Staff Software Engineer, C++/Rust

Stellar Development Foundation

. Design and build key components of Stellar Core, the backbone software behind the Stellar Network .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesLead💰 $190,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing robust, scalable technologies, with a strong focus on modern C++ or Rust programming, distributed systems, and performance optimization. Proven ability to lead technical discussions and contribute to engineering best practices in collaborative environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Modern C++ DevelopmentRust ProgrammingDistributed Systems DesignPerformance DebuggingSoftware Design Patterns

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C++RustSoftware DevelopmentPerformance BenchmarkingCode ReviewTechnical DocumentationModular Component DesignEdge-Case AnalysisScalability OptimizationSystem Verification

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipCollaborationAdvocacy in Technical Discussions

Tools & Technologies

Development ToolsEngineering Best Practices

Certifications & Qualifications

BS in Computer ScienceMS in Computer Science

Industry Keywords

Blockchain TechnologiesCryptocurrenciesDecentralizationIncentive MechanicsFormal ModelsSimulation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsRustC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and build key components of Stellar Core, the backbone software behind the Stellar Network
Design and develop robust, scalable, and extensible technologies for developers and network participants
Collaborate on new architectures and subsystems with the CTO, engineers, and open-source developers
Write clean, maintainable code with emphasis on edge-case analysis and future-proofing
Own core Stellar Core subsystems and help achieve critical product milestones
Participate in code reviews and design, contributing to engineering best practices
Investigate and refactor performance bottlenecks to scale the system
Author detailed technical feature and protocol RFC specifications
Work on network performance, decentralization, incentive mechanics, formal models, verification, simulation, distributed systems, and multi-core scalability

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of experience developing software on a team
BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent field
Proficiency writing modern C++ or Rust in a production environment
Ability to advocate and lead technical discussions, especially during design and code review
Solid understanding of software design patterns
Ability to build reusable, extensible, and modular components
Knowledge of best practices and development tools
Passion for performance debugging and benchmarking
Direct experience with designing and implementing distributed systems (bonus)
Curiosity about blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies, with understanding of system fundamentals (bonus)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Lumen-denominated grants
Competitive health, dental & vision coverage with most plans covered at 100% for the employee + any dependents
Flexible time off
15 company holidays including a company-wide holiday break
Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for non-birthing and birthing parents
Up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave for birthing parents
Gym reimbursement ($80 per month)
Life & ADD coverage (up to $50K)
Short & Long term disability
401K with 4% match
Health & Dependent Care FSA Accounts
Commuter benefits with $250/month employer contribution
Health Savings Account (HSA) with monthly employer contribution
Family building benefits through Kindbody
Wellbeing benefits (One Medical, Rightway, Headspace)
L&D budget of $1,500/year
Daily lunch and snacks in office
Company retreats