Remote Staff Backend Software Engineer - (Java) - 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 applications that integrate with Canva.
• Responsibilities include architecting intelligent, context-aware developer interfaces that provide real-time guidance, API feedback, and best practice recommendations.
• The position requires driving innovation in SDK tooling by leveraging LLMs and model-centric architectures for 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 deliver exceptional developer ergonomics and scalability.
• The role emphasizes championing automation-first principles across the SDK lifecycle to reduce 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 led 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 for helping developers succeed through thoughtful design and support.
• The ideal candidate thrives in collaborative, cross-functional teams and enjoys 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:

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