Backend Software Engineer - Gen AI, Design Generation Experience

Summary

Join Canva's Generative Experience Group and help redefine how the world experiences design. This role focuses on building systems to generate and edit designs, collaborating with various engineering and design teams. You will own the full feature lifecycle, stay updated on advancements in deep learning and generative AI, and facilitate knowledge sharing. The ideal candidate possesses strong deep learning and generative AI interests, commercial backend software development experience (Java or similar), and a passion for the intersection of design and engineering. Canva offers a range of benefits, including equity packages, inclusive parental leave, wellbeing allowances, flexible leave options, and more. The work location is flexible, with options across multiple Australian cities.

Requirements

• You have a strong interest in deep learning, generative AI, and solving real design generation challenges
• You bring commercial experience in backend software development (Java or similar OO language)
• You’re passionate about the intersection of design and engineering
• You’re grounded in CS fundamentals—concurrency, multithreading, data structures, system design
• You collaborate well with others and communicate effectively
• You’re curious and love learning and sharing new knowledge

Responsibilities

• Building systems to generate and edit designs, working closely with ML engineers, backend engineers, frontend engineers, designers, and PMs
• Owning the full lifecycle of features from design docs and stakeholder alignment through implementation, testing, and maintenance
• Staying across state-of-the-art advancements in deep learning and generative AI
• Facilitating knowledge sharing and advocating for engineering needs with non-technical stakeholders
• Modelling initiative and ownership in achieving goals and improving processes
• Identifying cross-team collaboration opportunities to deliver new ideas and improvements

Benefits

• Equity packages – we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, home office & more
• Flexible leave options that let you recharge, give back, and support what matters most to you