Staff Rust Engineer (freelance contract, remote United Kingdom)

Zero to One Search | Recruitment Agency; Ashton-under-Lyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology recruiting firm is seeking a Rust Software Engineer to enhance backend systems for decentralized digital identity solutions. Candidates should have substantial expertise in Rust, with skills in TypeScript and Dart preferred. The role involves building secure features and guiding teams through system optimization. You'll collaborate closely in a fast-paced environment to deliver high-performance solutions while advocating for privacy and security. This is a freelance contract role, with remote work options available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with performance optimization and managing system bottlenecks.
• Strong backend development skills with Rust.
• Deep knowledge of TypeScript and Node.js; Dart experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build secure, high-quality features using Rust.
• Create world-class software systems and components.
• Influence architectural direction while staying hands-on.

Skills

Performance optimization

Backend development with Rust

TypeScript

Node.js

Dart

Cloud computing (AWS)

Distributed systems design

Technical documentation

Cryptography

Security principles

Job description

Location : London (or remote)

3-6 month freelance contract

Our client is a technology company that builds decentralized digital identity solutions. They believe that everyone has the right to own and control their data, and they are committed to creating a trusted digital credentials ecosystem that empowers businesses and individuals to securely exchange data and services across borders and industries.

They are in search of a solution-oriented Rust Software Engineer (Backend) with deep, demonstrable expertise and experience in Rust, to work on secure, scalable, and high-performance backend systems. You will be responsible for the continued enhancement and development of a multi-component platform, where your expert skills in designing, architecting, and building quality systems will intersect with your hands‑on coding, performance testing, and integration experience.

Responsibilities

• Build and deliver secure, high-quality features and improvements using Rust . Experience in TypeScript and Dart will set you above other applicants for this role
• Create standards-compliant world-class software systems and components, most of which will be open-sourced.
• Influence architectural direction while staying hands‑on with development
• Design and implement solutions to c omplex, large-scale technical challenges
• Identify and drive the most critical improvements in product quality, security, and performance
• Guide the team to build well-tested, secure, and performant services
• Establish and refine best practices for high-scale distributed systems
• Collaborate closely with product, security, and engineering peers in a fast-paced, iterative environment

Requirements

• Proven experience with performance optimization and a track record of diagnosing and preventing system bottlenecks
• Strong backend development skills with Rust as a core expertise
• Deep knowledge of TypeScript / Node.js; Dart experience strongly preferred. Familiarity with C# or Go is a plus
• Expertise in cloud computing (AWS) and cloud-native environments
• Proven track record in designing and deploying distributed systems using modern design patterns
• Skilled in technical documentation (C4 Model, ADRs) and clear communication of architectural decisions
• Strong advocate for privacy by design, security-first principles, and high-performance systems
• Expertise in applying asymmetric cryptography in production-grade products
• Experience with authorization / authentication domains; knowledge of identity , verifiable credentials , or secure data exchange is a strong plus
• Comfortable thriving in autonomous, fast-moving startup environments and collaborating across global teams