Staff Embedded Software Engineer, Audio/Firmware

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

Android microXR project aims to build a software platform for AR thin-client smart glasses based on Android.

The Android microXR platform requires support for various system level components including drivers and system software for audio, display and other novel consumer hardware devices.

Audio, Display and New Technology Introduction (NTI) team’s charter is to enable microXR platform to utilize these novel devices to enable thin-client smart AR glasses experience. The work includes enabling various display systems, like microLED, etc., as well as custom hardware audio pipeline support, proximity sensors, Ambient Light Sensors (ALS) and other embedded sensors.

For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven by
breakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now, AI. Google's XR team is at the forefront of the next major leap – the convergence of AI and XR. This is more than just new devices – it's about reimagining how we interact with the world around us. We're building a future where
lightweight XR devices like smart glasses and headsets pair with helpful AI to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and contextually aware experiences.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $207000 - $301000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain audio-related firmware for MCU and AP subsystems and manage complex DSP/MCU/AP integration.
  
• Orchestrate audio performance across multiple chips (e.g., MCU and AP SOC) to guarantee stable performance, minimal latency, and high-resolution playback.
  
• Partner with Audio Hardware, ML, and TechEng teams to define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), automate tuning processes, and align platform goals with product roadmaps.
  
• Drive critical power and performance optimizations and system-level improvements to support key audio use cases, such as AI-driven conversations.
  
• Design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance large scale software solutions.
  

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  
• 8 years of experience in software development.
  
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
  
• 5 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
  
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience with the Android Audio HAL, Linux kernel, and audio frameworks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  
• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
• 3 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
  
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross-functional, or cross-business projects.

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: San Jose, CA, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA.

Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.