Software Engineer, Client Infrastructure
Backend Engineer · Mid · Full Time
Opens Cursor's application page
Role
What you'll do.
Cursor seeks a Software Engineer for Client Infrastructure to build performant systems for their AI-powered desktop development tool. The role involves designing build systems, performance optimization, and telemetry infrastructure across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms serving millions of developers.
Responsibilities
- Client Infrastructure Design: Design and build core systems that make Cursor desktop experience performant and stable for millions of developers
- Cross-Platform Development: Develop and maintain applications across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms
- Performance Optimization: Eliminate memory leaks, crashes, and frame-time inconsistencies to ensure near-perfect performance
- Build Systems Architecture: Create and maintain build and distribution systems for rapid deployment cycles
- Instrumentation Development: Design telemetry systems for profiling, structured logging, and performance measurement
- Shared Abstractions: Build foundational abstractions and APIs that other engineering teams depend on
- Release Velocity Optimization: Partner with product teams to enable daily shipping of updates to users safely
- Architectural Decision Making: Evaluate Electron vs native approaches for critical code paths and guide technical tradeoffs
- Internal Tooling: Build developer tools that enable engineering teams to ship safely and quickly on the client platform
- Observability Implementation: Implement comprehensive monitoring, logging, and alerting systems for desktop applications
Qualifications
What we look for.
Technical
Client Infrastructure Expertise
Deep experience in client infrastructure including build systems, performance optimization, distribution, or observability
Desktop Application Development
Proven track record building or contributing to high-performance desktop applications, whether Electron-based or native
Performance Engineering
Strong background in performance optimization, memory management, and system-level debugging
Cross-Platform Development
Experience developing applications across multiple operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux)
System Architecture
Demonstrated ability in designing elegant, scalable system architectures
Education
Computer Science Degree
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Systems Programming Knowledge
Strong foundation in systems programming, operating systems, and computer architecture
Experience
Professional Experience
3-5 years of professional software development experience with focus on client infrastructure or desktop applications
High-Performance Applications
Experience building applications that serve large user bases with strict performance requirements
Build System Experience
Hands-on experience with modern build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment automation
Developer Tools
Background in building internal tools and infrastructure that enhance developer productivity
Skills
Required
Systems Programming
Proficiency in systems-level programming languages like C++, Rust, or Go
JavaScript/TypeScript
Strong expertise in JavaScript and TypeScript for Electron-based development
Performance Optimization
Deep understanding of performance profiling, memory management, and optimization techniques
Cross-Platform Development
Experience with cross-platform desktop application frameworks and native development
Build Systems
Expertise with modern build tools like Webpack, Vite, or native build systems
Observability
Experience with monitoring, logging, and telemetry systems for desktop applications
Preferred
AI/ML Integration
Nice to haveExperience integrating AI/ML capabilities into desktop applications
Native Development
Nice to haveBackground in native macOS, Windows, or Linux application development
Electron Framework
Nice to haveDeep experience with Electron framework architecture and optimization
Developer Experience
Nice to havePassion for improving developer experience and building elegant developer tools
Open Source
Nice to haveActive contributions to open source projects related to developer tooling
Tech stack
Languages
Frameworks
Databases
Tools
Other
Compensation
Pay and benefits.
Base·USD 150,000 – 250,000
Equity·Stock options
Benefits
Office Locations
Beautiful offices in North Beach, San Francisco and Manhattan, New York with well-stocked libraries
Hybrid Work
Flexible hybrid work arrangement with option for in-person collaboration
Equity Package
Competitive equity compensation in fast-growing AI company
Professional Development
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology and push the limits of developer tools
Small Team Environment
Work in a flat organization with talent-dense team and direct impact on product direction
Process
Interview steps.
- 01
Initial Screening
Initial application review to assess fit based on background and experience
- 02
Technical Interviews
2-3 short technical interviews focusing on systems design and problem-solving skills
- 03
Onsite Interview
Full-day onsite in SF or NY office including hands-on project work, technical discussions, and team meetings
Full posting
Original listing.
Our mission is to automate coding. The first step in our journey is to build the best tool for professional programmers, using a combination of inventive research, design, and engineering. Our organization is very flat, and our team is small and talent dense. We particularly like people who are truth-seeking, passionate, and creative. We enjoy spirited debate, crazy ideas, and shipping code.
We're in-person with cozy offices in North Beach, San Francisco and Manhattan, New York, replete with well-stocked libraries.
About the Role
As an Engineer on the Client Infrastructure team at Cursor, you’ll design and build the systems that make our desktop experience performant and stable for millions of developers.
You’ll work across the core architecture of the Cursor client—from build and distribution systems to performance instrumentation and shared abstractions that other teams rely on. The work is deeply technical and central to the company’s success. Developers expect near-perfect performance and reliability from their trusted tools; your work will make that possible.
Cursor’s client is growing fast, spanning macOS, Windows, and Linux, and serving an increasingly diverse user base of professional engineers across many programming languages and developer ecosystems. You’ll shape the systems that let us ship safely and quickly, while pushing the limits of what’s possible in an AI-driven development environment.
Example projects include...
Building core client infrastructure: shared abstractions, build systems, and observability foundations.
Improving reliability and performance: eliminating memory leaks, crashes, and frame-time inconsistencies.
Designing instrumentation and telemetry systems for profiling, structured logging, and performance measurement.
Partnering with product teams to unlock faster release velocity—shipping updates to users daily.
Evaluating Electron vs. native approaches for critical code paths, guiding architectural tradeoffs.
Building internal tooling that enables other engineers to ship safely and quickly on the client platform.
You may be a fit if
You have deep experience in client infrastructure—build systems, performance, distribution, or observability.
You’ve built or contributed to high-performance desktop applications, whether Electron-based or native.
You care deeply about performance, reliability, and developer experience, and have an eye for elegant systems design.
You thrive in environments that are fast-moving, collaborative, and product-focused.
You’re excited to push the limits of what’s possible in AI-driven developer tools.
Applying
If there appears to be a fit, we'll reach to schedule 2-3 short technicals. After, we'll schedule an onsite in our office, where you'll work on a small project, discuss ideas, and meet the team.
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