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Rust Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL

$134.20K - $176.60K/yr

Develop on ARM-based embedded platforms using C, C++, python, golang or rust * Improve our embedded ... Engineering or CS degree. * Software development on an embedded device * Experience writing and ...

Exchange Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Strong software engineering skills in a compiled, statically typed language (Haskell, Java, C++, Scala, OCaml, Rust) * Comfort with concurrent and multithreaded systems * Experience designing systems ...

... in Rust or Golang languages or both Skilled in reading and modifying blockchain core code (geth, bor, prysm) Creative, independent, and collaborative team player with the ability to work in a fast ...

Lead Data Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $141.60K/yr

As a critical engineering presence in Chicago, you'll directly influence local data strategy while ... Experience with system-level languages (e.g., C++, Rust) and exposure to MLOps or MLflow * Proven ...

Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

About The Role We're hiring for a Security Engineer to own the day-to-day defensive and offensive ... Fluency in TypeScript/Node and at least passing comfort with Rust, Go, or Python - enough to read ...

As a critical engineering presence in Chicago, you'll directly influence local data strategy while ... Experience with system-level languages (e.g., C++, Rust) and exposure to MLOps or MLflow * Proven ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

An undergraduate or an advanced degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Engineering or one of the hard sciences * 4+ years of Python, Perl, Golang, C++, or Rust development ...

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Rust Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$34.4K

$93.1K

$162.8K

How much do rust engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for rust engineer in Illinois is $93,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $104,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Rust Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Rust Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Rust Engineer job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 36% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 50% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 22% Physical, 24% Hybrid, and 54% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,130 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - Research Platform

Optiver

Chicago, IL • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

The Optiver Research Platform (ORP) is a vertically integrated platform team that manages both high-performance compute infrastructure and the software platform layered on top. ORP enables Optiver's global research teams to define and execute large-scale computational problems such as simulations and model training through streamlined orchestration of complex workflows. By owning the full stack, from datacenter hardware to distributed research tooling, ORP provides the fastest possible turnaround time for experiments and continually expands Optiver's ability to generate insights from the markets we operate in.
What you'll do:
  • Expand the Optiver Research Platform's capabilities by building features and improving performance across service orchestration, job scheduling, cluster management, big-data processing, and other core services that business teams directly interface with.
  • Build and evolve a fully managed compute & data platform layer for improved scale & reliability in Python & Rust.
  • Explore cutting-edge technologies and integrate them into Optiver's research workflows to enhance performance and allow deriving better insights.
  • Collaborate globally with Optiver business teams including traders, researchers, and engineers to push their understanding of the market to new heights.

What you'll get:
You'll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you'll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.
In addition, you'll receive:
  • The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
  • A highly competitive compensation package
  • Global profit-sharing pool and performance-based bonus structure
  • 401(k) match up to 50%
  • Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
  • 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
  • Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:
  • Experience leading large-scale engineering projects
  • Strong engineering instincts and a deep understanding of computer science fundamentals
  • Experience in distributed systems
  • Expertise in Python is required; experience with C, C++, or Rust is a plus
  • Experience working with GPUs and the CUDA ecosystem is a plus
  • Ability to tackle complex technical problems at the intersection of infrastructure and research enablement
  • Commitment to continuous learning and improvement in a rapidly evolving environment
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working with global researchers and engineers
  • Readiness to set technical direction, promote engineering principles, and do the right thing

Who we are:
Optiver is a global market maker driven by technology. Our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.
Applicants may submit up to three application per calendar year across all open roles.
Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver's benefits package with the benefits listed above.
Base Salary Range
$200,000-$200,000 USD