At Canva, we empower users to tell compelling visual stories through video. We are looking for a Senior Effects Engine Engineer to join us in shaping the future of multimedia creation. Your role is to architect high-performance effect rendering pipelines and intuitive toolchains that accelerate effect development, unlock creative expression, and ensure seamless integration across platforms and devices. Your work will directly enable Canva’s global community to create magic at scale with powerful, easy-to-use video features.

What You'll Do

Build and maintain a cross-platform multimedia effects SDK supporting iOS, Android, Web, and desktop.
Develop tooling to support special effects content creation, testing, and asset lifecycle management.
Design mobile-side effect asset management systems for optimal storage, loading, and update handling.
Integrate new visual features like 3D, facial effects, and dynamic shaders with Canva's custom rendering engine.
Prototype and productionise next-gen effects including AI-powered, multimodal, and real-time effects.
Translate industry research into productised capabilities with stunning visual fidelity.
Collaborate with design, AI, and product teams to elevate Canva's effect ecosystem.

What We're Looking For

Advanced proficiency in C++ for engine/SDK development; solid in Java, Objective-C/Swift, and JavaScript/TypeScript.
Experience in mobile app development and performance optimisation.
Proficient in at least one graphics API (OpenGL, Metal, Vulkan, DirectX) and shader languages (GLSL, HLSL).
Familiar with large-scale codebase management, version control (Git), and automated testing practices.
Ability to design scalable graphics architectures and work closely with designers to push the boundaries of visual creativity.
Passion for empowering creativity and solving complex visual problems.
Full proficiency in English communications.