Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications

Speechify offers a mission driven environment where reading is never a barrier to learning. In this senior role, you will own the design, architecture, and delivery of native Windows desktop applications built with Windows App SDK and WinUI, guiding features from concept to release. The position is on site in Anchorage, AK, with a compensation package that ranges from USD 140,000 to 200,000 per year, plus bonus and stock eligibility based on experience. Speechify operates with a globally distributed workforce, enabling cross‑site collaboration while you contribute from a local office presence.

You will thrive in a collaborative, flat engineering culture where you are more than a coder—you're a builder and a key decision maker. This role offers meaningful responsibility, a chance to shape the Windows product, and the opportunity to grow into technical leadership as you mentor peers and influence architecture decisions. The mission is to deliver reliable, accessible software that enhances the reading experience for millions of users.

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, focusing on architecture, performance, memory usage, responsive UI, cross‑version compatibility (Windows 10/11+), and maintainability.
• Drive accessibility efforts by integrating and validating support for accessibility APIs, ensuring UI controls, focus management, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, 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 the long term roadmap for the Windows platform.
• Own the full lifecycle of features—from conception and design through implementation, testing, release, and ongoing maintenance—ensuring quality and consistency across releases.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve complex bugs, performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, rendering issues, or compatibility problems, proposing robust architectural or design solutions.

Requirements

• 3+ years in Windows desktop application development using Windows App SDK, WinUI (or similar), with C# and XAML; ideally additional experience with native Windows code (C++, Win32/WinRT/COM).
• Deep understanding of Windows application architecture, including interop between managed (.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 Windows accessibility APIs (e.g., Microsoft UI Automation) and a dedication to building accessible software.
• Excellent software engineering fundamentals: object oriented programming, design patterns, data structures, algorithms, memory management, and asynchronous programming or multi‑threading.
• Experience leading technical design, mentoring engineers, conducting code reviews, and making architecture level decisions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to articulate tradeoffs, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and drive consensus.
• User‑centric mindset focused on delivering polished, intuitive, and accessible experiences for end users.

Technologies

• Windows App SDK
• WinUI
• C#, XAML
• C++, Win32, WinRT, COM
• Microsoft UI Automation

Benefits

• A high‑impact role where you define architecture, shape the Windows product, and influence what millions of users see and experience.
• A collaborative, flat engineering culture that treats you as a builder and decision maker rather than just a coder.
• Opportunities to lead, mentor others, steer technical direction, and grow into broader technical leadership roles such as Tech Lead or Architect.
• Flexibility, autonomy, and responsibility: you define solutions, own features end to end, and contribute to the long‑term product vision.
• A purpose‑driven mission to build reliable, accessible, user‑centered software that makes a real difference.