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Rust Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Matic

Systems Engineer (Rust)

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

About the role We're looking for a meticulous, Rust-loving Software Engineer to join us on the ground floor, with runway for huge and immediate impact. In this role you'd be joining our Platform team ...

Databento

Software Engineer (C++/Rust)

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

We're looking for a midlevel or senior IC to join our core engineering team. Our team is responsible for all things C/C++ and Rust, and the most performance-sensitive parts of our codebase. You'll be ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 80 professionals delivering practical, transformational quantum ...

IonQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 50 professionals delivering practical, transformational quantum ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 80 professionals delivering practical, transformational quantum ...

Vector Atomic

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$136K - $179K/yr

As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 80 professionals delivering practical, transformational quantum ...

IonQ

Senior Rust Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$142K - $186K/yr

As a Senior Rust Software Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader within a rapidly growing, collaborative team of over 50 professionals delivering practical, transformational quantum ...

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All JobsRust Engineer JobsRust Engineer Jobs in California

Rust Engineer information

See California salary details

$35K

$94.8K

$165.8K

How much do rust engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for rust engineer in California is $94,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Rust Engineers?

Rust Engineers are software developers who specialize in using the Rust programming language to build reliable, efficient, and safe systems. They often work on performance-critical applications such as backend services, embedded software, systems programming, and blockchain technologies. Rust Engineers are valued for their ability to write code that minimizes bugs and security vulnerabilities, leveraging Rust's strict compiler and memory safety features. Their expertise is increasingly sought after in industries where safety, speed, and concurrency are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rust Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rust Engineer, you need a strong understanding of systems programming concepts, the Rust language, and experience with software development best practices, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, build tools such as Cargo, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines are typically required. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding Rust Engineers apart. These skills and qualifications are essential for building reliable, high-performance, and secure software systems in collaborative development environments.

What are some common challenges Rust Engineers face when integrating Rust with existing systems?

Rust Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating Rust into codebases written in other languages, such as C, C++, or Python. These challenges can include managing foreign function interfaces (FFI), ensuring memory safety across language boundaries, and handling differences in build systems and tooling. Collaboration with teams familiar with legacy systems is often essential to navigate these complexities, and clear documentation is key to successful integration. Over time, these challenges can deepen your understanding of system interoperability and lead to broader career opportunities in systems programming.

What is the difference between Rust Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectRust EngineerSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, familiarity with RustBachelor's in Computer Science or related, general programming skills
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, embedded systems, systems programmingVarious industries including tech, finance, healthcare, web development
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies developing performance-critical or system-level applicationsBroad range of companies developing software across sectors
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on Rust-specific roles, systems programmingGeneral software development roles across languages

Rust Engineers specialize in developing high-performance, safe systems using Rust, often in embedded or systems programming contexts. Software Developers have a broader scope, working across multiple languages and industries. While both roles require strong programming skills, Rust Engineers focus on Rust expertise, whereas Software Developers may work with various languages and technologies.

What are popular job titles related to Rust Engineer jobs in California? For Rust Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rust Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Rust Engineer jobs in California are:
Rust Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rust Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,849 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer II - RUST

