Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Video Processing (China)

About the Role/Specialty
As an MLE on the Video Effects stream, you’ll design, train, and deploy advanced ML models for real-time AV applications. This is a hybrid role combining product engineering and ML research — with a focus on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with generative models, computer vision, and edge inference. You’ll work closely with researchers and engineers to turn ideas into scalable, high-performance features.

What you’ll do (responsibilities)

• Design, train, and deploy ML models for real-time video processing and audio-visual workflows, with a focus on entertainment contexts such as TV, film, and games.

• Build and optimise video engineering pipelines using techniques like streaming processing, GPU acceleration, and quantization for mobile and edge platforms.

• Apply computer graphics, OpenGL/OpenGLES, GLSL, and shaders to accelerate visual effects (VFX), rendering, and real-time ML inference.

• Develop and scale MLOps pipelines and orchestration tailored for AV-focused and visual effects production workflows.

• Collaborate with research teams on applying diffusion models, generative ML, and computer vision techniques to creative use cases such as video synthesis, virtual production, and content enhancement.

• Prototype and evaluate cutting-edge ML and graphics approaches, bridging research and production to deliver impactful user-facing features.

• Stay on top of industry trends in VFX, video processing, and multimedia ML, driving innovation for creative tools in entertainment.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for an MLE with both technical depth and creative instinct — someone who thrives in fast-moving, cross-disciplinary environments. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience in computer vision, especially deploying models in production for real-time or streaming scenarios.

• Expertise in deep learning for generative media (e.g., diffusion models, GANs, video synthesis) applied to video, graphics, or entertainment workflows.

• Practical skills in real-time processing: GPU optimisation, quantization, pruning, and shader-based acceleration.

• Hands-on knowledge of computer graphics frameworks, including OpenGL, OpenGLES, GLSL, and shaders, with experience applying them in rendering, video effects, or interactive systems.

• Familiarity with visual effects (VFX) pipelines, video post-production, or real-time graphics for film, television, or games.

• Proficiency in MLOps, scalable inference, and AV-focused ML training workflows.

• A balance of research curiosity and product mindset — able to rapidly turn ideas into impactful features.

• Passion for building ML-powered features that enhance visual storytelling and creativity.

What the candidate will learn and how will they develop at Canva

• Learn to ship creative ML features at scale, powering real-time video editing for millions

• Develop expertise in GPU and mobile inference for media-rich applications

• Contribute to an interdisciplinary team bridging product, AI/ML, and design

• Influence Canva’s future in intelligent creative tools through your research and engineering

About the Group/Team
The Multimedia team is on a mission to make multimedia storytelling quick, simple, and fun for everyone. Within the Design Experience Supergroup, we focus on delivering powerful video creation tools and intuitive user experiences. We combine backend services, real-time media processing, and AI innovation to help our users bring ideas to life.