Senior Software Engineer (Video Performance)

TL;DR

Senior Software Engineer (Video Performance): Leading end-to-end performance strategy across the video creation lifecycle with an accent on C++ native engine optimization, GPU acceleration, and observability. Focus on reducing latency and memory footprint in ML-powered effect pipelines and rendering engines across Web, iOS, and Android.

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

Salary: $210,000 – $270,000

Company

Canva is a global design platform redefining how the world experiences design through a high-impact, interdisciplinary team.

What you will do

• Lead the end-to-end performance strategy for the video creation lifecycle, including timeline scrubbing and rendering.
• Profile and optimize critical paths in the C++ native engine, GLSL/HLSL shaders, and ML-powered effect pipelines.
• Design observability systems and automated regression suites to track FPS, jank, and memory usage.
• Collaborate with Video Engine and AI engineers to evolve system architecture for improved parallelism and cache locality.
• Leverage hardware acceleration using platform-specific APIs such as Metal, Vulkan, and WebGPU.

Requirements

• Strong proficiency in C++.
• Deep understanding of CPU/GPU architectures, memory hierarchies, and SIMD.
• Experience with graphics APIs such as OpenGL, Metal, or Vulkan.
• Fluency in profiling and diagnostics using tools like Perf, Instruments, or Chrome DevTools.
• Experience with video codecs (H.264/5, VP9, AV1) and multimedia fundamentals.
• Must be based in the Bay Area.

Nice to have

• Experience with modern systems languages such as Rust.

Culture & Benefits

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