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Rust Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are seeking a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Rust and familiarity with ...

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are seeking a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Rust and familiarity with ...

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are seeking a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Rust and familiarity with ...

Software Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$106 - $145/hr

As a deep-tech startup, we embrace a results-driven, fast-paced, and customer-focused approach to innovation. We are seeking a Software Engineer with deep expertise in Rust and familiarity with ...

Distributed Systems Engineer

New York, NY · On-site +1

$125K - $250K/yr

The Role We are looking for a distributed systems engineer to join a startup using zero-knowledge proofs to scale smart contract applications. You will be responsible for building Rust-based rollup ...

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI ... Python, C, C++ or Rust * Solid understanding of systems software, including embedded systems and ...

As an AI infrastructure startup, we are developing innovative systems to enable large-scale AI ... Python, C, C++ or Rust * Solid understanding of systems software, including embedded systems and ...

... of Rust, C++ and Python. • Interface with firmware and drivers teams delivering highest ... Etched is an AI chip startup that designs and manufactures hardware systems optimized for ...

Senior AI Developer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

... in an early-stage startup environment and enjoys building AI-native products from scratch ... TypeScript, React, Rust, Postgres, Redis, Kubernetes. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Founding Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

About the Role This is a founding engineering role at a early-stage hardware-meets-software startup ... C, C++, Rust, or Go. * Strong software engineering fundamentals -- algorithms, data structures, and ...

... of Rust, C++ and Python. • Interface with firmware and drivers teams delivering highest ... Etched is an AI chip startup that designs and manufactures hardware systems optimized for ...

$223K - $259K/yr

... stage startup to global platform. What You'll Do * Design, build, and scale distributed systems that power Ditto's edge-to-cloud capabilities. * Lead the development of services in Rust that ...

Showing results 41-60

Rust Startup information

See salary details

$21.5K

$124.1K

$189K

How much do rust startup jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for rust startup in the United States is $124,124.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rust startup?

A Rust startup is a new company or organization that primarily utilizes the Rust programming language for developing its products or services. Startups choose Rust for its memory safety, performance, and modern language features, which help build reliable and scalable software. These companies often focus on areas like systems programming, web development, blockchain, or cloud infrastructure, where Rust's strengths shine. Being a Rust startup means embracing a fast-growing ecosystem and community, as well as leveraging Rust's advantages to create innovative solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at a Rust-focused startup, and how can they overcome them?

Engineers at Rust-focused startups often encounter challenges such as integrating Rust into existing technology stacks, addressing a relative scarcity of mature libraries, and collaborating with team members who may have varying levels of Rust experience. Overcoming these challenges involves prioritizing clear documentation, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and leveraging the active Rust community for support. Additionally, engineers benefit from open communication with product and design teams to ensure alignment on technical decisions and project goals.

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

To thrive as a Rust Startup founder, you need strong technical proficiency in Rust programming, experience with systems-level software development, and a solid understanding of startup business fundamentals. Familiarity with tools like Cargo, Git, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud platforms, as well as knowledge of venture funding or accelerator programs, is highly beneficial. Leadership, resilience, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for inspiring teams and navigating the uncertainties of startup life. These skills and qualities enable founders to build robust products, attract investment, and adapt quickly to market demands.

What is the difference between Rust Startup vs Rust Developer?

AspectRust StartupRust Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field, with experience in Rust programmingSame as Rust Startup, often includes certifications or portfolio of Rust projects
Work EnvironmentStartups, flexible hours, dynamic teamsVaries from startups to established companies, often collaborative
Employer & Industry UsageTech startups, software development firmsTech companies, software development teams
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in startups using RustComparing Rust roles in different company sizes

Rust Startup refers to a role within a startup environment focusing on Rust programming, often involving flexible work settings and innovative projects. Rust Developer is a broader term for professionals skilled in Rust, working across various company sizes and industries. While both require similar credentials and skills, Rust Startup emphasizes the startup culture and environment, whereas Rust Developer can be found in a wider range of organizations.

More about Rust Startup jobs

What cities are hiring for Rust Startup jobs?

Cities with the most Rust Startup job openings:

What states have the most Rust Startup jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rust Startup jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rust Startup jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rust Startup jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rust Startup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,124 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Founding Engineer (Firmware/Systems)

EQL Tech

Burlingame, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Founding Engineer (Firmware/Systems)

On-site Engineering, Product & Tech Full time San Francisco, California, United States

Description

Our client is a stealth, seed-stage startup building an AI-powered wearable platform for industrial field technicians - running a real-time computer-vision and agentic AI system directly on smart-glasses hardware, live today with major data-center, energy, and industrial customers across multiple countries. Backed by a $5M seed round and founded by researchers from Harvard/NASA (computer vision, published at NeurIPS and ICCV) and MIT (machine learning, ex-quant researcher).

The bet: computer vision and agentic vision-language models (VLMs) grounded in real integrations with legacy enterprise systems (ServiceNow, SAP, Salesforce) - not another LLM wrapper. The industrial data this generates is also laying the groundwork for robotics automation down the line.

This is the systems seat closest to the hardware: real work on the wearable device itself, plus the backend and edge layers around it. Firmware experience is a genuine requirement here.

What you'll do
  • Flash, patch, and adapt vendor firmware; work in embedded Linux/RTOS or device SDKs
  • Evaluate camera/sensor hardware and define specs (FOV, battery, thermal, compute, latency) alongside the hardware ODM partner
  • Build backend systems on a modern startup stack, comfortable close to the metal (C/C++/Rust)
  • Own a real-time multimodal pipeline end-to-end: capture/encoding, low-latency transport, low-latency model serving
Location & culture

Fully on-site in the SF Bay Area. The founding team lives and works together for the first several months in a shared house before moving to a standard office - expect an intense, in-person, high-ownership culture. Hours flex for exceptional, senior talent; the priority is getting the right person, not saving on salary.

Requirements

Essential

  • 1-4 years software engineering (more if exceptional); founding-engineer/early-startup experience, or from an intense-culture company (e.g. Tesla, SpaceX, Anduril, top YC)
  • Real firmware/embedded experience: vendor firmware work, embedded Linux/RTOS or device SDKs, hardware spec-writing
  • Back-end-leaning full-stack on a modern stack (AWS, GCP, Supabase, Railway), comfortable in C/C++/Rust
  • Owns a real-time multimodal pipeline end-to-end

Particularly valuable

  • Edge/on-device inference
  • On-prem/air-gapped deployment experience (aerospace, defense, critical infrastructure)
  • Hardware-to-software integration across wearables, cameras, robotics, IoT, or drones

Benefits

Compensation & benefits
  • Base: $150K-$200K
  • Equity: 2%-3% (flexed higher for exceptional candidates)
  • Visa sponsorship available (O-1, TN, E-3, H-1B1, H-1B transfer, F-1 OPT/STEM OPT)

How to apply: resume plus a short description of a firmware/embedded system you've shipped.