At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop cutting-edge software for the semiconductor industry using Rust.
- Company: lowRISC, a non-profit innovating open-source chip design.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 33 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a paid sabbatical.
- Other info: Dynamic Cambridge-based team with excellent career growth and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in tech while working with top organisations like Google.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Rust, with strong knowledge of systems programming and embedded environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At lowRISC we believe that open source development can transform the semiconductor industry. To help achieve this vision of production‑ready, commercial‑grade chips and silicon building blocks, we employ a software team with a wide range of skills. Our software engineers work across the full software stack, from firmware and toolchains that interact directly with hardware to cloud‑based infrastructure that tests our products at scale. This includes work in areas such as:
- RISC‑V firmware and driver development
- Software hardening and security tools
- Embedded operating systems (in Rust and C)
- Compilers, code generators, and linters
- Simulators and emulators (e.g., QEMU)
- Electronic design automation (EDA) tools
- Performance and code size analysis
- Cloud‑based infrastructure (such as continuous integration pipelines)
lowRISC is a non‑profit Community Interest Company. With a business model that includes member fees and engineering services, we have shown that it is possible to run world‑leading projects collaboratively for everyone’s benefit. Originally a spin‑out from Cambridge University’s Computer Lab, our UK team is based in Cambridge and our Switzerland team is based in Zurich. Our Ibex CPU and OpenTitan Root of Trust projects have been taken to production silicon, partnering with world‑leading organisations including Google and Rivos, combining open‑source approaches with best‑practice chip design methodologies.
Requirements
- Highly proficient in Rust programming; deep understanding of fundamental concepts such as the ownership model, lifetimes, concurrency, parallelism, memory management and procedural macros.
- Solid knowledge of the Rust ecosystem, including tools and libraries.
- A high standard of written and spoken English.
Preferred or Highly Valued Experience
- Designing, implementing, and maintaining large‑scale or modular Rust codebases.
- Expert understanding of unsafe Rust, FFI, and low‑level systems programming.
- Strong proficiency in C; familiarity with C++ and Python are a plus.
- Solid understanding of compiler internals; experience with LLVM is a plus.
- Experience with build systems and reproducible tooling (e.g., Bazel, Nix, uv).
- Experience developing for embedded or resource‑constrained environments, including real‑time systems.
- Familiarity with CI/CD for embedded or systems software.
- Strong knowledge of computer architecture; some experience with assembly languages (x86, RISC‑V); familiarity with hardware design is a plus.
- Good knowledge of Linux.
- Experience contributing to open source projects.
- Higher degree levels and academic research experience are highly valued.
Benefits
Benefits include a generous employer pension contribution (up to 12.5% subject to an employee contribution via salary sacrifice of 6%), holiday allowance (33 days, pro rata, including public holidays), private medical insurance, group income protection, life insurance and a 4‑week paid sabbatical after 4 years of service. The team is based in Cambridge, UK, amongst the Silicon Fen’s ecosystem of high‑tech start‑ups. Our office is in the heart of the city and a short walk from the train station.
We do not discriminate against any employee or candidate because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Please let us know if you need any adjustments made to the application or selection process. We will be happy to help.
Senior/Principal Rust Engineer employer: lowRISC
At lowRISC, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions open-source development in the semiconductor industry. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and creativity, while our generous benefits package, including a substantial pension contribution and extensive holiday allowance, ensures our employees are well-supported. Located in the vibrant tech hub of Cambridge, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects alongside leading organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior/Principal Rust Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the semiconductor and open-source communities. Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences where you can chat with potential colleagues and learn more about lowRISC's projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got a GitHub or similar portfolio, make sure it’s up to date. Highlight any Rust projects or contributions to open-source that demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on Rust fundamentals and system programming concepts. Practice coding challenges that focus on concurrency, memory management, and low-level systems to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the lowRISC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior/Principal Rust Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Rust Skills:Make sure to highlight your proficiency in Rust programming. We want to see your deep understanding of concepts like ownership, lifetimes, and concurrency. Share examples of your work with Rust codebases to really impress us!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match our job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate a high standard of written English, so keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for open source shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at lowRISC
✨Know Your Rust Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Rust programming, especially the ownership model, lifetimes, and concurrency. Brush up on your knowledge of the Rust ecosystem, including tools and libraries, as you'll likely be asked about them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past projects involving large-scale Rust codebases or any contributions to open source projects. Be ready to explain your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Low-Level Systems
Since the role involves low-level systems programming, make sure you understand unsafe Rust, FFI, and compiler internals. If you have experience with LLVM or embedded systems, be prepared to talk about it in detail, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Vision
Research lowRISC's projects and their vision for open-source development in the semiconductor industry. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely invested in their mission.
