Backend Engineer, Knowledge Graph – Rust

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in India.

📋 Description

• Develop and enhance backend features within the Rust-based Knowledge Graph service, including modifications to the query engine, software development lifecycle (SDLC), code indexing processes, and API endpoints (including MCP endpoints), under the mentorship of senior and staff engineers.

• Assist in maintaining integrations between the Knowledge Graph and the broader GitLab platform, working in areas that involve GitLab Rails, the Data Insights Platform (Siphon, NATS, ClickHouse), and the GitLab Duo Agent Platform.

• Engage in system design discussions by suggesting alternatives, posing questions, and documenting decisions, with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and maintainability for analytical graph workloads.

• Enhance the operational maturity of the service by introducing or improving metrics, logging, runbooks, alerts, and minor readiness tasks, as well as participating in the on-call rotation in accordance with your level and experience.

• Collaborate asynchronously with product, data, infrastructure, security, and AI teams to clarify requirements, align on project scope, and deliver features safely for customers while ensuring sustainability for the team.

• Utilize AI-assisted development workflows responsibly (for instance, by using Knowledge Graph-backed agents and internal Duo tools), sharing effective practices with the team while maintaining a strong commitment to code quality and accuracy.

• Participate in code reviews, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and pairing sessions to learn from peers and help uphold consistent standards across the codebase.

• Contribute across the stack as necessary, including occasional Ruby tasks for Rails integration and authorization pathways, or minor frontend modifications related to Knowledge Graph features (such as Software Architecture Map UI plumbing).

⛳️ Requirements

• Professional experience in building and maintaining production backend systems, with a solid understanding of reliability, maintainability, and long-term service support (including incident response and follow-ups).

• Proficiency in at least one contemporary backend programming language and a strong interest in Rust, with either prior experience in Rust or clear evidence of the ability to quickly adapt and deliver within a Rust-first, performance-sensitive codebase.

• Some familiarity with distributed data or analytics systems (for example, OLAP databases, Kafka or NATS-style messaging, or change data capture (CDC) pipelines), or a strong desire to develop these skills in this position.

• Interest in graph data modeling and query patterns (such as property graphs, multi-step (n-hop) traversals, and aggregations), along with a willingness to learn the tools and concepts utilized in the Knowledge Graph over time.

• Practical experience (or a keen interest) in using AI tools in daily development, paired with a thoughtful approach to validating outputs and integrating AI into your workflow.

• A language-agnostic mindset and evidence of the ability to learn new languages and frameworks as needed (for example, Ruby, Go, or TypeScript/Vue when the work intersects with adjacent systems).

• Strong foundational knowledge in system design appropriate for your level, including the ability to assess trade-offs, ask insightful questions, and align your implementation work with documented architectural decisions.

• Comfort in a low-process, high-ownership environment where you take accountability for your work, communicate progress clearly, and assist in refining problem statements with your teammates.

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to collaborate asynchronously across time zones in a fully remote team.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial needs, and overall well-being.

• Flexible Paid Time Off.

• Team Member Resource Groups.

• Equity Compensation & Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

• Growth and Development Fund.

• Parental leave.

• Home office support.