Backend Software Engineer - Product & Features (Java) - Open to remote across ANZ

Location: Team Engineering

Team: Country Brisbane / Australia

About the Role

Join the team redefining how the world experiences design at Canva! As a Backend Software Engineer - Product & Features (Java), you'll build scalable services that power innovative design tools used by millions worldwide. Our Engineering team in Brisbane, Australia (open to remote across ANZ) thrives on collaboration, solving complex problems at scale while fostering a culture of ownership, creativity, and excellence. Work closely with product managers, designers, and frontend engineers to deliver end-to-end features that empower users to create stunning visuals effortlessly. In this role, you'll design and implement backend features using Java within our service architecture, build reliable systems handling massive user interactions, and optimize performance for global scale. Expect to write production-grade code, participate in code reviews and pair programming, and leverage AI tools to amplify your impact. With Canva's dynamic environment, your work will evolve as we scale, offering endless opportunities to grow through mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge tech in a design-first company. We're looking for passionate engineers with strong Java fundamentals, experience in distributed systems and RESTful APIs, and a collaborative spirit that aligns with our mission to democratize design. Join our vibrant community where engineering meets creativity, and help shape the future of visual communication. Enjoy hybrid flexibility, equity, inclusive benefits, and a workplace that celebrates big goals with moments of magic and connection.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement backend features within existing service architecture
• Build and maintain services powering user experiences and internal systems at scale
• Write clean, well-tested, and maintainable Java code with senior engineer guidance
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and frontend engineers on end-to-end solutions
• Participate in code reviews, pair programming, and technical discussions
• Contribute to system health through testing, observability improvements, and bug fixes
• Continuously learn through mentorship, feedback, and exposure to Canva's engineering stack
• Leverage AI tools to enhance coding efficiency and problem-solving
• Ship high-quality solutions that deliver real user impact for Canva's design platform
• Optimize backend performance to support millions of global users

Required Qualifications

• Experienced in building backend systems using Java in a production environment
• Strong Java fundamentals with ability to write production-grade code
• Understanding of distributed systems basics and RESTful APIs
• Hands-on experience using AI in coding/programming to drive impact
• Experience applying backend concepts like multithreading, service design, and performance optimisation
• Familiarity with sound engineering practices including testing, monitoring, and documentation
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers and designers
• Comfortable working through problems from design to deployment with team support

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building scalable APIs powering millions of user interactions
• Knowledge of improving system performance and reliability at scale
• Exposure to shared services and internal tools development
• Previous work in design-focused or creative technology products
• Experience with observability tools and system health monitoring
• Background in high-growth, mission-driven tech companies

Required Skills

• Java programming
• Backend systems development
• RESTful API design and consumption
• Distributed systems fundamentals
• Multithreading and concurrency
• Service architecture design
• Performance optimisation
• Testing and test-driven development
• Monitoring and observability
• Clean code principles
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving from design to deployment
• AI-assisted coding
• Code review participation
• Documentation practices
• User impact focus
• Continuous learning mindset

Benefits

• Equity packages to share in Canva's success
• Inclusive parental leave policy supporting all parents and carers
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and office setup
• Flexible leave options to recharge and support personal needs
• Choice in work location across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or remote in ANZ
• Vibrant engineering community with mentorship and collaborative culture
• Hybrid work model empowering team goals and work-life balance
• Exposure to cutting-edge design technology solving problems for millions worldwide

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.