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Rust Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge in Rust programming and scripting languages like Python, Bash, or Perl. * Experience using test automation in a Test-Driven Development (TDD) process is a plus * Experience developing ...

Firmware Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $220K/yr

Proficiency in C/C++/Rust, or similar programming languages for embedded systems. * Experience using RTOS. * Proven experience in embedded software development and prototyping, preferably in a ...

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Rust Engineer information

See California salary details

$35K

$94.8K

$165.8K

How much do rust engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 do Rust engineers do?

Rust engineers develop software using the Rust programming language, focusing on building high-performance, safe, and reliable applications. They often work on systems programming, embedded systems, or backend services, utilizing tools like Cargo and adhering to best practices in memory safety and concurrency.

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.

Can I make 200K a year as a software engineer?

As a Rust engineer, earning $200,000 annually is possible, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and expertise, with senior roles and those in tech hubs often reaching or exceeding this level. Continuous learning and proficiency in tools like Rust and related technologies can help achieve higher compensation.

How much do Rust engineers make?

Rust engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems programming and performance optimization tend to command higher salaries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in high-demand fields such as software engineering, especially those with expertise in specialized areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, leadership roles, and sometimes stock options or bonuses in large tech companies or startups.
Infographic showing various Rust Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,849 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Odos - Solana Smart Contracts Engineer

De Circle

San Francisco, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Odos.xyz is expanding its Solana team and are looking for a Solana Rust developer with strong experience in Anchor and expertise interfacing with Yellowstone Geyser. You'll help build and operate distributed, low-latency services that power our Solana DEX Aggregator, working with a small, focused team deploying on Kubernetes and AWS.
What You'll Do
  • Design and Implement Distributed Services in Rust: Build and optimize high-performance backend services deployed on AWS/Kubernetes that interface directly with the Solana blockchain and Odos' aggregation engine.
  • Work with Solana Programs via Anchor: Design, test, and deploy on-chain programs using the Anchor framework.
  • Interface with Yellowstone Geyser: Build systems that consume and process Solana ledger data through Yellowstone Geyser plugins, enabling real-time event and state tracking.
  • Develop Low-Latency Data Pipelines: Capture and process Solana transaction and account data in real time, with Redis as the primary datastore.
  • Advance Aggregator Features: Contribute to core routing, liquidity discovery, and execution logic that powers Odos' Solana DEX Aggregator.
  • Contribute to Infrastructure: Participate in system design, observability, and CI/CD workflows within a Kubernetes + AWS environment.

  • 5+ years of software development experience, with a strong focus on Solana smart contract development.
  • Proficient in Rust, with deep knowledge of Solana's smart contract architecture (e.g., Anchor framework).
  • Experience in cross-chain solutions-familiarity with EVM and non-EVM architectures.
  • Strong understanding of Solana's DeFi ecosystem and its applications.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with a passion for blockchain innovation.

Bonus Points If
  • You have a background in TradeFi
  • You have worked previously in DeFi or other crypto protocols
  • Experience with Web3 specific libraries and blockchain data APIs