Remote Staff Backend Software Engineer - Developer Experience

Description:

• The role involves leading the design and implementation of AI-powered SDKs and platform APIs that enable developers to build, test, and deploy high-quality apps that integrate with Canva.
• Responsibilities include architecting intelligent developer interfaces that provide real-time guidance, API feedback, and best practice recommendations based on source code, UI metadata, and behavioral signals.
• The position requires driving innovation in SDK tooling by utilizing LLMs and model-centric architectures to create intelligent scaffolding, type-safe interfaces, interactive documentation, and in-editor code suggestions.
• The candidate will partner with cross-functional teams, including UX, infrastructure, and product, to ensure SDKs and APIs provide exceptional developer ergonomics, scalability, and alignment with Canva’s platform strategy.
• The role emphasizes championing automation-first principles across the SDK lifecycle, reducing friction through self-documenting APIs, automated changelogs, upgrade guidance, and sandboxed environments.
• Mentoring engineers and shaping the strategic direction of Canva’s developer platform is also a key responsibility, contributing to a vision for how AI can enhance SDK and API design, testing, and consumption.

Requirements:

• Candidates should have experience leading SDK or API platforms for developer ecosystems, particularly in AI-augmented environments where developer velocity and ease of integration are crucial.
• Experience in building SDKs and tools that simplify integration, versioning, and discovery of capabilities across web-based and multi-platform contexts is required.
• Familiarity with LLMs (via OpenAI, Anthropic, or open source) to enhance developer experience through intelligent documentation, code summarization, or autocomplete is necessary.
• Proficiency in TypeScript and/or Python, along with knowledge of modern SDK scaffolding frameworks, API design conventions (e.g., OpenAPI), and developer tooling ecosystems is expected.
• A background in developer relations, API advocacy, or platform enablement is important, focusing on helping developers succeed through thoughtful design and support.
• The ideal candidate should thrive in collaborative, cross-functional teams and enjoy translating complex platform capabilities into intuitive SDKs that developers appreciate.
• A passion for solving real-world problems with AI and building tools that empower developers is essential.

Benefits:

• The position offers equity packages, aligning the success of the company with the success of its employees.
• An inclusive parental leave policy is provided, supporting 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, empowering employees to take time to recharge and support their personal needs.