Staff Backend Software Engineer - Developer Experience

At the moment this role is focused on:

• Leading the design and implementation of AI-powered SDKs and platform APIs that empower developers to rapidly build test and deploy high-quality apps that integrate seamlessly with Canva.

• Architecting intelligent context-aware developer interfaces that provide real-time guidance API feedback and best practice recommendationsdrawing from source code UI metadata and behavioral signals.

• Driving innovation in SDK tooling by leveraging LLMs and model-centric architectures to enable intelligent scaffolding type-safe interfaces interactive docs and in-editor code suggestions.

• Partnering closely with cross-functional teamsincluding UX infrastructure and productto ensure that the SDKs and APIs deliver exceptional developer ergonomics scalability and alignment with Canvas platform strategy.

• Championing automation-first principles across the SDK lifecyclereducing friction through self-documenting APIs automated changelogs upgrade guidance and sandboxed environments.

• Mentoring engineers and shaping the strategic direction of Canvas developer platformcontributing to a vision for how AI can augment SDK and API design testing and consumption.

Youre probably a match if

• Youve led SDK or API platforms for developer ecosystems especially in AI-augmented environments where developer velocity and ease of integration are paramount.

• You have experience building SDKs and tools that simplify integration versioning and discovery of capabilitiesparticularly across web-based and multi-platform contexts.

• Youve worked with LLMs (via OpenAI Anthropic or open source) to improve developer experience through capabilities like intelligent documentation code summarization or autocomplete.

• Youre proficient in TypeScript and/or Python and familiar with modern SDK scaffolding frameworks API design conventions (e.g. OpenAPI) and developer tooling ecosystems.

• You have a background in developer relations API advocacy or platform enablementhelping internal and external developers become successful through thoughtful design and support.

• You thrive in collaborative cross-functional teams and enjoy translating complex platform capabilities into intuitive well-supported SDKs that developers love.

• Youre excited about solving real-world problems with AIand building the tools that bring these capabilities into the hands of developers everywhere.

About the team

We aim to build the worlds richest Ecosystem of apps and integrations for visual design and communications that supercharge Canvas ability to meet the diverse needs of a billion users and drive Canvas MAU growth.

With the proliferation of innovations in generative AI and as large organizations have increasingly complex workflows to manage their designs Canva is well poised to become the platform that simplifies access and discovery of services related to visual design. We are already working with hundreds of developers to enable access to these exciting products with our Apps SDK and Canva public REST API!

As one of the groups in Ecosystem the Ecosystem Experiences Group builds our App Marketplace Developer Portal and SDKs (including developer tooling starter kit examples docs etc.).

As a Staff Software Engineer youll play a vital role in driving our engineering strategyensuring we deliver secure and reliable products while managing trade-offs on the path to achieving our crazy big goals. This groups customers are developers which means you will have the ability to bring your insights and an engineering mindset into our product roadmap.

But dont just take our word for it check out what Software Engineer - Abbie Wade has to say about working in Engineering at Canva -

The challenges that I am solving do not have a known solution which means I get to create and innovate each day.

Additional Information :

Whats in it for you

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard - and we do - but youll experience lots of moments of magic connectivity and fun woven throughout life at Canva too. We also offer a range of benefits to set you up for every success in and outside of work.

Heres a taste of whats on offer:

• Equity packages - we want our success to be yours too
• Inclusive parental leave policy that supports all parents & carers
• An annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support your wellbeing social connection office setup & more
• Flexible leave options that empower you to be a force for good take time to recharge and supports you personally

Check out for more info.

Other stuff to know

We make hiring decisions based on your experience skills and passion as well as how you can enhance Canva and our culture. When you apply please tell us the pronouns you use and any reasonable adjustments you may need during the interview process.

We celebrate all types of skills and backgrounds at Canva so even if you dont feel like your skills quite match whats listed above - we still want to hear from you!

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.

Remote Work :

Yes

Employment Type :

Full-time