Senior Software Engineer

parallel; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallel Systems in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and optimize backend systems for autonomous rail vehicles. The role focuses on developing critical applications using Rust and requires deep systems programming expertise.

Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in backend development and familiarity with high-performance systems. The company offers a competitive salary range of $150,000 to $212,000 USD.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in backend or systems-level software development.
• Professional experience in C, C++, Rust, or other systems programming languages.
• Strong understanding of operating systems, networking, and concurrency models.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance, low-latency backend systems for critical train control applications.
• Develop and maintain system-level software written primarily in Rust.
• Optimize existing codebases for scalability, performance, and reliability.

Skills

Rust

C

C++

Systems Programming

Debugging

Performance Optimization

Tools

Linux

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Senior Software Engineer

Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and optimize critical system applications. You will work on high-performance backend systems that empower our rail vehicles to navigate the rail network safely and securely, as well as interface with customer’s train control systems. This role requires deep expertise in systems programming and the ability to build robust, efficient software solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-performance, low-latency backend systems for critical train control applications.
• Develop and maintain system-level software written primarily in Rust.
• Optimize existing codebases for scalability, performance, and reliability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect fault-tolerant and distributed systems.
• Ensure software meets security, compliance, and performance standards.
• Conduct performance profiling, debugging, and system diagnostics for complex issues.
• Contribute to code reviews, technical discussions, and best practices within the team.

What Success Looks Like

• After 30 Days: You’ve ramped up quickly, developed a deep understanding of our backend systems, and are actively contributing to high-impact feature development that improves the performance and reliability of our train systems.
• After 60 Days: You’ve taken initiative in designing a scalable architecture for integrating with customer enterprise systems. You’ve outlined a clear and realistic implementation plan, including milestones for development, testing, and deployment.
• After 90 Days: You have implemented and tested major features in simulation and on real hardware at the test site and have taken the lead on the future path of our back-office systems.

Basic Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in backend or systems-level software development.
• Professional experience in C, C++, Rust, or other systems programming languages.
• Strong understanding of operating systems, networking, and concurrency models.
• Experience building highly available, high-performance systems.
• Proficiency with Linux environments, low-level system interactions, and memory management.
• Strong debugging and performance optimization skills for complex distributed systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rust in production or a strong desire to work with Rust.
• Experience in safety critical application spaces such as autonomous vehicles, industrial control equipment, or aerospace.
• Experience in or knowledge of rail control systems is greatly preferred.
• Familiarity with cloud-based architectures and containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).

Target Salary Range

$150,000 — $212,000 USD

Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.

Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.