Senior C++ Engineer (iOS/macOS UI) - Affinity

Location: Team Engineering

Team: Country Nottingham / United Kingdom

About the Role

Join the Affinity team at Canva, where we're redefining professional creative software for photo editing, vector design, and layout. As a Senior C++ Engineer (iOS/macOS UI), you'll build high-performance, elegant interfaces that empower creatives worldwide to bring their ideas to life faster and more beautifully. Based in our vibrant Nottingham office with hybrid flexibility, you'll collaborate with passionate engineers, designers, and product experts in a close-knit team that values precision, rich UI experiences, and pushing creative boundaries. Your work will directly impact Affinity's world-class tools used by professionals across industries. In this role, you'll craft native-feeling UIs for macOS and iOS using C++ and Objective-C, optimizing for responsiveness across mouse, touch, and stylus inputs. You'll contribute to architectural decisions for shared components, debug complex systems across the Affinity suite, and partner with design and QA to deliver pixel-perfect results. With Canva's design-focused culture, you'll thrive in an environment that celebrates innovation, attention to detail, and collaborative problem-solving while continuously evolving with Apple's latest frameworks. We're looking for a seasoned engineer with deep experience in Objective-C, C++, and Apple platform development, bringing strong GUI skills, OO design expertise, and a passion for maintainable, high-quality code. Experience in creative applications is a plus. At Canva, we offer equity, inclusive benefits, flexible work options, and a supportive community that fuels both personal growth and collective success. Help us empower every creator—apply now and shape the future of design software.

Key Responsibilities

• Build high-performance, elegant user interfaces using C++ and Objective-C
• Contribute to architectural decisions for shared libraries and UI components
• Optimize code for responsiveness, memory efficiency, and overall performance
• Develop UI experiences that feel native to macOS and iOS across mouse, touch, and stylus inputs
• Debug and enhance complex systems across the Affinity product suite
• Collaborate closely with design and QA teams to deliver pixel-perfect implementations
• Continuously learn and integrate Apple's latest frameworks and best practices
• Work with cross-functional teams to push creative boundaries in design software
• Ensure UI precision and performance meet professional creative standards
• Participate in code reviews to maintain high code quality and team standards

Required Qualifications

• Several years of professional experience in Objective-C and C++ development
• Hands-on iOS or macOS development experience with strong knowledge of Xcode
• Proven ability to build high-quality, maintainable applications
• Strong GUI development skills for macOS and iOS platforms focusing on usability and performance
• Solid foundation in object-oriented design principles and design patterns
• Experience debugging and improving complex UI systems
• Demonstrated attention to detail in writing clean, reliable code

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with vector graphics, DTP, or imaging applications
• Familiarity with Apple's evolving UI frameworks and technologies
• Background in creative software or design tools
• Contributions to shared libraries or cross-platform UI components

Required Skills

• Objective-C
• C++
• iOS development
• macOS development
• Xcode proficiency
• GUI/UI development
• Object-oriented design
• Design patterns
• Performance optimization
• Memory management
• Debugging complex systems
• Cross-platform UI components
• Apple frameworks
• Pixel-perfect implementation
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Clear communication
• Attention to detail
• Clean code practices

Benefits

• Equity packages to share in Canva'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 support personal needs
• Hybrid work model with choice in work location and style
• Access to Canva's vibrant London campus in Shoreditch with chef-prepared meals
• Opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative, innovative culture
• Regular team events and community gatherings to foster connection

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.