Senior Developer

What matters to you?

Each day we consume. And every piece of consumption is a set of choices. choices about quality, cost, efficiency - and so on.

The sum of those choices has an impact. Consequences. For the planet, for us, for other people, and for the species we share the planet with.

smallthing is a fully funded tech startup based in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

We exist to help people better understand the purchasing choices they make — and to improve those consequences. We’re doing this through an app launching in Spring 2026, initially serving the Canadian market before expanding into the UK and US.

Ahead of our launch, we’re recruiting several new team members for an immediate start, including:

Senior Software Developer (iOS) — Halifax, NSAbout the Role

We’re looking for a Senior Software Developer to take ownership of our iOS application and help shape the future of our development process. You’ll play a key role in building, maintaining, and enhancing the app — ensuring every feature aligns with our mission to promote ethical consumption.

We’re seeking someone who can proactively lead product development and ultimately grow into a leadership role, guiding a small team of developers.

Starting Base Salary: $100,000 per annum

 Additional Compensation: Share option scheme

 Benefits: Flexible/hybrid work, health insurance, pension

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain the app: Develop, optimize, and maintain our iOS application to meet customer and internal requirements, ensuring a smooth, mission-aligned user experience.
• Database management: Share responsibility for the production database (CloudKit and Core Data) alongside the CEO, maintaining data integrity and performance in the absence of a dedicated database resource.
• Implement AI features: Collaborate with the data team to integrate practical AI solutions that enhance data acquisition and user experience.
• Web service integration: Create and maintain APIs or web service connections to support key app features such as barcode scanning and third-party database integrations.
• Contribute to development vision: Help shape and continuously improve the development process, balancing rapid iteration with quality and long-term maintainability.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience building and shipping iOS apps using Xcode, Swift, Core Data, and CloudKit.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., ChatGPT) and a practical mindset about their pros and cons.
• Understanding of fast iteration cycles and the ability to balance speed with stability and quality.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, especially in cross-functional settings with product, design, and data teams.
• A passion for ethical technology and building tools that make a positive impact.

Nice to Have

• Experience with RESTful APIs and backend web service integration.
• Prior experience in small or early-stage product environments where developers take broad ownership.
• Familiarity with data ethics, sustainable tech, or consumer transparency tools.