Copy of Principal Front-End Engineer - Web Platform
Canva is seeking a Principal Front-End Engineer to lead the technical direction of its Web Platform team in Melbourne, Australia. This team is responsible for how Canva loads, renders, and operates in the browser, impacting every user who accesses The role offers a unique opportunity to influence the foundational aspects of Canva's user experience.
In this position, you will set the architecture for server-side rendering (SSR), React Server Components, and the overall structure of page assembly and delivery. A key objective is to achieve a sub-two-second first-page load time, necessitating the development of measurement tools, observability practices, and an engineering culture that prioritizes performance. You will also define patterns for the frontend specialty, author design documents, create prototypes, and guide teams in adopting modern frontend practices. Additionally, you will address challenges related to offline functionality and resilience, ensuring the product performs well under various real-world conditions.
Ideal candidates should possess deep expertise in React, including its internals such as reconciliation, rendering, and server components. Experience with server-side rendering and React Server Components in production environments is highly desirable. A strong background in performance optimization at scale, particularly in complex web products, is essential. The role requires hands-on coding, with a preference for individuals who have a track record of influencing architectural decisions and driving platform-wide changes. Familiarity with offline resilience strategies and a solid understanding of frontend-backend communication are also important.
While specific compensation details are not provided, Canva offers equity packages, inclusive parental leave policies, an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance supporting well-being and social connection, and flexible leave options to empower employees to recharge and thrive.
Joining Canva means becoming part of a dynamic and innovative team committed to delivering a world-class user experience. The company fosters a collaborative environment where engineers are encouraged to take ownership of significant projects and influence the direction of the product. This role provides an opportunity to work on complex engineering challenges and contribute to the growth of a platform used by millions worldwide.