Senior Backend Engineer - Search Quality

As a Senior Backend Engineer - Search Quality at Canva, your main responsibilities will include developing and running experiments to enhance search relevance through new algorithms and models. You'll collaborate with machine learning engineers to integrate new features into existing search pipelines, and you will work closely with cross-functional teams to align on search-related goals. Additionally, you'll be tasked with monitoring and troubleshooting performance issues to ensure high availability of search services while maintaining critical components and resolving any bottlenecks.

To qualify for the Senior Backend Engineer - Search Quality position at Canva, candidates should possess proven experience in backend development and have a deep understanding of data structures and software design principles. Proficiency in Java, along with experience in cloud platforms like AWS or GCP and familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, is essential. Experience with large-scale data processing and distributed systems is also a plus, while some exposure to search, recommendation, and ranking systems can be beneficial but not mandatory.

As a Senior Backend Engineer - Search Quality at Canva, you can expect a vibrant team culture that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. The Discovery Understanding team is passionate about enhancing user experiences, which creates an environment ripe for creative problem-solving and support. You'll be part of a diverse team that focuses on AI, machine learning, and backend infrastructure, sharing ideas and learning from peers in an inclusive setting. Canva values individual contributions and celebrates unique backgrounds, making it a great place for personal and professional growth.

At Canva, work-life balance is a priority, especially for Senior Backend Engineers. The company offers flexible leave options, allowing you to take the time you need to recharge or address personal matters. Additionally, Canva promotes a healthy work environment by providing initiatives like the annual Vibe & Thrive allowance, which supports well-being, social connections, and office setups. This flexible approach empowers you to find the balance that works best for you, helping you to be more productive and engaged at work.

At Canva, growth opportunities are abundant for Senior Backend Engineers. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning, offering access to resources and support for personal and professional development. You’ll have the chance to work on innovative projects in search quality and collaborate with experienced colleagues, allowing you to expand your skill set. Additionally, Canva encourages employees to take ownership of their career paths, providing an environment where you can express your interests, seek mentorship, and pursue new responsibilities.

When answering this question, highlight your specific experiences with backend development. Discuss the projects you've worked on, challenges you've faced, and how you utilized Java in a commercial setting. Be sure to include any frameworks or technologies you've used with Java, which showcases your depth of knowledge.

In your response, provide examples of how you’ve utilized cloud platforms in previous projects. Discuss the services you’ve used, such as compute resources, storage solutions, or orchestration tools, and explain how these contributed to the success of your projects. This shows your hands-on experience and understanding of cloud architecture.

Describe your troubleshooting process by outlining steps such as monitoring application performance, analyzing logs, and using profiling tools to identify bottlenecks. Share a specific example where you successfully resolved a performance issue, emphasizing your analytical skills and systematic approach.

Discuss the importance of basing decisions on data rather than assumptions. Share examples of how you have used analytics tools, A/B testing, or monitoring metrics to guide your development choices. This insight reflects your commitment to improving user experience and product effectiveness through evidence.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of open communication and collaboration. Provide examples of successful interactions with product managers or frontend engineers, and illustrate how teamwork contributed to project outcomes. Mention any tools or methodologies you used to facilitate effective teamwork.

Discuss your familiarity with containerization effects on deployment and scalability. Describe specific projects where you implemented Docker or Kubernetes, explaining how it improved your workflow and system reliability. This highlights your technical skills in modern development practices.

Outline any projects or systems you have worked on that involved processing large datasets. Mention the technologies used, such as Hadoop, Spark, or similar tools, and describe your contributions to scaling solutions or optimizing performance.

Discuss practices such as conducting code reviews, incorporating unit testing, and adhering to coding standards. Provide examples of how you have promoted best practices in your team, and explain how these steps have positively impacted the overall development process.

Share your methods for staying current with backend development trends, such as participating in online courses, attending conferences, or following industry blogs. Highlight any recent advancements you’ve learned about and want to implement in your work.

For this question, reflect on your passion for enhancing user experiences through technology. Discuss how what you know about Canva aligns with your own values and career goals, emphasizing your excitement to be part of a company that values creativity and innovation.