Principal Video Engineer - Design Experience (Bay area only)
Canva is seeking a Principal Video Engineer to lead the technical direction of its video technology stack, focusing on performance, scalability, and user experience. This role is integral to Canva's mission of democratizing design by enhancing video creation capabilities for millions of users worldwide. The position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and requires on-site presence.
The Principal Video Engineer will architect and lead the development of Canva's video technology stack, making critical design decisions that balance performance, scalability, and user experience across millions of daily video exports. Responsibilities include collaborating with senior engineers to establish technical standards, designing high-performance rendering systems using modern graphics technologies, and solving complex technical challenges related to video export costs, rendering performance, and system reliability. Additionally, the role involves establishing a clear technical vision and roadmap for video technology, enabling innovative features such as AI-powered effects and advanced international language support. Mentoring and guiding engineers on video-related projects is also a key aspect of this position.
The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in video technology and digital content creation tools, with hands-on experience in building video editing, composition, or similar creative software. Strong system architecture and technical leadership skills are essential, along with experience in designing scalable systems that support millions of users. Engagement with the broader technical community through industry connections, knowledge-sharing, or open-source contributions in video or graphics technology is highly valued. Experience with cross-platform development and engine consolidation, particularly in environments requiring the maintenance of multiple codebases, is also important.
Canva offers a competitive salary range for this position, with a target between $258,000 and $393,000 annually. Additional benefits include equity packages, an inclusive parental leave policy supporting all parents and carers, an annual Vibe & Thrive allowance to support wellbeing, social connection, and office setup, as well as flexible leave options that empower employees to recharge and support personal needs.
Joining Canva means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to making design accessible to everyone. The company fosters a culture of growth and learning, providing opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects that have a meaningful impact on users worldwide. With a focus on inclusivity and support, Canva is dedicated to helping employees thrive both professionally and personally.