Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, Networking, 2026 Start

Google Inc.; India; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech company in India is seeking a PhD Software Engineer to develop kernel drivers for Infrastructure Processing Units and Network Interface Cards. This role requires expertise in software development focused on distributed systems and networking. Innovative engineers are encouraged to apply, as they will engage in projects across AI/ML and related areas. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, Java, or Golang.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science or related technical field required.
• Experience in software development focusing on large-scale distributed systems.
• Ability to write and review code adhering to best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop kernel drivers for Infrastructure Processing Units and Network Interface Cards.
• Ensure systems achieve scale, reliability, and performance within Google Cloud.
• Collaborate effectively within teams and across projects.

Skills

C

C++

Java

Golang

Algorithms

Complexity Analysis

System Design

SmartNIC Technologies

Technical Execution

Program Management

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, Networking, 2026 Start

Apply

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience coding in one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: C, C++, Java or Golang.
• Experience in software development, with a focus on areas such as large-scale distributed systems and networking.
• Experience in algorithms, complexity analysis, and system design.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with SmartNIC technologies.
• Ability to act as a generalist software engineer blending technical execution with program management and process optimization.
• Ability to lead multiple workstreams with attention to detail.
• Ability to write and review code, ensuring adherence to best practices in style, accuracy, testability, and efficiency.
• Ability to investigate, diagnose, and resolve technical issues by analyzing root causes and impact.

About the job

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.

We seek innovative engineers with various expertise, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking, data storage, security and AI/ML. Within Google Cloud, the AI and Infrastructure(AI2) organization is at the forefront of creating groundbreaking AI/ML capabilities. We are responsible for designing and managing the software, hardware, and Machine Learning (ML) systems infrastructure that power essential Google services such as search and YouTube, as well as Google Cloud products.

As a PhD Software Engineer within AI2, your specialized research expertise will be instrumental in solving complex, real world problems on an unprecedented scale. You will engage in innovative projects spanning areas like AI/ML, networking, data storage, security, and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

Develop kernel drivers for the various Infrastructure Processing Units (IPUs)/Network Interface Cards (NICs) in our portfolio, and ensuring that end-to-end systems built with these devices achieve the scale, reliability, performance expected of networking, and that such systems interact well within the Google Cloud ecosystem.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

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