Senior Software Engineer (Java)

TL;DR

Senior Software Engineer (Java): Building and optimizing scalable backend services for a global design platform with an accent on system architecture, performance, and reliability. Focus on designing robust APIs, driving product feature delivery, and mentoring engineering peers within a collaborative, high-impact environment.

Location: Must be based in Sydney, Australia (Hybrid role).

Company

Canva is a global design platform empowering the world to design through a vibrant, collaborative engineering culture.

What you will do

• Lead the design and development of scalable, reliable backend services using modern frameworks.
• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and engineers to define and deliver impactful features.
• Evolve backend architecture through thoughtful service design and system decomposition.
• Champion reliability, performance, and engineering best practices across service domains.
• Write robust, well-tested code and proactively identify areas for technical improvement.
• Mentor peers and raise the technical bar through design and code reviews.

Requirements

• Must be based in Sydney, Australia.
• Highly experienced in building complex backend systems in production environments.
• Strong Java fundamentals with expertise in multithreading, service design, and performance optimization.
• Ability to take ownership of features end-to-end from architecture to delivery.
• Experience using AI tools in coding to drive greater impact.
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to work across disciplines.

Nice to have

• Experience with service health, observability, and incident resilience.
• Experience with a you-build-it-you-own-it operational philosophy.

Culture & Benefits

• Equity packages to share in company success.
• Inclusive parental leave policy for all parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance for wellbeing and office setup.
• Flexible leave options to support personal recharge and work-life balance.
• Collaborative, purpose-driven engineering community.

Hiring process

• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Assessment includes interactive, real-time technical challenges.
• Potential use of AI tools during problem-solving interviews to demonstrate technical approach.