At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the evolution of Canva's design system and tackle exciting technical challenges.
- Company: Join Canva, a dynamic tech company redefining design experiences.
- Benefits: Equity packages, flexible leave, and a supportive parental leave policy.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on design systems at scale while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in design systems, web technologies, and cross-platform development.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 $ per year.
Join the team redefining how the world experiences design. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you're probably keen to find out what's on offer, so we'll get straight to the point.
What you'd be doing in this role:
- This Staff Software Engineer role is responsible for driving one of the most exciting changes in Canva's frontend stack and tackling unique technical challenges in the design system domain.
- The majority of Canva's MAU is now mobile, and we're evolving our tech stack to catch up.
- We're extending our existing React web component library into a portable React component library that renders via React DOM on web and via React Native on mobile.
- This is a high impact role, with multiple prominent Canva surfaces relying on this infrastructure to ship mobile-first experiences before the end of 2026.
- Own the Portable UI Platform and ship shared React components across web and React Native.
- Abstract cross-platform complexity to provide product teams with portable-first capability.
- Set the standard for how portable components are built, distributed, and consumed.
- Mentor engineers through a steep learning curve as the org shifts from web-first to cross-platform.
- Influence across boundaries by working with product teams to understand their needs and sequence the work.
- Lead strategic technical direction for the Design System Evolution team.
- Evolve the design system for an AI-native world, enabling faster delivery and empowering non-technical consumers.
- Shape frontend engineering at Canva by codifying best practices and methodologies.
You're probably a match if:
- Design System Leadership: Experience developing or leading a design system.
- Web Technology Foundations: A deep understanding of fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS, Web APIs, JS/TS, React).
- Cross-Platform Development: Hands-on experience with cross-platform UI/UX development using React Native.
- Delivery at Scale: Proven track record of shipping large, cross-functional projects.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator and collaborator.
- Technical Breadth & Depth: A strong balance between big-picture thinking and attention to detail.
- Structured Problem Solving: Skilled at breaking down large problems into smaller decisions.
- Culture of Excellence: Passionate about fostering technical excellence and continuous learning.
- AI Curiosity: Open to exploring how AI can improve workflows.
- Accessibility Awareness: Familiar with accessibility principles.
Nice to have:
- Technical Advocacy: Experience championing goals and driving significant technical change.
- Stakeholder Influence: Background in stakeholder communication.
- Accessible Code: Ability to write accessible code.
- Native Development: Exposure to native or hybrid development environments.
About the team:
A design system is a collection of design guidelines, reusable user interface components, and related resources and tools. Canva has three design system teams working on our shared mission to build a world-class design system that empowers Canva staff to craft consistent and excellent experiences at scale.
What's in it for you?
Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard, but you'll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.
Other stuff to know:
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.
Staff Front-End Engineer employer: Canva
Canva is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, empowering its employees to choose how and where they work. With a strong focus on personal and professional growth, Canva offers unique benefits such as equity packages, flexible leave options, and a supportive parental leave policy, all designed to enhance employee wellbeing and success. Located in Sydney, the flagship campus provides a dynamic environment where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
