Canva is hiring a Staff Software Engineer (Frontend)

Join Canva and redefine how the world experiences design. We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer (Frontend) to lead the technical direction for real-time collaboration features and commenting at scale, integrate AI into team collaboration flows, and build shared infrastructure to accelerate collaboration tooling across our platform.

What You'll Do

• Lead the technical direction for real-time collaboration features and commenting at scale.
• Integrate AI into team collaboration flows to create seamless and smart experiences.
• Build shared infrastructure and frameworks to enable faster collaboration tooling across Canva.
• Write code hands-on while influencing product direction alongside PMs and designers.
• Make critical calls on latency, reliability, and data consistency in real-time systems.
• Share knowledge and level up peers through mentoring and thought leadership.
• Own system health and reduce tech debt with a proactive, long-term mindset.
• Drive cross-team collaboration and represent Editing Collaboration across Canva.

What We're Looking For

• Led large-scale engineering projects from concept to impact.
• Hands-on experience with real-time technologies like WebSockets or WebRTC.
• Strong frontend skills in React, TypeScript, MobX, and JavaScript, plus solid computer science fundamentals.
• Ability to think strategically and connect architecture to Canva-wide goals.
• Love mentoring and are driven by raising the engineering bar.
• Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
• Genuine care about building tools that make teams work better together.

Technical Stack

• React
• TypeScript
• MobX
• JavaScript
• WebSockets
• WebRTC

Team & Environment

The Editing Collaboration team sits within the Editing Experience subgroup.

Benefits & Compensation

• Equity packages.
• 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.

Work Mode

This is a hybrid role open to candidates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.

We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture.