Senior Software Engineer to design and develop native Windows desktop applications for Speechify using Windows App SDK and WinUI, with a focus on accessibility, performance, cross-version compatibility, and a long-term Windows platform roadmap.

Location

Portland, OR (onsite)

Salary

USD 140,000 - 200,000 per year, plus Bonus and Stock depending on experience

Responsibilities

Lead the design, architecture, and development of native Windows desktop applications using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or related UI frameworks), C#, XAML, and when needed, C++.
Define and enforce best practices for Windows desktop development across the codebase: architecture, performance, memory usage, responsive UI, cross-version compatibility (Windows 10/11+), and maintainability.
Drive accessibility efforts: integrate and validate support for accessibility APIs (Microsoft UI Automation or other relevant Windows accessibility frameworks), ensure UI controls, focus management, keyboard navigation, screen-reader support, and usability for users with disabilities.
Collaborate closely with product designers, UX researchers, QA, and other stakeholders to shape feature planning, UI/UX architecture, and long-term roadmap for the Windows platform.
Take ownership of full lifecycle of features: conception, design, implementation, testing, release, maintenance. Ensure quality, reliability, and consistency across releases.
Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex bugs, performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, rendering issues, or compatibility problems — and propose robust architectural or design solutions.

Requirements

3+ years in Windows desktop application development using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or similar), C#, XAML — and ideally additional experience with native Windows code (C++, Win32/WinRT/COM).
Deep understanding of Windows application architecture, including interop between managed code (.NET) and native code.
Proven track record of designing, building, and shipping production-quality desktop applications, with emphasis on reliability, performance, scalability, and maintainability.
Strong experience with accessibility APIs on Windows (e.g. Microsoft UI Automation or similar), and a dedication to building accessible and inclusive software.
Excellent software engineering fundamentals: OOP, design patterns, data structures, algorithms, memory management, multi-threading or asynchronous programming (where relevant).
Experience leading technical design, mentoring other engineers, conducting code reviews, and making architecture-level decisions.
Strong communication skills; ability to articulate tradeoffs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive consensus.
A user-centric mindset: focus on building polished, intuitive, and accessible experiences for end users.

Technologies

Windows App SDK
WinUI
C#
XAML
C++
Win32
WinRT
COM
.NET
Microsoft UI Automation

Benefits

High impact: shape the architecture and future of Speechify's Windows product, influencing what millions of users experience.
Collaborative, engineering-driven culture where you act as a maker and decision-maker, not just a coder.
Opportunities to lead: mentor peers, steer technical direction, and grow toward broader technical leadership roles such as Tech Lead or Architect.
Flexibility, autonomy, and responsibility: own problems end-to-end and contribute to the long-term product vision.
Purpose-driven mission: build reliable, accessible, user-centered software that makes a real difference.

How to apply

Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in this role when you apply. Include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn.

Refer a candidate

If you know someone who would be a great fit, feel free to refer them.

Diversity and Inclusion

Speechify is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications

Job Description