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.