Software Engineer, Client Infrastructure

Cursor3 months ago

Location

SF / NY / Remote

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 150,000 – 250,000

Level

Mid

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Nov 19, 2025

Full TimeMid

The role

Summary

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.

What you'll do

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

What we look for

Technical

Client Infrastructure ExpertiseDeep experience in client infrastructure including build systems, performance optimization, distribution, or observability

Desktop Application DevelopmentProven track record building or contributing to high-performance desktop applications, whether Electron-based or native

Performance EngineeringStrong background in performance optimization, memory management, and system-level debugging

Cross-Platform DevelopmentExperience developing applications across multiple operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux)

System ArchitectureDemonstrated ability in designing elegant, scalable system architectures

Education

Computer Science DegreeBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent practical experience

Systems Programming KnowledgeStrong foundation in systems programming, operating systems, and computer architecture

Experience

Professional Experience3-5 years of professional software development experience with focus on client infrastructure or desktop applications

High-Performance ApplicationsExperience building applications that serve large user bases with strict performance requirements

Build System ExperienceHands-on experience with modern build systems, CI/CD pipelines, and deployment automation

Developer ToolsBackground in building internal tools and infrastructure that enhance developer productivity

Skills

Required skills

Systems ProgrammingProficiency in systems-level programming languages like C++, Rust, or Go

JavaScript/TypeScriptStrong expertise in JavaScript and TypeScript for Electron-based development

Performance OptimizationDeep understanding of performance profiling, memory management, and optimization techniques

Cross-Platform DevelopmentExperience with cross-platform desktop application frameworks and native development

Build SystemsExpertise with modern build tools like Webpack, Vite, or native build systems

ObservabilityExperience with monitoring, logging, and telemetry systems for desktop applications

Nice to have

AI/ML IntegrationExperience integrating AI/ML capabilities into desktop applications

Native DevelopmentBackground in native macOS, Windows, or Linux application development

Electron FrameworkDeep experience with Electron framework architecture and optimization

Developer ExperiencePassion for improving developer experience and building elegant developer tools

Open SourceActive contributions to open source projects related to developer tooling

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 150,000 – 250,000 (annual)

Stock options

Available

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

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Initial application review to assess fit based on background and experience
2
Technical Interviews — 2-3 short technical interviews focusing on systems design and problem-solving skills
3
Onsite Interview — Full-day onsite in SF or NY office including hands-on project work, technical discussions, and team meetings