Drive C++ Engineer

This is a remote position.

Job Title: Drive C++ Engineer

About the Role

We are building a high-performance Windows desktop application that enables seamless synchronization of customer files between the cloud and Windows File Explorer.

This role involves developing a robust C++/CLI interop layer bridging native C++ and .NET 8.0, along with deep integration into the Windows ecosystem using the Cloud Filter API (cfapi.h).

The solution is designed for Windows 10+, built using Visual Studio 2022 and Windows SDK 10.0, with a strong focus on scalability, performance, and production-grade reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop core components of a cloud file sync engine for Windows
• Build and maintain C++/CLI interop layers between native C++ and .NET applications
• Implement deep integration with Windows File Explorer using Cloud Filter API
• Develop and manage file system event callbacks and sync workflows
• Ensure high performance, stability, and maintainability of the application
• Work on multi-threaded and asynchronous architectures
• Debug and troubleshoot across managed and unmanaged code boundaries
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready solutions

Must-Have Qualifications

Cloud Sync Engine Development

• Hands-on experience with Windows Cloud Filter API (cfapi.h) or similar OS-level sync technologies
• Strong understanding of:
• Sync root registration
• Placeholder file states
• On-demand hydration patterns
• Experience implementing native callback handlers for file system events

Modern C++ Expertise (C++20)

• 5+ years of professional experience in native C++ development on Windows
• Strong knowledge of modern C++ features:
• std::variant, std::optional, std::string_view
• Lambdas, std::function, and functional programming patterns
• Template metaprogramming and variadic templates
• Deep understanding of:
• Memory management
• Pointer safety
• RAII principles

C++/CLI Interop

• Experience building mixed-mode C++/CLI assemblies targeting .NET Core / .NET 8.0
• Expertise in designing ref class wrappers for native-to-managed interaction
• Understanding of managed/unmanaged boundaries within a single project
• Experience with string marshaling (std::wstring ↔ System::String^)

Windows Systems Programming

• Strong knowledge of:
• Win32 API
• Windows Shell APIs
• File System APIs
• Experience with multi-threading, including:
• Thread pools and task scheduling
• Synchronization primitives (std::mutex, std::shared_mutex, etc.)
• Async and callback-based architectures
• Familiarity with Windows SDK 10.0 and Windows 10+ development

COM Programming

• Experience implementing COM components:
• IUnknown, reference counting, class factories
• Knowledge of:
• DLL exports (DllGetClassObject, DllRegisterServer, etc.)
• Registry-based COM registration

Build Systems & Tooling

• Proficiency in Visual Studio 2022 for mixed C++/C# solutions
• Experience with MSBuild and .vcxproj configurations
• Ability to debug across managed and unmanaged environments

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

Windows Shell Extensions

• Experience with:
• Context menu handlers (IContextMenu, IShellExtInit)
• Icon overlays and property handlers
• Understanding of Windows Explorer integration patterns

.NET Desktop Development

• Experience with .NET 8.0 WPF applications
• Familiarity with MVVM architecture and data binding
• Ability to contribute to C# codebase

Database & Serialization

• Experience with SQLite (C API)
• Familiarity with nlohmann/json or similar libraries

Installer & Deployment

• Experience with:
• NSIS installer scripting
• WiX Toolset v4 for MSI packaging
• Knowledge of enterprise deployment best practices

CI/CD & Testing

• Experience with GitHub Actions for Windows builds
• Familiarity with:
• Unit testing
• Integration testing
• End-to-End testing

Security & Authentication

• Experience with Windows Credential Manager
• Understanding of OAuth 2.0 flows in desktop applications
• Knowledge of Windows security and file system permissions

Logging & Observability

• Familiarity with structured logging (ECS/Elastic Common Schema)
• Experience with centralized logging tools (e.g., Elasticsearch)

Bonus Points

• Experience building cloud sync clients (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)
• Knowledge of chunked/resumable file upload & download mechanisms