Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications

Speechify is dedicated to breaking down reading barriers and enhancing learning for over 50 million users globally. Their cutting-edge text-to-speech technology converts PDFs, books, Google Docs, news articles, and websites into audio, helping users read faster, comprehend more, and retain information effectively. Recognized by Google as Chrome Extension of the Year and honored with Apple’s 2025 Design Award for Inclusivity, Speechify delivers apps across iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome, and web platforms. The company operates with a fully remote team of nearly 200 professionals, including engineers, AI scientists, and industry experts from leading tech firms and academic institutions, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, architecture, and development of native Windows desktop applications using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or related UI frameworks), C#, XAML, and C++ when needed. Establish and maintain best practices for Windows desktop development, focusing on code architecture, performance, memory optimization, responsive UI, cross-version compatibility (Windows 10/11+), and maintainability.

Drive accessibility efforts by integrating and validating support for accessibility APIs such as Microsoft UI Automation, ensuring UI controls, focus management, keyboard navigation, screen-reader compatibility, and overall usability for users with disabilities. Collaborate closely with product designers, UX researchers, QA, and other stakeholders to influence feature planning, UI/UX architecture, and the long-term roadmap for the Windows platform.

Own the full feature lifecycle from conception through design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance, ensuring quality, reliability, and consistency across versions. Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex bugs, performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, rendering issues, and compatibility challenges, proposing robust architectural or design solutions.

Required Qualifications
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Windows desktop application development using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or similar), C#, and XAML is essential, with additional expertise in native Windows code (C++, Win32/WinRT/COM) preferred. Deep understanding of Windows application architecture, including interoperability between managed (.NET) and native code, is required.

Proven ability to design, build, and ship production-quality desktop applications emphasizing reliability, performance, scalability, and maintainability. Strong experience with Windows accessibility APIs (e.g., Microsoft UI Automation) and a commitment to creating accessible and inclusive software is critical.

Solid software engineering fundamentals, including object-oriented programming, design patterns, data structures, algorithms, memory management, and multi-threading or asynchronous programming, are necessary. Experience leading technical design, mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews, and making architecture-level decisions is expected. Excellent communication skills and a user-centric mindset focused on delivering polished, intuitive, and accessible user experiences are essential.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
Experience in writing automated tests for UI, including unit, integration, and UI automation tests, with familiarity in relevant testing frameworks, is advantageous. Expertise in performance optimization for desktop apps—addressing memory usage, startup time, rendering performance, high-DPI support, and responsiveness under load—is highly valued.

Knowledge of localization, globalization, right-to-left UI support, internationalization, and accessibility considerations across multiple regions is a plus. Familiarity with telemetry, analytics, crash reporting, logging, and error monitoring in desktop applications is beneficial. Experience shaping CI/CD workflows, release pipelines, and deployment strategies for desktop software is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to take ownership of feature areas or modules, managing maintenance, refactoring, and technical debt over the long term, will set candidates apart.

Speechify offers a high-impact role where you will define architecture and shape the future of their Windows product, influencing millions of users worldwide. The company promotes a collaborative, flat engineering culture that empowers you as a builder and decision-maker. Opportunities to lead, mentor, and grow into broader technical leadership roles are available. You will enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and responsibility, owning features end-to-end and contributing to a purpose-driven mission focused on reliable, accessible, and user-centered software.

Speechify is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, age, or any other legally protected status. Candidates passionate about building accessible technology and meeting these qualifications are encouraged to apply.