Staff Engineer, Desktop Platform

Postman Postman · Enterprise · San Francisco, CA · Platform Engineering

Staff Engineer, Desktop Platform at Postman, leading the technical direction of their Electron-based desktop application. Responsibilities include architecture, performance, security, and mentoring engineers. Requires deep expertise in Electron, Node.js, modern web technologies, cross-platform packaging, auto-update systems, OS-level integration, C++, and Win32/macOS APIs.

What you'd actually do

  1. Own the architecture for Postman’s Electron-based desktop application.
  2. Design and implement core desktop features, including installers, auto-updates, and OS integrations.
  3. Improve performance across desktop platforms, from startup time to memory and CPU usage.
  4. Collaborate across engineering to ensure Postman delivers a consistent, performant, and secure desktop experience.
  5. Drive security best practices for Electron apps, including sandboxing and safe updates.

Skills

Required

  • Electron
  • Node.js
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • React
  • C++
  • Win32 APIs
  • macOS APIs
  • cross-platform desktop application development
  • packaging
  • auto-update systems
  • OS-level integration
  • performance optimization
  • security best practices
  • technical leadership
  • mentorship

Nice to have

  • systems thinker
  • influential partner
  • bias for clarity
  • pragmatic problem solver
  • high standards

What the JD emphasized

  • Proven track record as a Staff, Principal, or Lead engineer building cross-platform desktop applications.
  • Deep expertise with Electron, Node.js, and modern web technologies (JavaScript, TypeScript, React).
  • Strong understanding of cross-platform packaging, auto-update systems, and OS-level integration (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Experience improving performance and security in large-scale desktop applications.
  • Proficiency in C++ for writing native modules or integrations.
  • Familiarity with Win32 APIs and macOS APIs for native integration and platform-specific optimizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to set technical direction, mentor engineers, and influence peers across teams.
  • Comfortable acting as the technical anchor for a lean team, with the ability to shape its future growth.