Staff Backend Engineer, Knowledge Graph (Rust)

About the Role

The Knowledge Graph service is a critical component of GitLab's architecture, and as a Staff Backend Engineer, you will own core parts of the system end to end, shaping the architecture, hardening multi-tenant behavior and performance, and making it straightforward for other teams and agents to consume graph capabilities. You will be working closely with a talented team of engineers, collaborating to drive technical direction, design, and implementation of the service.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on complex, cross-cutting initiatives that span GitLab Rails, the Data Insights Platform, and GitLab Duo Agent Platform, driving system design decisions that improve reliability, scalability, and maintainability for analytical graph workloads. You will also be responsible for defining and improving operational maturity for the service, including service level objectives, observability, runbooks, incident response, capacity planning, and production readiness for GitLab.com, Dedicated, and Self-Managed deployments.

What You Will Do

• Lead the design and evolution of core Knowledge Graph services in a production Rust codebase, including the graph query engine, SDLC and code indexing pipelines, and API/MCP surfaces that other GitLab teams and AI agents rely on.
• Own complex, cross-cutting initiatives that span GitLab Rails, the Data Insights Platform, and GitLab Duo Agent Platform, from technical direction and design docs through implementation, rollout, and iteration.
• Drive system design decisions that improve reliability, scalability, and maintainability for analytical graph workloads, including multi-hop traversals, aggregations, and multi-tenant isolation.
• Define and improve operational maturity for the service, including service level objectives, observability, runbooks, incident response, capacity planning, and production readiness for GitLab.com, Dedicated, and Self-Managed deployments.
• Collaborate as a technical leader to help other teams and agents effectively consume and leverage the Knowledge Graph service, ensuring seamless integration and adoption.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation to ensure that other teams can effectively use and integrate with the Knowledge Graph service.
• Participate in the on-call rotation, ensuring the reliability and uptime of the service, and contributing to the development of runbooks and incident response plans.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, helping to develop their skills and expertise in Rust and graph data services.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, applying this knowledge to drive innovation and improvement in the Knowledge Graph service.

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in software engineering, with a focus on backend development and expertise in Rust.
• Experience designing and scaling complex systems, including graph data services and distributed SDLC indexing systems.
• Strong understanding of computer science fundamentals, including data structures, algorithms, and software design patterns.
• Experience with ClickHouse, NATS JetStream, and the Data Insights Platform, or similar technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working with cross-functional teams and driving technical direction and design.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git.
• Strong understanding of operational maturity, including service level objectives, observability, runbooks, incident response, capacity planning, and production readiness.

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI-powered technologies and machine learning frameworks.
• Knowledge of cloud-based infrastructure and containerization technologies, such as Kubernetes.
• Experience with security and compliance, including data encryption and access control.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and tools, such as GitLab CI/CD.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
• Remote work stipend and equipment budget.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships.
• Access to a talented and collaborative team, with a strong culture of innovation and experimentation.

• Be prepared to showcase your expertise in Rust and graph data services, with examples of previous projects and experience.
• Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, driving technical direction and design.
• Emphasize your problem-solving skills, with examples of complex technical problems you've analyzed and solved.
• Research GitLab's values and culture, and be prepared to discuss how your own values and approach align with the company's mission and vision.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, showcasing your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• Consider creating a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your code and projects, demonstrating your expertise and skills to potential employers.