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

Location: Team Engineering

Team: Country Canberra / 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 millions of user interactions, enabling creative experiences for users worldwide. Our Engineering team thrives in a collaborative, innovative culture where backend work directly impacts Canva's mission to empower everyone to design. Open to remote across ANZ, you'll have flexibility to work from Sydney, Melbourne, or other locations while contributing to high-impact product features. In this role, you'll design and implement backend features using Java, collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and frontend engineers, and leverage AI tools to deliver production-grade solutions at scale. Day-to-day, expect to build reliable APIs, optimise performance, participate in code reviews, and iterate rapidly on user-centric problems. With Canva's DNA of constant evolution, your work will evolve too—whether enhancing system reliability or creating shared services that fuel our design platform. You're a great fit if you have strong Java fundamentals, experience with distributed systems and RESTful APIs, and a passion for clean, maintainable code. We value engineers who collaborate enthusiastically, seek feedback, and use AI to amplify their impact. Join our vibrant engineering community grounded in ownership, excellence, and fun—where your backend expertise will help power the next generation of design tools for millions.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing backend features within existing service architecture
• Building and maintaining services that power user experiences at scale
• Writing clean, well-tested, and maintainable Java code
• Collaborating with product managers, designers, and frontend engineers
• Participating in code reviews, pair programming, and technical discussions
• Contributing to system health through testing and observability improvements
• Fixing bugs and performance issues in production systems
• Leveraging AI tools to enhance coding efficiency and impact
• Continuously learning through mentorship and exposure to Canva's engineering stack
• Delivering end-to-end solutions that empower users to design
• Optimising backend systems for reliability and performance

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 tools in coding and programming
• Experience applying backend concepts like multithreading, service design, and performance optimisation
• Familiarity with sound engineering practices including testing, monitoring, and documentation
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Comfortable working through problems from design to deployment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building scalable APIs powering millions of user interactions
• Knowledge of system performance and reliability at scale
• Contributions to shared services and internal tools
• Experience in design-focused tech environments
• Background in rapidly iterating to deliver user value
• Mentorship experience or eagerness to learn from senior engineers

Required Skills

• Java programming
• RESTful API development
• Distributed systems fundamentals
• Multithreading
• Service design
• Performance optimisation
• Testing and TDD
• Monitoring and observability
• Code review participation
• Pair programming
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving from design to deployment
• AI-assisted coding
• Clean code principles
• Documentation practices
• User-focused engineering mindset
• Rapid iteration and shipping

Benefits

• Equity packages to share in Canva's success
• Inclusive parental leave policy for all parents and carers
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing and setup
• Flexible leave options to recharge and support personal needs
• Choice in work location across ANZ campuses and remote options
• Vibrant engineering community with mentorship and collaboration
• Hybrid work model balancing flexibility and team connection
• Exposure to cutting-edge design and technology challenges

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.