Staff Backend Engineer (Java), Admin Experience

Job Title: Staff Backend Engineer (Java), Admin Experience

Company: Canva

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia (Hybrid, open to remote across ANZ)

Type: Full-time

About the Role

Canva is looking for a Staff Backend Engineer with strong Java (JVM) experience to join the Admin Experience Group. This team builds tools that support Canva’s admin features for all types of users — from small businesses to large enterprises.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to create reliable, scalable backend systems, mentor other engineers, and help guide technical decisions. The role is flexible and open to remote work across Australia and New Zealand.

What You'll Do

• Design and improve backend systems for admin features used by both small and large teams.
• Work with other teams to understand user needs and turn them into strong backend solutions.
• Guide and mentor engineers, support technical growth, and promote best practices.
• Contribute to shaping the admin user experience through technical solutions.
• Help teams make technical decisions when product goals are unclear or changing.
• Ensure backend systems are reliable, scalable, and high-performing.
• Maintain operational excellence through troubleshooting, observability, and on-call support.
• Stay updated with backend trends and bring fresh ideas to improve how Canva builds.

You Might Be a Good Fit If You Have

• Experience as a Staff or Principal Engineer using Java or Kotlin (JVM-based languages).
• Designed and led backend strategies for large-scale distributed systems.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems and make clear decisions in uncertain situations.
• A track record of mentoring engineers and raising engineering quality across teams.
• Strong communication skills to work with product leaders and align on goals.
• Good practices in software development: clean code, documentation, testing.
• Experience translating product goals into clear technical plans.
• Bonus: Experience with Protocol Buffers, AWS (DynamoDB, SNS, SQS).

About the Team

The Admin Experience Group helps teams manage Canva accounts more effectively — from classrooms to big companies. The team builds features for better configuration, permissions, and team management. They are collaborative, fast-moving, and focused on creating value for users.

What Canva Offers

• Equity packages – share in Canva’s success.
• Inclusive parental leave – supports all types of parents and carers.
• Annual Vibe & Thrive allowance – for wellbeing, social events, or home office setup.
• Flexible leave options – for rest, personal needs, or giving back.