Staff Software Engineer - Desktop Platform

Position

• Staff Software Engineer - Desktop Platform
• Location: San Francisco Bay Area (remote possible, relocation assistance available)
• Type: Full-time
• Salary: $248,000 - $279,000 + equity + benefits

About the Role

You will lead the technical vision for Discord’s desktop client experience across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The focus is on building foundational components, including the In-Game Overlay, with an emphasis on performance, reliability, and usability for millions of users.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain core components for Discord’s desktop apps, especially the In-Game Overlay.
• Work closely with Windows OS APIs to use platform-specific features.
• Drive engineering quality and performance for desktop clients.
• Troubleshoot complex issues using advanced debugging tools.
• Support internal developers with build environments and tooling.

What You Should Have

• 8+ years engineering experience building large, cross-platform desktop applications.
• Deep expertise in Windows apps, especially with Desktop Window Manager (DWM) and low-level graphics rendering.
• Strong skills in C++ and/or Rust.
• Proven problem-solving ability on complex performance challenges.
• Familiarity with observability and system monitoring to identify issues.

Bonus Points

• Contributions or active participation in the Electron open-source community.
• Experience with Objective-C++, JavaScript/TypeScript, and Python.
• Comfort working in ambiguous environments solving complex technical problems.
• Experience reading and maintaining large existing codebases.

Tech Stack Highlights

• Electron, C++, Objective-C++, Rust, TypeScript

Additional Info

• Must live or relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Base salary excludes equity and benefits.

Why Discord?

Discord supports over 200 million users, focusing on social gaming and community. This role offers the chance to shape the desktop client platform, impacting millions worldwide in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.