Embedded Software Engineer II - RUST

Innoflight

San Diego, CA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

GROW WITH US AND STAY EXTRAORDINARY:
Launch your career to new heights with Innoflight-one of San Diego's fastest-growing Aerospace and Defense innovators. Here, visionary minds engineer the future of space technology through pioneering, compact, and cyber-secure solutions. From software-defined radios to cutting-edge cryptographic systems and avionics, everything we build powers the next era of New Space. Join our small, agile, and mission-driven team where your work has real impact and your growth has no limits. We're not just reaching for the stars-we're engineering them. Let's innovate the infinite, together.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
As an Embedded Software Engineer II - RUST, you'll design, develop, and integrate embedded software that powers next-generation aerospace and defense systems. You'll contribute to developing and supporting real-time applications in both C/C++ and RUST, focusing on low-level firmware, device drivers, and board-level integration. You'll work closely with hardware, systems, and test engineers to translate complex requirements into efficient, reliable code-building the foundation for secure, high-performance mission-critical systems.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design and Develop Embedded Software: Contribute to the design, implementation, testing, and integration of real-time embedded applications and tools.
  • Implement Device Drivers and Firmware: Develop and maintain low-level software components in C/C++ and RUST, ensuring precise hardware interaction and performance.
  • Debug and Troubleshoot: Perform software debugging and root-cause analysis at the module and system level, ensuring code stability and reliability.
  • Translate Requirements into Code: Interpret and implement detailed software requirements derived from system-level specifications.
  • Collaborate Across Teams: Work with cross-disciplinary teams-including hardware, systems, and test engineers-to achieve seamless integration of hardware and software components.
  • Participate in Reviews: Take part in code reviews, design discussions, and test planning sessions to maintain high-quality development standards.
  • Document and Maintain Code: Create and maintain clear, comprehensive documentation, including software design descriptions, implementation notes, and test procedures.
  • Follow Best Practices: Use modern software development practices such as version control (Git), issue tracking, and configuration management tools to ensure efficient workflow and traceability.

YOU'RE AWESOME AT:
  • Embedded Development: You're comfortable writing efficient, reliable embedded code in C/C++ and RUST for low-level device control.
  • Systems Integration: You enjoy working close to the hardware, collaborating with multiple engineering disciplines to deliver complete solutions.
  • Debugging Complex Systems: You thrive on solving challenging software problems through careful analysis and hands-on troubleshooting.
  • Attention to Detail: You take pride in writing clean, maintainable code that meets tight performance and reliability requirements.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • 3 or more years of embedded software development experience.
  • Proficiency in embedded C programming for low-level device control.
  • Experience developing in RUST for embedded or systems-level applications.
  • Familiarity with embedded Linux and/or real-time operating systems (RTOS).
  • Understanding of networking and communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and TCP/IP.
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics and component datasheets.
  • Experience with standard development tools including compilers, debuggers, IDEs, and version control (e.g., Git).
  • Strong problem-solving skills, meticulous attention to detail, and clear communication abilities.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
The starting base salary for this position ranges from $110,000 to $130,000 per year, depending on the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to a competitive base salary, Innoflight offers a well-rounded compensation package that includes a Profit-Sharing Bonus and a Cash Performance Bonus to reward both individual and company performance. Additional benefits include:
  • 401(k) with 3% company match (automatic enrollment)
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, HSA & life insurance
  • 10 paid holidays + 120 hours PTO (starting in year one)
  • Access to ancillary benefits such as critical illness, accident, disability, legal and pet insurance.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE:
  • Flexible Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off-whether you use it to recharge, work on a passion project, or spend time with family, the choice is yours.
  • Continuous Learning & Development: We're serious about professional development. From tuition reimbursement to internal "Ask Me Anything" sessions and weekly "Lunch & Learns," we make learning a core part of the job.
  • Mission-Driven Culture: We aren't just building tech-we're enabling the next era of space exploration. Our Culture Ambassadors help lead initiatives around inclusion, positivity, recognition, and transparency. Here, your voice is heard, your work is respected, and your individuality is celebrated.

BE YOU, WITH US:
At Innoflight, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone belongs. We recognize that great talent comes in many forms, and you don't need to meet every requirement to bring value to our team. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply-even if you don't check every box.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Potential new employees must successfully complete a background check which includes criminal search, education certification and employment verification prior to hire. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S as you must have the ability to obtain a security clearance. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
A NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
Innoflight does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies, recruiters, or any third-party sources. Any such submissions will be considered property of Innoflight, and no fees will be paid in the event a candidate is hired from an unsolicited referral.
To California residents applying for this job, please read Innoflight's CCPA Notice: https://www.innoflight.com/careers/california-consumer-privacy-act-notice-for-job-applicants.
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