Backend Software Engineer, Discovery Platform

Summary

Join Canva's Discovery Platform team and help redefine how the world experiences design. As a backend engineer, you will design and build scalable services in Java, collaborate with cross-functional teams, participate in system design discussions, improve system performance and reliability, mentor team members, and drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate possesses commercial experience with complex, distributed backend applications using Java, strong technical skills in system design and software architecture, and experience with cloud-based infrastructure, messaging systems, and databases. Canva offers a flexible work environment, equity packages, inclusive parental leave, a wellbeing allowance, and flexible leave options.

Requirements

• You have commercial experience developing complex, distributed backend applications using Java
• You bring strong technical skills in system design and software architecture
• You value clean, testable code and enjoy code reviews and collaboration
• You’re a team player with great communication skills and a product mindset
• You have experience with cloud-based infrastructure (e.g., AWS), messaging systems (like SQS/SNS), and databases (e.g., DynamoDB, PostgreSQL)
• You’re curious and passionate about making content discovery seamless for Canva users

Responsibilities

• Designing and building scalable backend services in Java that power Canva’s Discovery Platform
• Collaborating closely with frontend engineers, designers, product managers, and data analysts to deliver amazing user experiences
• Participating in system design and architecture discussions to guide the technical direction of new features
• Improving performance and reliability across our distributed backend systems
• Mentoring and supporting team members to uphold engineering excellence and growth
• Driving operational excellence, including monitoring, alerting and on-call support for critical services

Benefits

• Equity packages – we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing, social connection, home office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, recharge, and support your personal needs