Senior Engineering Manager (Video Performance)

TL;DR

Senior Engineering Manager (Video Performance): Leading and growing engineering teams to optimize performance across Canva's Video experiences with an accent on rendering systems, AI-powered capabilities, and scalability. Focus on driving long-term performance strategy, building measurement frameworks, and coordinating across Video Engine and AI Research teams.

Location: Must be based in the Bay Area (San Francisco)

Salary: $251,000 – $329,000

Company

A global design platform redefining how the world experiences design through powerful, accessible creative tools.

What you will do

• Lead and grow a team of engineering managers and senior engineers focused on video performance.
• Define and drive the long-term performance strategy for the Video Group to ensure scalability and reliability.
• Partner with leaders across Video Engine, AI Research, Product, Design, and Platform teams.
• Drive large-scale performance initiatives across web, native, and rendering systems.
• Build and evolve performance measurement frameworks, telemetry systems, and engineering health metrics.
• Influence technical direction through architecture reviews and executive-level strategic planning.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading engineering teams and leaders in fast-paced, product-driven environments.
• Deep technical expertise in performance engineering, systems optimization, or platform engineering.
• Strong systems thinking across frontend, backend, native platforms, and rendering engines.
• Proven track record of executing multi-year technical strategies that improve user experience or scalability.
• Must be based in the Bay Area (San Francisco).

Nice to have

• Experience with video technologies, rendering systems, or gaming engines.
• Proficiency with C++, WebAssembly, or graphics pipelines.
• Familiarity with performance optimization for Generative AI and model inference.
• Deep understanding of mobile performance ecosystems and profiling tools.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity packages and a 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Comprehensive health benefits plans to support wellbeing.
• Inclusive parental leave policy for all parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing, social connection, and office setup.
• Flexible leave options to recharge and support personal needs.