At a Glance
- Tasks: Build high-performance systems in Rust and optimise complex software workflows.
- Company: Innovative tech company founded by ex-Google engineers revolutionising software development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team with a culture of trust and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology and shape the future of software development.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Rust or C/C++ and understanding of Linux internals.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Mission: Source.dev
Our founders spent over a decade at Google shaping the Android operating systems - building and shipping the software that now runs on billions of devices. They didn't just use Android; they led teams responsible for the Android Virtualization Framework, Security, and the Android Runtime (ART). Through that journey, they saw a quiet but massive crisis: as device software grew in complexity, the tools used to build it remained stuck in the past. Today, a standard Android checkout exceeds 200GB of code, and builds can take hours. This "wait time" is the single biggest tax on innovation. Source.dev was founded to reimagine software development workflows for device makers. We’re building a new generation of software tools that make building complex device software feel as simple as building a webpage - starting with SourceFS.
The Core Product: SourceFS
SourceFS is a high-performance virtual filesystem designed to turn multi-hour workflows into minutes.
- 10x Faster Builds: Intelligent caching and virtualization that only materializes files when they are actually needed.
- 10x Lower Costs: Enabling a standard 16-vCPU machine to outperform even a 128-vCPU machine.
- True Engineering Productivity: Replaying hundreds of thousands of build steps instantly when inputs match.
The Cultural Anchor: Own It
We operate with a high degree of trust and a shared value of End-to-End Ownership: "We own our work end-to-end, from spark to finish. It’s about more than just tasks; it’s the dedication to see things through, staying curious to solve problems, thinking from first principles and ensuring we fix our customer’s problems in the best possible way.”
The Role: Pushing the Boundaries of Rust & Linux
We are looking for a Software Engineer to join our world-class team. This isn't just an "application" role; you will be working at the lowest levels of the stack to solve "Level 10" technical challenges.
What You’ll Work On:
- Systems Architecture: Build high-performance, memory-safe systems in Rust.
- Deep OS Integration: Work close to the kernel, focusing on FUSE, I/O paths, memory management, and scheduling.
- Scaling Primitives: Design the foundation for massive build systems like Android, Yocto, and embedded Linux.
- Performance Optimization: Hunt down bottlenecks across I/O and CPU to ensure our virtualization remains near-instant.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- The Systems Mindset: You have a strong background in Rust or C/C++ and a deep understanding of Linux internals.
- Scale-Obsessed: You have experience with (or a burning desire to fix) large-scale build systems and developer tooling.
- Impact-Driven: You embody the "Own It" mentality - you see a friction point in the developer journey and you don’t stop until it’s gone.
- Curious & Collaborative: You enjoy translating real-world customer problems into robust, production-grade solutions.
- Low Ego, High Impact: Beyond being a brilliant coder, you are a thoughtful and empathetic teammate - someone who leads with kindness.
- Feedback Culture Champion: You embrace feedback and provide it thoughtfully; you see open, honest communication as the foundation of great teamwork.
A Note on Our Search
We are looking for the best talent, wherever it may be. If you’re on the fence about whether you’re a perfect fit, please do apply - we value diverse backgrounds and unique problem-solving approaches.
Why Join Source.dev?
- AI-Native Infrastructure: We merge deep systems expertise with AI to solve the "impossible" - using AI to automate complex merges and conflict resolution for the next generation of devices.
- Architect the Future: Have a direct, visible impact on the infrastructure used to build the world’s most advanced hardware.
- Early-Stage Ownership: You’ll have a seat at the table to shape our technical roadmap, product direction, and culture from day one.
- Tier-One Partnerships: Work side-by-side with world-class customers, from global automotive giants to leading cloud providers.
- Elite Engineering Culture: Join a high-trust & passionate team of engineers.
Systems Engineer employer: source.dev
At Source.dev, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of ownership and innovation. Our elite engineering team thrives in a collaborative environment where every member has the opportunity to shape our technical roadmap and make a tangible impact on the future of software development. With a focus on personal growth and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, we offer a unique chance to work alongside industry leaders while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Engineer
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at source.dev or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to source.dev.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like source.dev.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like source.dev that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at source.dev.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at source.dev and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at source.dev
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If source.dev uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
