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.
- Real-time audio depth: driver modes (WASAPI shared vs exclusive, ASIO, CoreAudio, ALSA/PipeWire), buffer sizing, round-trip latency measurement, lock-free callbacks, thread priority.
- 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.
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.
8+ years C++ desktop product engineering, 2-3 years leading engineers; shipped cross-platform desktop software; real-time audio depth; large legacy codebase refactoring; desktop distribution; plugin hosts desirable; open-source experience desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- leading desktop engineering
- managing C++ discipline
- driving architecture decisions
Skills & Tools
C++, JUCE, Tracktion, VST3, AU, LV2, WASAPI, ASIO, CoreAudio, ALSA, PipeWire
Job Details
- Category: Engineering
- Seniority: Senior Level
- Commitment: Full Time
- Workplace: Remote — Cyprus
- Languages: English
About Muse Group
A team of creatives and music lovers developing products used by over 400 million users worldwide. — Industry: Information Technology