AI Rust Engineer

Zed is a next-generation code editor that's engineered from scratch in Rust to be fast, elegant, and collaborative. As we extend Zed with AI capabilities, we're looking for engineers with a strong AI background to form a new AI Foundations team.Your role will be to optimize Zed's interaction with language models through rapid prototyping and rigorous evaluation. Using Python or another lightweight scripting language, you'll explore the frontier of model capabilities and validate approaches before we sink time into implementing production-grade features. You'll collaborate with the whole Zed team to envision new AI capabilities, then take ownership over the prompts, fine-tuning, and dataflow while Rust engineers focus on editor integration.This role offers a unique opportunity to combine your AI expertise with a team that excels at crafting world-class user interfaces for code. At Zed, if you can envision an AI-powered coding interface, our team can bring it to life. Your innovations will push the boundaries of what's possible in code editing, transforming how developers interact with AI in their daily work.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn and shape the AI experience in ZedLead the evaluation, selection, and fine-tuning of language models for coding-specific tasksDesign and implement data collection strategies to improve model performanceDevelop prompting strategies and evaluation frameworksCreate and maintain testing methodologies for AI featuresWork closely with the engineering team to bring AI capabilities to productionShare AI expertise across the team through mentorship and knowledge sharingStay current with AI research and identify new opportunities for applicationParticipate in regular pair programming sessions and code reviewsRequirementsStrong background in machine learning and natural language processingExtensive experience working with large language models, including prompt engineering and fine-tuningProficiency in Python and AI/ML frameworksExperience developing AI agents and working with agentic control flow frameworksAbility to design and implement reliable, production-grade AI systems using rigorous, repeatable processesTrack record of deploying AI in production environmentsAbility to self-direct and lead strategic vision for AI initiativesStrong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teamsPassion for developer tools and improving the coding experienceProficiency in RustEnthusiasm for pair programming and real-time collaborationPreferred QualificationsExperience with code analysis or generation using AIBackground in developer toolsLocation: Remote (American or European time zones) or Boulder, Colorado