Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications – Cologne, Germany

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential text-to-speech technology company seeking a Senior Software Engineer, Windows/Desktop Applications in Cologne, Germany. Our client builds accessible reading tools used by millions worldwide, and they need an experienced Windows engineer to lead desktop application development in a fully remote, distributed environment.

This is a high-impact role where you'll define architecture, shape product direction, and directly influence user experience for a global audience. You'll work with a talented, distributed team and have the autonomy to make technical decisions that matter.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, architecture, and development of native Windows desktop applications using Windows App SDK, WinUI, C#, XAML, and C++ when needed
• Define and enforce best practices for Windows desktop development: code architecture, performance, memory management, responsive UI, and cross-version compatibility (Windows 10/11+)
• Drive accessibility efforts by integrating Microsoft UI Automation and other Windows accessibility frameworks; ensure screen-reader support, keyboard navigation, and usability for users with disabilities
• Collaborate with product designers, UX researchers, QA, and stakeholders to shape feature planning, UI/UX architecture, and platform roadmap
• Own the full feature lifecycle from conception through design, implementation, testing, release, and maintenance
• Identify and resolve complex bugs, performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, rendering issues, and compatibility problems with robust architectural solutions

What We're Looking For

Required:

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

Preferred:

• Experience with automated UI testing (unit, integration, UI automation) and relevant testing frameworks
• Performance optimization experience (memory usage, startup time, rendering, high-DPI support, responsiveness)
• Localization/globalization, right-to-left UI, internationalization, multi-region accessibility experience
• Familiarity with telemetry, analytics, crash reporting, logging, and error monitoring in desktop applications
• Experience shaping CI/CD workflows, release pipelines, and deployment strategies for desktop apps
• Demonstrated ability taking ownership of feature areas long-term, including maintenance and technical debt management

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will screen qualified applicants and coordinate interviews with our client. Once we identify mutual fit, we submit your profile to the hiring team. Please do not contact the client directly—all communication flows through Get A Job.ai to ensure a smooth, professional process.

Pay

The client offers a salary range of €27,000–€108,000 per year (converted from USD at current exchange rates) plus bonus and equity, depending on experience. Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to diverse and inclusive hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.