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Desktop / Client Capture Engineer

This role helps build Lucy, the proactive AI coach from Lucy Labs that lives on your desktop as a cloud-backed app, while the product is in development with design partners.

Builds the always-on desktop agent on Windows and macOS.

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Planned work

About the role

At Lucy Labs, this role owns the purpose described below.

The Desktop Engineer at Lucy Labs builds the always-on desktop agent that observes user workflows and delivers real-time Ai coaching. This is our competitive moat—the desktop agent is what competitors can't easily replicate. This role owns the cross-platform desktop application that runs on Windows and macOS, integrating deeply with native OS APIs to detect context, capture behavioral signals, and deliver coaching nudges.

This is a specialized, high-impact role requiring both desktop app expertise and systems programming skills.

The mission

At Lucy Labs, this role's mission is defined by the outcome and work below.

Build the desktop agent that:

Runs seamlessly on Windows and macOS
Detects application context and user activity in real-time
Delivers coaching nudges without disrupting workflow
Processes data locally to preserve privacy
Provides 12-18 month competitive advantage through technical complexity

What you'd own

At Lucy Labs, this role turns its mission into concrete responsibilities in each area.

1. Desktop Application Development

For 1. Desktop Application Development, Lucy Labs expects this role to own the responsibilities below.

Build and maintain cross-platform desktop app using Electron framework
Implement system tray integration and background processing
Develop auto-update mechanisms for seamless deployment
Create offline-first architecture with local data storage
Ensure app performance and resource efficiency

2. Native OS Integration

For 2. Native OS Integration, Lucy Labs expects this role to own the responsibilities below.

Integrate with Windows Native APIs (Win32, WinRT)
Integrate with macOS Native APIs (Cocoa, Core Foundation)
Build native modules using C++ or Rust when needed
Implement accessibility APIs for context detection
Handle OS-specific security requirements (code signing, sandboxing)

3. Context Detection & Behavioral Signals

For 3. Context Detection & Behavioral Signals, Lucy Labs expects this role to own the responsibilities below.

Develop context detection engine (active app, window title, task type)
Capture behavioral signals with user consent (prompt patterns, iteration signals)
Build signal aggregation pipeline for local processing
Implement privacy-preserving data collection
Optimize detection accuracy and latency (<2 seconds)

4. Real-Time Coaching Delivery

For 4. Real-Time Coaching Delivery, Lucy Labs expects this role to own the responsibilities below.

Build nudge delivery system integrated with system notifications
Implement coaching frequency controls (avoid notification fatigue)
Create natural language interface for chat with coach
Develop UI for desktop agent preferences and settings
Ensure coaching feels helpful, not intrusive

5. Performance & Reliability

For 5. Performance & Reliability, Lucy Labs expects this role to own the responsibilities below.

Optimize app resource usage (CPU, memory, battery)
Achieve 99%+ uptime with crash recovery
Implement comprehensive logging and error handling
Build automated testing for desktop-specific features
Monitor and improve app startup time and responsiveness

What success looks like

Lucy Labs defines these milestones as role outcomes, not metrics for measuring the person.

60 days: Desktop agent prototype running on Windows/Mac
90 days: Context detection working with 80%+ accuracy
6 months: Desktop agent in production with 1,000+ users
12 months: Desktop agent is reliable, loved, and our competitive moat

Experience and fit

Lucy Labs looks for the essential experience listed here and treats the rest as helpful, not an automatic barrier.

Must have

4+ years software engineering experience
2+ years Electron framework experience
Strong proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript
Experience with native OS APIs (Windows/Mac)
C++ or Rust for native module development
Performance optimization skills
Cross-platform development experience

Nice to have

Security expertise (code signing, sandboxing, OS security models)
Auto-update system implementation
Offline-first architecture experience
Accessibility API experience
Desktop productivity tool development
Startup or 0→1 product experience

How you work

Lucy Labs looks for these working traits alongside technical experience.

Role DNA

Lucy Labs evaluates these traits as part of the fit for this role.

Systems thinker and low-level engineer
Performance-obsessed
Detail-oriented craftsperson
User empathy (building for daily use)
Ownership mentality
Comfortable with complexity

Leadership principles for the role

Lucy Labs expects this role to apply the following leadership principles.

The desktop agent is our moat—build it well
Performance and reliability are not optional
Privacy by design, not by afterthought
Context detection accuracy determines product value
Ship, measure, improve relentlessly

Next step

Apply for this role

The Lucy Labs application form opens with this role already selected. You can review the message before sending it.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this role open at Lucy Labs?

Yes. Lucy Labs confirmed this role is open on 25 August 2026.

Where does Lucy Labs base this role?

Lucy Labs bases this role in Madrid, Spain. The exact working arrangement is confirmed during the application conversation.

What does this role own at Lucy Labs?

At Lucy Labs, this role has one central responsibility: Builds the always-on desktop agent on Windows and macOS. The full description sets out the mission, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

How do I apply to Lucy Labs?

At Lucy Labs, use the application form. The role is selected automatically, and you can review it before sending.