Staff Frontend Engineer (React Native)

TL;DR

Staff Frontend Engineer (React Native): Building a portable frontend architecture to enable a shared React codebase across web, iOS, and Android with an accent on abstraction layers and runtime consistency. Focus on leading the transition from React Web to React Native and enabling hundreds of engineers to ship cross-platform efficiently.

Location: Sydney, Australia

Company

Canva is a global design platform redefining how the world experiences design.

What you will do

• Design and ship the frontend architecture for the Portable Platform to support web and React Native.
• Lead the architectural transition from a pure React Web codebase to a cross-platform one.
• Implement web-side common abstractions for shared components across iOS, Android, and browser.
• Upskill over 600 frontend engineers on the new cross-platform mental model through standards and documentation.
• Integrate Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and React Server Components (RSC) into the portable layer.
• Maintain a hands-on approach by writing production code, design docs, and performing reviews.

Requirements

• Deep expertise in React, including reconciliation, rendering models, and server components.
• Proven track record of driving measurable performance gains in complex frontend products.
• Experience with portable or cross-platform codebases and an understanding of abstraction trade-offs.
• Understanding of the React Native mental model and its differences from React Web.
• Ability to influence multiple teams through prototypes, documentation, and direct collaboration.
• Proficiency in using AI tooling in real engineering workflows.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with SSR and React Server Components patterns and backend integration.
• Hands-on experience shipping production apps in React Native.
• Contributions to React, React Native, or the broader open-source frontend ecosystem.
• Depth in building shared design systems or component libraries for different rendering environments.

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 support personal recharging and social impact.

Hiring process

• Interviews are conducted virtually.