As a Backend Software Engineer at Canva, you'll design and implement backend features using Java within a scalable service architecture. You'll work closely with engineers, product managers, and designers to deliver high-quality solutions that support Canva’s mission to empower the world to design.
What You'll Do
- Designing and implementing backend features within an existing service architecture
- Building and maintaining services that power user experiences and internal systems at scale
- Writing clean, well-tested, and maintainable code with guidance from more experienced engineers
- Collaborating with engineers, product managers, and designers to understand problems and ship high-quality solutions
- Participating in code reviews, pair programming, and technical discussions as part of a supportive team
- Contributing to system health by writing tests, improving observability, and fixing bugs or performance issues
- Continuously learning through mentorship, feedback, and exposure to different parts of Canva’s engineering stack
What We're Looking For
- You are experienced in building backend systems using Java in a production environment
- You have strong Java fundamentals and can confidently write production-grade code, applying backend concepts like multithreading, service design, and performance optimisation in real-world systems
- You understand the basics of distributed systems and are comfortable developing and consuming RESTful APIs
- You can work through problems from design to deployment with support from your team
- You apply sound engineering practices—such as testing, monitoring, and documentation—and write clean, maintainable code
- You enjoy collaborating with engineers, designers, and product managers to build end-to-end solutions
- You take initiative, seek feedback, and are always looking to improve your craft and contribute to your team’s success
- You have hands-on experience using AI in coding/programming to drive greater impact
Technical Stack
- Java
- RESTful APIs
- Distributed systems
Team & Environment
Multiple backend engineering teams are hiring, each focused on solving meaningful problems at scale. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive culture that values ownership, mentorship, and ambitious goals.
Benefits & Compensation
- 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
Compensation: Equity packages and an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance provided.
Work Mode
Hybrid role with locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. You have choice in where and how you work, and we trust our Canvanauts to choose the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals. Open to remote across ANZ.
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. We see AI as a powerful amplifier of creativity and technology at Canva. We’re evolving how we assess AI skills in our Technology hiring experience - you’ll tackle interactive, real-time challenges that reflect the kind of work we do. In some interviews, you may also be asked to solve a problem using an AI tool to show how you approach challenges with tech by your side. Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.
