What a mobile app developer does
A mobile app developer builds and maintains applications for phones and tablets. Some specialize in native development, using Swift for iOS or Kotlin for Android, while others use cross-platform frameworks such as React Native or Flutter to serve both platforms from one codebase. The work includes building screens and features, connecting to back-end APIs, handling offline use and push notifications, and preparing releases for the app stores.
Mobile users are quick to delete an app that crashes or drains their battery, and app store reviews are public. A strong mobile developer understands platform guidelines, performance limits and the release process for both stores. Finch screens candidates for apps they have published, the platforms and frameworks they know well and how they test on real devices, so your shortlist matches your technical direction.
Typical responsibilities
- Build app features and interfaces that follow iOS and Android design guidelines
- Integrate with back-end APIs, authentication services and payment providers
- Manage local storage, offline behaviour and push notifications
- Profile and improve app performance, battery use and crash rates
- Prepare builds and manage submissions to the App Store and Google Play
- Test on a range of devices and operating system versions
Qualifications and credentials
- A degree or diploma in computer science or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Native experience in Swift or Kotlin, or cross-platform experience in React Native or Flutter
- Published apps that the candidate can show and discuss
- Familiarity with mobile testing tools, crash reporting and analytics
- Understanding of app store review policies and privacy requirements
Who hires a mobile app developer
- Banks, credit unions and fintech firms
- Retailers and loyalty program operators
- Health and wellness technology companies
- Media, telecom and transportation companies
- Agencies that build apps for clients
Where we recruit mobile app developer candidates
We fill mobile app developer roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Published apps, with the candidate's specific contribution confirmed
- Depth in the platform or framework you use, native or cross-platform
- Experience with app store submissions, rejections and release management
- Approach to device testing, crash monitoring and performance
Interview questions to ask
- Tell me about an app you shipped. What was the most common crash, and how did you fix it?
- How do you design an app to keep working when the connection drops?
- When would you recommend a native build over a cross-platform framework?