Principal Software Engineer - Video - Design Experience - (Open to Bay area or ANZ, relocation provided to ANZ)

Location: Team Engineering

Team: Country San Jose / United States

About the Role

Join Canva's Video team, where we're redefining how the world creates and experiences video. As a Principal Software Engineer - Video - Design Experience, you'll be the technical visionary leading our mission to democratize professional-quality video creation for millions of users worldwide, from individual creators to global brands. Based in our hybrid model (open to Bay Area or ANZ with relocation provided), you'll architect next-generation rendering pipelines, scalable export engines, and AI-powered features that blend cutting-edge engineering with Canva's design-first ethos. Work alongside talented engineers, designers, and researchers to push the boundaries of browser-based creativity, turning complex technical challenges into magical user experiences. In this technically ambitious role at the intersection of engineering, AI innovation, and creative tools, you'll lead the video stack that powers millions of daily exports. Focus on designing high-performance rendering systems, optimizing composition pipelines for real-time collaboration, and embedding generative AI tools that make video editing intuitive and powerful. You'll mentor teams, set architectural standards, and solve scalability challenges while championing Canva's collaborative culture—where diverse perspectives fuel breakthrough innovations. Expect to drive features like smart effects, advanced language support, and cross-platform consistency that delight users and scale effortlessly. Canva's Video group thrives on bold ideas and user obsession, building infrastructure that empowers everyone to create stunning videos without barriers. If you have deep expertise in video/graphics engines, a passion for scalable systems, and a track record of technical leadership in creative software, you'll find your home here. We're committed to an inclusive environment where your skills, passion, and unique background help shape the future of design tools. Interviews are virtual—apply now and help make video creation as easy as Canva designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and lead Canva's video technology stack, balancing performance, scalability, and seamless user experience
• Design and implement cutting-edge rendering engines and optimize video composition pipelines
• Drive performance optimizations to handle millions of daily video exports reliably
• Solve complex challenges in export costs, reliability, and cross-platform compatibility
• Mentor senior engineers and establish architectural standards for video technology
• Partner with research teams to pioneer AI-powered video features like generative effects and smart editing
• Lead development of advanced features including international language support and real-time tools
• Collaborate with design and product teams to deliver intuitive, professional-grade video creation experiences
• Champion Canva's design-first culture by ensuring technical excellence enhances creative workflows
• Contribute to strategic roadmaps that position Canva as the AI-first platform for video creation

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience (10+ years) building high-performance video and graphics rendering engines
• Deep expertise in video editing, composition, or professional creative software development
• Proven track record architecting scalable systems supporting millions of daily users
• Demonstrated technical leadership in video or digital content creation tooling
• Strong experience with cross-platform development and engine consolidation
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• Experience optimizing rendering pipelines for browser-based applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating AI/ML into video creation workflows
• Familiarity with WebGL, Canvas API, or WebCodecs for real-time video processing
• Background in game engine development (Unity, Unreal) applied to creative tools
• Contributions to open-source video/graphics projects
• Experience leading engineering teams in fast-paced, product-driven environments

Required Skills

• Video rendering engine architecture
• Graphics programming (WebGL, Canvas, shaders)
• Scalable distributed systems design
• Performance optimization and profiling
• Cross-platform video export pipelines
• AI/ML integration for creative tools
• Technical leadership and mentorship
• Browser-based real-time media processing
• Video composition and editing algorithms
• System reliability engineering at scale
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Design-thinking for user-centric engineering
• Strategic roadmap planning
• Code review and architecture standards
• TypeScript/JavaScript expertise
• C++ or Rust for performance-critical components

Benefits

• Equity packages to share in Canva's success
• Inclusive parental leave policies for all parents and carers
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and home office setup
• Flexible leave options to recharge and maintain work-life balance
• Hybrid work model with choice of Sydney campus, ANZ hubs, Bay Area, or relocation to ANZ
• Relocation support provided for ANZ moves
• Virtual interview process with accommodations for accessibility needs
• Opportunities for global collaboration in a diverse, inclusive culture

Canva is an equal opportunity employer.