Staff Front-End Engineer - Design Systems

Role Overview

What You'd Be Doing

• Own the Portable UI Platform and ship shared React components across web and React Native.
• Abstract cross-platform complexity in the platform layer so product teams can use portable-first capabilities.
• Set standards for how portable components are built, distributed, and consumed at current and future scale.
• Mentor engineers through the transition from web-first to cross-platform development.
• Work with product teams to understand needs, sequence work, and determine what belongs in the platform.
• Lead strategic technical direction for the Design System Evolution team and wider design system as needed.
• Help evolve the design system for AI-assisted workflows and an AI-native environment.
• Codify frontend engineering best practices and methodologies and influence the frontend specialty.

You're Probably a Match If

• Experience developing or leading a design system, with a passion for platform stewardship and enablement.
• Deep understanding of HTML, CSS, Web APIs, JavaScript or TypeScript, and React.
• Hands-on experience with cross-platform and cross-device UI development using React Native.
• A track record of shipping large cross-functional projects across multiple teams with reliable, scalable solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
• A balance of big-picture thinking and meticulous attention to detail.
• Skill in breaking down ambiguous problems into decisions with clear tradeoffs.
• Passion for technical excellence, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing.
• Openness to exploring AI for developer and design workflows.
• Familiarity with accessibility principles and commitment to continued learning.

Nice to Have

• Experience championing technical goals and driving significant technical change.
• Background in stakeholder communication or internal advocacy.
• Ability to write accessible code and interpret specifications such as WCAG 2.2 AA.
• Exposure to native or hybrid development environments.

About the Team

Benefits

• Canva offers equity packages, inclusive parental leave, a Vibe & Thrive allowance, and flexible leave options.

Application Notes

• Interviews are conducted virtually.