Linux Desktop Rust Engineer

Remote (American or European time zones) or Boulder, Colorado

Zed is a fast, collaborative code editor built from the ground up in Rust. We're looking for a Linux Lead to make Zed a first-class experience on Linux.

In this role, you’ll own our Linux build, shape what “native” means for the diversity of Linux environments, and lead the charge in delivering a polished, performant editor that feels right at home.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the technical vision and quality standards for Zed on Linux
• Ensure a native-feeling experience by working directly with Linux desktop environments, conventions, and APIs
• Solve Linux-specific technical challenges in our Rust codebase
• Create robust testing infrastructure to catch regressions across Linux distributions and desktop environments
• Guide cross-platform architectural decisions with a Linux-first mindset
• Mentor teammates on Linux development best practices and ecosystem nuances
• Stay deeply involved—you'll be using Zed on Linux every day to validate and improve it

Requirements

• Strong Rust experience with a systems programming background
• Daily Linux user with deep familiarity across multiple distributions
• Expertise in Linux graphics and windowing systems
• Experience building and shipping native-feeling Linux desktop applications
• Understanding of Linux UX patterns, user expectations, and toolkit diversity
• Strong technical leadership and architectural decision-making skills
• Self-directed and comfortable prioritizing independently in a fast-moving environment
• Passionate about creating high-quality Linux-native developer tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with packaging and distribution systems (Flatpak, AppImage, DEB/RPM)
• Familiarity with Linux desktop environments and theming challenges
• Contributions to open-source projects in the Linux or Rust ecosystem
• Knowledge of Linux-specific CI/CD pipelines and build systems
• Prior work on Linux developer tools, IDEs, or editors

Join us in revolutionizing the development experience. Your expertise could drive Zed's next game-changing feature!