At a Glance
- Tasks: Build high-performance UIs in C++ and Objective-C for macOS and iOS.
- Company: Join Canva, a creative software powerhouse redefining design experiences.
- Benefits: Equity packages, flexible leave, and a supportive parental leave policy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on creative software used by professionals worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in Objective-C, C++, and strong GUI development skills.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.
Where and how you can work:
The buzzing Canva London campus features several buildings around beautiful leafy Hoxton Square in Shoreditch. While our global headquarters is in Sydney, Australia, London is our HQ for Europe, with all kinds of teams based here, plus event spaces to gather our team and communities. You’ll experience a warm welcome from our Vibe team at front of house, amazing home cooked food from our Head Chef and a variety of workspaces to hang out with your team mates or get solo work done. That said, we trust our Canvanauts to choose the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals and so you have choice in where and how you work.
What you’d be doing in this role:
- Build high-performance, elegant UIs in C++ and Objective-C
- Contribute to architectural decisions across shared libraries and components
- Optimise code for responsiveness, memory usage, and performance
- Work on UI that feels native to macOS and iOS — mouse, touch, and stylus
- Debug and improve complex systems across the Affinity product suite
- Collaborate with design and QA to deliver pixel-perfect implementations
- Continuously learn and keep pace with Apple’s evolving frameworks
You’re probably a match if:
- You have several years of experience in Objective-C and C++
- You bring hands-on iOS or macOS development experience, with strong knowledge of Xcode
- You have the proven ability to build high-quality, maintainable applications
- You possess strong GUI development skills for Mac and iOS, with a focus on usability and performance
- You have solid foundation in object‑oriented design and design patterns
- You have experience with vector, DTP, or imaging applications (a plus)
- You can showcase a high attention to detail and pride in writing clean, reliable code
- You are a clear communicator who enjoys learning, collaborating, and solving complex problems
About the team:
We’re on a mission to empower creatives everywhere with world‑class, fast, and intuitive creative software applications. The Affinity team brings together passionate engineers, designers, and product experts to redefine how professionals and enthusiasts approach photo editing, vector design, and layout. Our work enables creators across industries to bring their ideas to life, and every innovation we ship helps them do it faster, smarter, and more beautifully. We’re a close‑knit team that values performance, precision, rich UI and pushing creative boundaries.
What’s in it for you?
Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but you’ll experience lots of moments of magic, connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva, too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:
- 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
Other stuff to know:
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process. We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above - we still want to hear from you! Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.
Senior UI Engineer - Objective-C/C++ (iOS/macOS) - Affinity in Nottingham employer: Canva
Contact Detail:
Canva Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior UI Engineer - Objective-C/C++ (iOS/macOS) - Affinity in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that showcase your UI engineering prowess in Objective-C and C++. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common interview questions for UI engineers and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your experience with Xcode and how you've tackled complex problems in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Canva and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior UI Engineer - Objective-C/C++ (iOS/macOS) - Affinity in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Objective-C and C++. We want to see how you've built high-quality applications, so don’t hold back on showcasing your best work!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Senior UI Engineer role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with what we’re looking for, especially around UI development and performance optimisation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that communicates your passion and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with the Affinity team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canva
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you brush up on your Objective-C and C++ skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with Xcode and how you've built high-performance UIs in the past. Having specific examples of your work will show that you're not just familiar with the tech, but that you can apply it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss complex problems you've solved in previous roles. Think about challenges related to UI performance or memory usage and how you tackled them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt, which is key for a role that involves continuous learning and collaboration.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Canva's mission and values. They’re looking for someone who fits into their close-knit team and shares their passion for empowering creatives. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions. Ask about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be working on, or how they approach design collaboration. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.