Do you have excellent analytical skills and programming experience in C/C++? Then becoming a Rust developer might be the perfect role for you.
Rust developers perform computer programming tasks using the Rust programming language. They code and develop for projects such as web browsers, operating systems, server and systems software, and blockchain projects. A rust developer’s responsibilities may vary depending on the development projects they are working on. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the software or systems that they develop, as well as testing and debugging them as part of the development process.
Rust developers meet with internal and external stakeholders to determine their software needs, code and test software to ensure functionality, and update software programs to meet those needs. They embed components such as cybersecurity measures and data storage capacities into the programs.
Sample job description
We’re looking for a senior software developer with proven Rust experience, working knowledge of Substrate, and general familiarity with blockchain technologies. In this position, you must understand decentralized, high-performance systems, analyze and optimize the platform’s performance, be able to run tests in a distributed environment, and have experience with security audits of third-party and internal solutions. You must also be interested in the Polkadot ecosystem, and design, research and develop blockchain-based solutions. As an ideal candidate, you have proven experience coding, developing, and testing software programs, preferably using the Rust programming language.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Collaborates with management, relevant departments, and customers to identify end-user requirements and specifications
- Designs algorithms and flowcharts to create new software programs and systems
- Writes code based on specified requirements
- Tests, debugs, and deploying programs and applications
- Maintains and improves existing software
- Analyses user feedback to improve software performance
- Recommends improvements to existing software products
- Creates technical documentation
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in coding and developing, preferably using the Rust programming language
Required skills and qualifications
- Experience within programming languages, such as C++, Node.js, React.js, Golang, or others
- Experience working with advanced data structures and algorithms
- Knowledge of secure coding practices
- Excellent debugging, profiling, and performance optimization skills
- Experience with multi-threaded programming
- Network programming skills
- Key-value store optimization skills
- Attention to detail
- In-depth knowledge of the software development life cycle
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with blockchain technology
- Experience in Rust programming
Typical work environment
Rust developers usually work in an office environment in front of a computer where they might sit for long periods of time. The position is well suited for remote work, and many rust developers work from home.
Typical hours
Rust developers typically work a 40 hour week during regular business hours, from 9 AM to 5, Monday through Friday. They may work nights and weekends to meet deadlines.
Available certifications
Although there are no specific certifications for Rust developers, many institutions offer courses for Rust developers to learn and develop their skills.
- Rust: Building Reusable Code with Rust from Scratch. This course, offered by Udemy, is for C/C++, Rust & system developers, and programmers who want to learn how to code in Rust and re-use Rust code. The hands-on, practical course teaches you the basic syntax and concepts of Rust, how to define functions and create variables, & more. You’ll build and test your code using Cargo & RustDoc and become familiar with different forms of code reuse, loops, map, filter, and fold.
- Rust Programming Certificate. The International Institute of Technology offers a course in rust programming that includes a certificate of completion. The program provides you with the essential programming skills with Rust. Topics covered in the course include rust data types, variables, strings, operators, functions, and much more.
- Learn Rust by Building Real Applications. This online course is administered by Udemy and helps you learn about the fundamental concepts of Rust programming. You will learn and understand the rust programming language from the bottom up while working with memory safety. This course teaches you through practice and covers such topics as manual memory management, building a command-line application, and building an HTTP server from scratch. Learn how to manage low-level memory and how to troubleshoot common compiler errors. The course also provides a real-world project to solve and assignments for you to complete, working closely with an instructor. A certificate is awarded to you after completion of the course.
Career path
Rust developers need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field to begin their careers. Some employers may require a master’s degree in a specific field depending on the requirements of their role. Rust developers gain experience as software developers in languages such as C and C++, as well as through internships and entry-level programming positions. Many organizations provide specific on-the-job training for new employees. To advance toward becoming a successful Rust developer, you need exceptional collaborative skills to work with various teams and stakeholders to deliver their projects. You must have excellent communication skills and strong analytical skills.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 15-1252
| 2020 Employment | 1,847,900 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 2,037,100 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 15% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 189,200 increase |
Position trends
The Rust programming language is relatively new, yet it is becoming one of the hottest programming languages. Top Rust developers are working on Rustacean Principles in order to keep Rust moving forward as the best method to do safe, fast, and easy software development. The principles will function as robust guides to Rust’s long-term development.
Because Rust is considered better and safer than C and C++, the future for Rust looks bright. It’s fast and universal, and you can use it to build a wide variety of applications for different platforms. Rust stands out compared to other increasingly popular languages such as Ruby and Python, another reason its star is expected to continue to rise.
There appears to be no end to how Rust can be adopted as it is being considered in various challenging environments, including Linux drivers and the Android project with the aim of improving security.