Staff Engineer (FE) – Video Editor

Job Description

• Join the team redefining how the world experiences design.

Hey, g’day, mabuhay, kia ora, 你好, hallo, vítejte!

Thanks for stopping by. We know job hunting can be a little time consuming and you’re probably keen to find out what’s on offer, so we’ll get straight to the point.

Where and how you can work

Our flagship campus is in Sydney. We also have a campus in Melbourne and co-working spaces in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. But you have choice in where and how you work, we trust our Canvanauts to choose the balance that empowers them and their team to achieve their goals.

What you’d be doing in this role

As Canva scales change continues to be part of our DNA. But we like to think that’s all part of the fun. So this will give you the flavour of the type of things you’ll be working on when you start, but this will likely evolve.

At the moment, this role is focused on:

• You’ll own the technical architecture of the Video Editor, from React components to data persistence, shaping the foundation that millions of users will rely on.
• You’ll drive the evolution of the data layer that powers video editing, optimising for both developer velocity and runtime performance at scale.
• You’ll collaborate across Canva to ensure video integrates seamlessly with design tools, templates, brand systems, and AI-powered features.
• You’ll partner with platform teams to ensure our video infrastructure scales in lockstep with Canva’s rapid growth.
• You’ll champion performance by leading systematic measurement, optimisation, and architectural improvements that deliver a world-class editing experience.
• You’ll foster a culture of operational excellence within the Video Editor team, ensuring the highest level of reliability and quality for our services.
• You’ll introduce and champion new frontend patterns and technologies, pushing the boundaries of both user experience and developer productivity.
• You’ll work closely with product and design to translate ambitious visions into technical roadmaps, balancing creativity with technical rigour.
• You’ll mentor and grow engineers across the team, establishing best practices in frontend architecture, data modeling, and scalable design.

You’re probably a match if

• Deep expertise in frontend architecture and data modeling, with 10+ years of software engineering experience
• Proven track record designing and delivering complex, interactive web applications used at global scale
• Strong proficiency with modern frontend technologies (React, TypeScript), and experience architecting maintainable, scalable systems
• Hands-on experience building real-time collaborative applications or creative content tools
• Strong product mindset with the ability to balance technical excellence, user experience, and business impact
• Systems-thinking approach, with a clear understanding of how frontend decisions influence backend systems and overall platform performance
• Track record of leading technical initiatives, setting architectural direction, and mentoring engineering teams
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional technical strategy

About the team

Video at Canva is reimagining how the world creates and engages with moving stories. Millions of people turn to Canva every day to design, and video is becoming the centrepiece of how ideas are shared, taught, and celebrated. The Video Editor team sits at the heart of this mission, shaping the future of video editing by bringing together creativity, usability, and performance at scale.

We’re building an editor that makes professional-quality video creation seamless and accessible — where editing, playback, and exporting feel effortless, yet powerful. To do this, we work across the full tech stack, collaborating with design, product, and engineering teams far beyond the video domain.

We’re looking for engineers who thrive on solving complex technical challenges and who want to redefine what’s possible in video creation. The work we do doesn’t just make editing easier — it changes how millions of users worldwide tell their stories, collaborate, and create. By joining the Video Editor team, you’ll help build the foundation of the next era of video at Canva, delivering elegant solutions that unlock creativity and empower people everywhere.

What’s in it for you?

Achieving our crazy big goals motivates us to work hard – and we do – but you’ll 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.

Here’s a taste of what’s 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 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 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 don’t feel like your skills quite match what’s listed above – we still want to hear from you!

Please note that interviews are conducted virtually.