Staff Software Engineer - Mobile Platform (Rust/C++)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer - Mobile Platform (Rust/C++): Developing foundational portable libraries that run across iOS, Android, and web to power Canva's mobile experience with an accent on system-level performance and cross-platform interoperability. Focus on designing safe ABI boundaries, optimizing FFI ergonomics, and building production-grade libraries in Rust and C++.

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

Company

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

What you will do

• Own the portable libraries problem space, defining and building libraries that run across iOS, Android, and web.
• Develop production-grade libraries using Rust and C++ to ensure maximum speed, safety, and reliability across all devices.
• Collaborate with a technical leadership group of Staff engineers to shape the mobile platform's long-term technical direction.
• Remain heavily hands-on with code, implementing solutions for complex system-level problems.
• Write high-quality design documents to ensure libraries are effectively consumed by frontend engineers.

Requirements

• Deep production experience building mobile software for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Proven track record of shipping production code in Rust or C++.
• Experience operating at a Staff level, managing high ambiguity and defining technical solutions.
• Fluency in cross-platform architecture, including ABI boundaries, memory safety, and FFI ergonomics.
• Strong technical communication skills for authoring actionable design documentation.
• Must be based in Sydney, Australia.

Nice to have

• Production experience evolving a mature mobile product onto a new architecture through live migrations.
• Contributions to the cross-platform mobile ecosystem (e.g., React Native, Expo).
• 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 growth and success.
• Inclusive parental leave policy supporting all parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and office setup.
• Flexible leave options for personal recharge and social impact.
• Hybrid work model combining remote flexibility with meaningful in-person collaboration at the Sydney campus.