Software Engineer - Backend

Summary

Join Canva's team and redefine the world's design experience. Work from various locations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, with flexibility in work arrangements. As a backend engineer, you will design and implement backend features, build and maintain services, write clean and well-tested code, collaborate with other engineers, product managers, and designers, and contribute to system health. The role requires experience in building backend systems using Java, a strong grasp of core Java concepts, understanding of distributed systems, and the ability to work through problems from design to deployment. Canva offers equity packages, inclusive parental leave, a wellbeing allowance, and flexible leave options.

Requirements

• You are experienced in building backend systems using Java in a production environment
• You have a strong grasp of core Java concepts, including multithreading, collections, memory management, and error handling
• You understand the basics of distributed systems and are comfortable developing and consuming RESTful APIs
• You can work through problems from design to deployment with support from your team
• You apply sound engineering practices—such as testing, monitoring, and documentation—and write clean, maintainable code
• You enjoy collaborating with engineers, designers, and product managers to build end-to-end solutions
• You take initiative, seek feedback, and are always looking to improve your craft and contribute to your team’s success
• You have hands-on experience using AI in coding/programming to drive greater impact

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing backend features within an existing service architecture
• Building and maintaining services that power user experiences and internal systems at scale
• Writing clean, well-tested, and maintainable code with guidance from more experienced engineers
• Collaborating with engineers, product managers, and designers to understand problems and ship high-quality solutions
• Participating in code reviews, pair programming, and technical discussions as part of a supportive team
• Contributing to system health by writing tests, improving observability, and fixing bugs or performance issues
• Continuously learning through mentorship, feedback, and exposure to different parts of Canva’s engineering stack

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, office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good, take time to recharge and supports you personally