Staff Front-End Engineer – Design Systems

Canva

Staff Front-End Engineer at Canva redefining design experiences through frontend innovations and cross-platform development. Leading design system evolution to support mobile-first experiences by end of 2026.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeRemote • 🇦🇺 AustraliaLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaScriptReactReact NativeTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design
Drive the evolution of Canva's frontend stack and tackle unique technical challenges in the design system domain
Own the Portable UI Platform and ship shared React components across web and React Native before end of 2026
Abstract cross-platform complexity in the design system layer
Set the standards for how portable components are built, distributed, and consumed
Mentor engineers through a steep learning curve during the shift 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 by identifying necessary changes and investments
Shape frontend engineering at Canva by codifying best practices and methodologies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Design System Leadership: Experience developing or leading a design system, with a passion for platform stewardship and enablement
Web Technology Foundations: A deep understanding of the inner workings of fundamental web technologies (HTML, CSS, Web APIs, JS/TS, React)
Cross-Platform Development: Hands-on experience with cross-platform and cross-device UI/UX development using React Native
Delivery at Scale: Proven track record of shipping large, cross-functional projects across multiple teams with highly reliable, scalable technical solutions
Collaboration & Communication: Excellent communicator and collaborator, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
Technical Breadth & Depth: A strong balance between big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail
Structured Problem Solving: Skilled at breaking down large, ambiguous problems into smaller decisions with clearly identified tradeoffs
Culture of Excellence: Passionate about fostering technical excellence, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing within the team and across the specialty
AI Curiosity: Open to exploring how AI can improve developer and design workflows
Accessibility Awareness: Familiar with accessibility principles, with a genuine commitment to continued learning

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, office setup & more
Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

HTMLCSSJavaScriptTypeScriptReactReact NativeDesign System DevelopmentCross-Platform UI/UX DevelopmentProblem SolvingAccessibility Principles

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationMentoringAttention to DetailContinuous Learning