Principal Software Engineer - Video - Design Experience - (Role based in Australia, relocation [...] (San Francisco)

Job Description

Join the team redefining how the world experiences video creation.

Hey, g'day, mabuhay, kia ora, , hallo, vtejte!
Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time-consuming, and youre probably keen to find out whats on offer, so well get straight to the point.

Where and how you can work
Our flagship campus is in Sydney, with additional hubs across ANZ. But you have a choice in where and how you workwe trust our Canvanauts to find the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals.

What youd be doing in this role
As Canva scales, change continues to be part of our DNA. Youll lead the technical direction for video technology that powers millions of daily exports, architecting scalable, high-performance rendering systems and pioneering AI-powered video features. Youll work alongside talented engineers, tackling complex problems and pushing the boundaries of browser-based video creation.

At the moment, this role is focused on
Architecting and leading Canvas video stack, balancing performance, scalability, and user experience
Designing cutting-edge rendering engines and optimising video composition pipelines
Driving performance optimisation and solving complex export cost and reliability challenges
Mentoring engineers and shaping architectural standards for video technology
Leading innovative features like AI-powered effects and advanced international language support

Youre probably a match if
Extensive experience building high-performance video and graphics rendering engines
Deep expertise in video editing, composition, or similar creative software
Proven skills in scalable system architecture supporting millions of users
A track record of technical leadership in video or digital content creation tooling
Experience with cross-platform development and engine consolidation

About the team
Video at Canva is on a mission to democratise video creation, delivering seamless, professional-quality experiences to millions worldwide. Our team works at the forefront of innovation, building robust and scalable video infrastructure that powers everything from individual creators to enterprise teams.

Whats in it for you?
Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard and we do but youll also enjoy moments of magic, connection, and fun throughout life at Canva. We offer:
Equity packages we want our success to be yours too
Inclusive parental leave policies supporting all parents & carers
An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance supporting wellbeing, social connection, and office setup
Flexible leave options empowering you to recharge and thrive

Check out lifeatcanva.com for more info.

Other stuff to know
We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills, and passion, as well as how you enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply, please share your pronouns and any adjustments you might need during the interview process. We celebrate all kinds of skills and backgrounds even if you dont tick every box, we want to hear from you!

Interviews are conducted virtually.