Head of Desktop Engineering

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.