Intern will develop AI agents powered by LLMs for blockchain security audits, enhancing threat detection and risk assessment through collaboration and experimentation.
About the Company
Founded in 2018 by professors of Yale University and Columbia University, CertiK is a pioneer in blockchain security, utilizing best-in-class AI technology to secure and monitor blockchain protocols and smart contracts. CertiK’s mission is to secure the cyber world. Starting with blockchain, CertiK applies cutting-edge innovations from academia into enterprise, enabling mission-critical applications to be built with security and correctness. CertiK is one of the fastest growing and most trusted companies in blockchain security and has become a true market leader. Our clients include leading projects such as Aave, Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, Yearn, and Chiliz. Our investors include top VCs like Tiger Global, Coatue Management, Shunwei Capital and Hillhouse Capital as well as industry leaders like Coinbase Ventures and Binance.
About the Position
The primary focus of this role is to pioneer the development of an intelligent AI agent powered by large language models (LLMs) to enhance our security audit tools in the blockchain space. As a Blockchain Security Expert intern, you will work closely with our blockchain security team to bridge cutting-edge academic research with practical applications. Your efforts will be dedicated to designing, fine-tuning, and integrating LLM-driven AI agents that automatically analyze smart contracts and identify potential vulnerabilities. In this role, you'll be immersed in research and experimentation, exploring new methods to improve threat detection and risk assessment within our security audit platform, thereby directly contributing to more secure blockchain infrastructures.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with our blockchain security team to design and implement a large language model (LLM)-based AI agent for security audit tools.
- Experiment with novel AI techniques to enhance threat detection and risk assessment in blockchain environments.
- Assist in transforming cutting-edge research on AI agents into practical, scalable security auditing solutions.
- Continuously research emerging trends in LLMs, AI agent architectures, and cybersecurity, and proactively propose improvements.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on machine learning, natural language processing, and/or cybersecurity.
- Deep understanding of LLM architectures (e.g., transformers) and hands-on experience in training or fine-tuning such models.
- Proficiency in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow).
- Basic familiarity with blockchain technology and smart contract development is a plus.
- Excellent analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Bonus Points
- Prior research or project experience in developing AI agents or automated security analysis tools.
- Exposure to security audit methodologies and vulnerability assessment, particularly in blockchain or smart contract environments.
- Familiarity with blockchain programming languages (e.g., Solidity) and platforms (e.g., Ethereum).
- Publications or contributions to leading conferences/journals in AI, NLP, or cybersecurity.
- Demonstrated ability to translate research insights into effective, production-ready tools.
Target monthly salary for this role performed is $6,000 - $8,000 if based in the US. The exact compensation at which this job is filled will be determined by the skills and experience of qualified candidates.
CertiK accepts applications for this position on an ongoing basis.
CertiK is proud to offer medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, HSA (with high deductible plan), FSA, and other benefits to all full-time employees, along with flexible paid time off and holidays. CertiK also offers a variable commission program for business development sales roles.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
CertiK is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law.
CertiK will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local and federal requirements.
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
All CertiK employees are expected to actively support diversity on their teams, and in the Company.
Top Skills
Python
PyTorch
Solidity
TensorFlow
Similar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence • Professional Services • Business Intelligence • Consulting • Cybersecurity • Generative AI
The Senior Manager leads quality engineering efforts, mentors QA teams, drives client interactions, and advocates for industry best practices in software quality.
Top Skills:
Core JavaJavaScriptNode.jsPerformance Test EngineeringQa Testing StrategiesTest Automation Frameworks
Artificial Intelligence • Enterprise Web • Machine Learning • Natural Language Processing • Software • Conversational AI • Automation
The Principal Software Engineer will lead architectural decisions, mentor teams, drive innovation, and align technical strategy with business objectives at Kustomer.
Top Skills:
AIAutomationAWSAzureCi/Cd PipelinesCloud PlatformsDevOpsDockerGCPKafkaKubernetesMicroservicesSpark
Blockchain • eCommerce • Fintech • Payments • Software • Financial Services • Cryptocurrency
The Software Engineer will develop Cash App Lending features, design APIs, mentor teammates, and enhance engineering practices, focusing on complex systems.
Top Skills:
APIsComplex SystemsSoftware Development
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
