Linux Rust Deskop Developer

Linux Rust Deskop Developer at Zed Industries

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

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

This isn't just a porting job—it's a chance to define what a truly native, high-performance editor should be for the Linux community. You'll own our Linux build, shape the technical vision, and lead the charge in delivering a polished, performant editor that feels right at home.

• 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.

• 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.

• Experience with packaging and distribution systems (Flatpak, App Image, 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.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a modern, Rust-based editor from the ground up on the Linux platform. You will have a massive impact, your work will be used by thousands of developers daily, and you'll be doing it all within a stack that excites you.

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

Zed is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.