Staff Backend Software Engineer - User Platform

About the role

Canva is looking for a Staff Backend Software Engineer to join the User Platform team in Melbourne. You will help scale high‑performance backend services that support millions of users, with a focus on enterprise and education customers.

Key responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain core backend systems for authentication, user management, avatars, groups and teams.
• Decompose existing services and create new micro‑services from scratch while ensuring optimal performance on AWS.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders to define requirements, align timelines and deliver value.
• Improve performance and cost efficiency of AWS resources.
• Ship new features that enhance the user experience for large‑team customers.

Required profile

• Strong computer‑science fundamentals, including concurrency, multithreading, data structures, and design patterns.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with teammates and stakeholders.
• Problem‑solver mindset with a focus on delivering high‑quality software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills

• Java (high‑performance backend development)
• AWS (cloud infrastructure and resource optimisation)
• SQL (relational database querying)
• DynamoDB (NoSQL data store)