Remote Staff Backend Engineer (Java), Admin Experience (Open to remote across ANZ)

Description:

• The role involves leading the design and evolution of scalable backend systems that support Canva’s admin experiences for various organizations, from large enterprises to small businesses.
• You will work closely with cross-functional teams to understand admin needs, identify opportunities for system improvements, and develop scalable, reliable solutions.
• Mentoring and supporting other engineers is a key responsibility, including role-modeling engineering excellence and fostering a culture of technical growth.
• The position requires shaping admin user experiences by exploring product ideas, testing technical possibilities, and building solutions for large-scale organizations.
• You will help teams navigate ambiguity by identifying trade-offs, guiding technical direction, and clarifying evolving product scopes.
• Championing operational excellence is essential, which includes resolving backend issues, improving observability, and participating in on-call rotations.
• You will guide architecture decisions for high-volume, high-data services to ensure robustness, scalability, and enterprise readiness.
• Staying updated on industry trends and sharing innovative ideas to enhance building practices at Canva is also part of the role.

Requirements:

• Candidates should have experience operating at Staff or Principal Engineer level, with deep backend expertise in JVM-based languages such as Java or Kotlin.
• You must have designed and led backend strategies for large-scale distributed systems, focusing on availability, performance, and reliability.
• A systems thinker who thrives in ambiguity and uses sound judgment to drive clarity and navigate trade-offs is essential.
• The role requires being a technical leader and multiplier, mentoring engineers, raising engineering standards, and promoting scalable practices across teams.
• You should be able to work seamlessly with senior stakeholders to shape long-term technical direction and influence product strategy.
• Consistent demonstration of disciplined software development practices, including architecture, testing, documentation, and clean code, is required.
• Strong communication skills are necessary to translate evolving product goals into clear technical strategies and executable milestones.
• Bonus qualifications include experience with Protocol Buffers and hands-on experience with AWS services such as DynamoDB, SNS, and SQS.

Benefits:

• Canva offers equity packages to ensure that the success of the company is shared with its employees.
• An inclusive parental leave policy is provided to support all parents and caregivers.
• Employees receive an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support their wellbeing, social connections, office setup, and more.
• Flexible leave options are available to empower employees to recharge and support their personal needs.