisms, and ways you've implemented node identity protection in past projects. Be detailed and provide real-life examples if possible.

Join Rise to see the full answer
When contributing to open-source projects, how do you ensure quality and maintainability of the code?

Discuss best practices you follow while contributing, such as writing thorough documentation, adhering to coding standards, and conducting code reviews. Highlight any specific open-source contributions you've made and the impact they had.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you describe a time you collaborated with a team on a technical project?

Illustrate your teamwork experience by describing the project, your role, how you communicated with team members, and how the collaboration led to the project's success. Highlight the importance of understanding different viewpoints.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What experience do you have with peer-to-peer topologies?

Be clear about how you've applied peer-to-peer concepts in previous projects. Discuss the advantages of this topology and any specific challenges you faced, along with how you overcame them.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you approach profiling system bottlenecks?

Describe a methodical approach to identifying bottlenecks, including tools you use for profiling, analysis techniques, and how you prioritize fixes based on the impact on overall system performance.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What interests you about working at Pluralis Research?

Tailor your answer to reflect your enthusiasm for their mission and values. Discuss your interest in decentralized AI and how your experience aligns with their projects and goals.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Where do you see the future of decentralized AI heading?

Share your vision based on industry trends, technological advancements, and the importance of accessibility in AI. Mention any implications for businesses and developers, showing an understanding of where your role fits in that future.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Pluralis Research Remote No location specified
Posted 4 days ago
Posted 4 days ago
VERSES Remote No location specified
Posted 10 days ago
Posted 2 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Elbit Systems of America Hybrid 7635 Plantation Rd, Roanoke, VA 24019, USA
Posted 2 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 13 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Dlocal Remote No location specified
Posted 7 days ago
Paid Holidays
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
DEPARTMENTS
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
No info
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
March 19, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Strategy and Corporate Development Intern at SoundCloud
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Milford just viewed Visual Designer (Contract to Hire) at Abridge
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed User Researcher III at Fearless
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Senior UX Designer at Nox Health
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed US Product Designer at Praxent
Photo of the Rise User
14 people applied to Internship summer 2025 at Boeing
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Solon just viewed QA Analyst at Two Circles
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Shift Lead - Downtown Cincinnati at DoorDash USA
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Getinge is hiring: UI/UX Developer in Streetsboro at Getinge
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Loveland just viewed Inside Sales Co-Op at VEGA Americas
Photo of the Rise User
60 people applied to Electrical Apprentice at Aerotek
Photo of the Rise User
7 people applied to Pega Engineer at Proxymity
B
Someone from OH, Painesville just viewed Administrative Assistant at BlkVision Media
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Marketing Customer Support (Automotive) at Publicis Groupe
Photo of the Rise User
22 people applied to REMOTE Sr Piping Designer at Kelly
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Columbus just viewed Event Campaign Manager at Smartling
H
Someone from OH, Chesterland just viewed Client Success Manager at HR Force International
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Junior PMO Analyst at Rentokil Initial Group
Photo of the Rise User
10 people applied to Junior iOS Developer at Sportradar
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Doylestown just viewed Associate Sub-editor at Third Bridge
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Pickerington just viewed Layout Artist at Powerhouse Animation Studios
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cortland just viewed Exploring Post-Grad Rotational Programs at Evonik at Evonik
B
Someone from OH, Powell just viewed Salesforce Admin (Part Time) at Bullpen Talent