Staff Software Engineer (Mobile Platform)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer (Mobile Platform): Building and optimizing a portable libraries layer using Rust and C++ to run across iOS, Android, and web with an accent on system languages and cross-platform architecture. Focus on designing high-performance foundational libraries, managing ABI boundaries, and ensuring seamless interop with React Native.

Location: Must be based in Melbourne, Australia (Hybrid)

Company

Canva is a global design platform redefining how the world experiences design through highly scalable creative tools.

What you will do

• Define and build portable libraries that run seamlessly across iOS, Android, and web runtimes.
• Develop production-grade foundational layers using system languages like Rust and C++.
• Shape the mobile platform's technical direction as part of a senior technical leadership group.
• Design high-performance interfaces and safety models for libraries consumed by frontend engineers.
• Write comprehensive design documents to communicate complex system-level architectural decisions.
• Operate as a hands-on individual contributor, setting the technical standard for the mobile organization.

Requirements

• Deep production experience building software for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Proven track record of shipping production code in Rust, C++, or other system languages.
• Experience leading ambiguous technical projects from problem definition to implementation.
• Strong understanding of cross-platform architecture, ABI boundaries, and foreign function interfaces (FFI).
• Ability to write clear technical documentation that enables other engineers to act.
• Must be based in Melbourne, Australia.

Nice to have

• Experience evolving a mature mobile product onto a new architecture via live migrations.
• Contributions to open-source projects like React Native, Expo, or the cross-platform ecosystem.
• Expertise in mobile CI/CD, release trains, and over-the-air (OTA) updates at scale.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity packages to share in the company's success.
• Inclusive parental leave policy supporting all parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and office setup.
• Flexible leave options to recharge and engage in social good.
• Hybrid work model combining remote flexibility with campus collaboration in Melbourne.