diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 16e78cdd..84600dd3 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -13,6 +13,18 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v7
+      - uses: dtolnay/rust-toolchain@stable
+        with:
+          components: clippy, rustfmt
+      - uses: Swatinem/rust-cache@v2
+      - run: cargo fmt --all -- --check
+      - run: cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings
+      - run: cargo test --workspace
+
+  nix-test:
+    name: ni-test
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
       - name: Install Nix
         uses: DeterminateSystems/nix-installer-action@v14
 
@@ -22,9 +34,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Check Nix health
         run: nix doctor
 
-      - run: nix develop --command cargo fmt --all -- --check
-      - run: nix develop --command cargo clippy --workspace --all-targets -- -D warnings
-      - run: nix develop --command cargo test --workspace
+      - run: nix build
 
   wasm:
     name: wasm32 check (browser bundle crates)