Contract Rust Backend Developer Jobs in California

About the Role

We are looking for Software Engineers – Backend Systems on behalf of our client, an innovative technology company building a high-performance, real-time trading platform.

Our client is seeking engineers with production experience in Rust to play a key role in developing the backend infrastructure that powers its platform. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of asynchronous programming, solid systems knowledge, and a performance-driven mindset. You'll work closely with a highly collaborative engineering team in an in-person environment based in New York or San Francisco.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge blockchain execution environments and distributed systems, building the technology behind a high-performance real-time trading platform. You'll solve challenging engineering problems involving live market data, high-throughput event streams, and complex trading infrastructure operating at scale.

The company is expanding its engineering team and is hiring 3–5 Backend Software Engineers to build critical risk engines, trading APIs, and backend services. If you enjoy working on performance-critical systems, collaborating with top engineers, and making a direct impact on a core product, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to grow your career.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain risk and liquidation engines to effectively manage risk and improve capital efficiency in fast-moving markets.
• Build and implement blockchain state machines that support trading, settlement, and risk management operations.
• Develop backend services that maintain consistent system state across asynchronous processes using consensus, voting, and coordination mechanisms.
• Process real-time market data and coordinate trading activities across multiple venues, managing WebSocket streams and latency-sensitive workflows.
• Design and optimize high-performance REST and WebSocket APIs that power the trading platform with millisecond-level response times.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in backend software engineering.
• Production experience with Rust (strongly preferred) or C++.
• Experience building real-time, high-throughput backend systems.
• Strong knowledge of asynchronous programming, preferably with Tokio or similar frameworks.
• Experience working with a variety of databases, including relational, time-series, and key-value databases.
• Experience developing low-latency or performance-critical systems, ideally within trading platforms, financial infrastructure, or similar environments.
• Previous experience in FinTech, trading, blockchain, or other high-performance distributed systems is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a startup environment (VC-backed preferred).
• A genuine interest in financial markets, trading, or blockchain technologies.
• Personal side projects or open-source contributions, particularly in Rust or C, are considered a strong advantage.

Tech Stack

• Programming Language: Rust
• Async Runtime: Tokio
• Architecture: Distributed Systems, Blockchain
• APIs & Communication: REST APIs, WebSocket APIs
• Containerization: Docker

The offering:

• Salary: $185,000–$300,000 per year (depending on experience)
• Equity: Competitive equity package
• Location: San Francisco, California
• Work Model: On-site, 5 days per week
• Team Growth: The client is hiring 3–5 Software Engineers for this role
• Work Authorization: Candidates must already have the legal right to work in the United States (U.S. citizens or Green Card holders). Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Recruitment Process

Stage 1: Initial Screening - CV Review: Your application will be reviewed within 24 hours of submission.

• Short Q/A Session: To assess your experience and technical background, you'll be invited to complete one of the following:
• Automated Q/A session (recommended for faster feedback), or Recruiter interview.
• Candidates whose experience best matches the role will be shortlisted and presented to the hiring manager.

Stage 2: Recruiter Screening (30 minutes) - An introductory conversation with the client's recruitment team to discuss your background, experience, motivation, and answer any initial questions about the opportunity.

Stage 3: CTO Interview (30 minutes) - An introductory meeting with the CTO to discuss your experience, technical background, and mutual expectations.

Stage 4: Technical Interviews (2 × 60 minutes) - Two hands-on technical interviews with a Senior Backend Engineer, focusing on Rust, asynchronous programming, and systems design.

Stage 5: Reverse Diligence Call (45 minutes) - A one-on-one conversation with one of the company's investors, giving you the opportunity to learn more about the business, vision, and growth plans while validating the company from your perspective.

Stage 6: Final Interview (30 minutes) - A final behavioral interview to discuss your working style, collaboration, and overall fit with the team.

Additional Information

• We recommend completing the Automated Q/A Session during the pre-screening stage, as it typically allows us to provide feedback more quickly.
• Candidates who prefer a traditional approach may instead complete the pre-screening with one of our recruiters.
• We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and provide updates after each completed stage.

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