Head of Desktop Engineering

Description We are looking for a Head of Desktop Engineering to take ownersip of some of the most widely used creative software in the world - MuseScore Studio and Audacity, two large, long-lived, open-source C++ desktop applications used by millions of musicians and audio creators. Key responsibilities - Desktop architecture across MuseScore Studio, Audacity and MuseHub, including the Audacity 4.1+ engine decision and the MuseHub tray-agent architecture. - Engineering health of the desktop surfaces: crash-free sessions, licence validation across updates, agent lifecycle, plugin scanning, latency. - The move to the lighter three-surface MuseHub without breaking the install base. - Horizontal ownership of the C++ discipline — hiring bar, levelling, standards, growth; engineers stay in their product teams and the discipline runs through its leads. - Agentic development in the discipline, with the AI Catalyst and QA Automation Lead. - The in-host panel in Audacity and MuseScore Studio as a revenue surface. Requirements - 8+ years in C++ desktop product engineering, 2–3 of them leading engineers. - Shipped cross-platform desktop software (Windows, macOS, Linux) to a large consumer install base. - Able to run a build-vs-adopt engine evaluation and defend it at C-level; JUCE/Tracktion experience directly relevant. - Large legacy codebases refactored under a live user base. - Desktop distribution: installers, auto-update, signing and notarisation, licence enforcement, crash reporting. - Plugin hosts (VST3/AU/LV2) desirable. - Led a horizontal or guild where engineers report elsewhere day-to-day. - Hands-on with agentic coding stacks applied to C++. - Open-source experience desirable. - Muse leadership match. - Real-time audio depth is desirable: driver modes (WASAPI shared vs exclusive, ASIO, CoreAudio, ALSA/PipeWire), buffer sizing, round-trip latency measurement, lock-free callbacks, thread priority. Benefits Creativity every day: Make inspiring products for musicians, artists and creators – no day is the same. Impactful work Influence the future of the music industry and change the lives of millions worldwide. Work set up: We’ll make sure you’re set up for success with the right work equipment, whether that’s company-provided hardware or an equipment allowance. Growth and development: Receive specialized training, language lessons, conferences and learning materials. Team well-being: Support for your mental health and wellbeing, including confidential help during life’s tougher moments. Originally posted on Himalayas