Research Software Engineer, Multimodal AI

Google; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking software engineers to develop the next-generation XR AI systems, including Large Language Models and multimodal capabilities for wearables. You will focus on audio and other modalities, pushing AI that enables contextually aware, conversational experiences in glasses and headsets.

Ideal candidates combine deep learning and software design experience with proficiency in C++ and Python, and familiarity with ML frameworks like JAX, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with software development in one or more programming languages.
• 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, or launching software products, and 1 year of experience with software design and architecture.
• 2 years of experience in software development (e.g., deep learning, perception, or computer vision).
• Experience in C++, Python, Generative AI, Machine Learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms/models to enhance AI agents for XR devices using prompting, few-shot learning, and post-training techniques.
• Write production-quality C++/Python code and tests.
• Create a comprehensive evaluation plan, from dataset development to KPI definitions and measurements.
• Identify, implement and ship the latest modeling innovations including orchestration, multimodality, tool integrations, memory, hybrid agent architectures and personalization.
• Demonstrate concepts through rapid prototyping and iterative development, with XR product teams.

Skills

Software development

Software testing

Deep learning

C++

Python

Generative AI

Machine Learning

LLM experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Tools

JAX

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

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.

The Google XR mission is to give people superhuman abilities by making information instantly and intuitively accessible. The team is working to advance the artificial intelligence for the next generation of wearable computers that are immersive, spatially aware, and contextual.

In this role, you will conduct development on Large Language Models (LLMs) and agents, particularly in the multimodal domain (e.g., audio), focusing on developing more capable Artificial Intelligence (AI) for XR devices (e.g., glasses, goggles). You will contribute to AI research and see your work define the next-generation of computing products.

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: $174,000 – $253,000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with software development in one or more programming languages.
• 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, or launching software products, and 1 year of experience with software design and architecture.
• 2 years of experience in software development (e.g., deep learning, perception, or computer vision).
• Experience in C++, Python, Generative AI, Machine Learning.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field.
• 1 year of experience in a technical leadership role.
• Experience with relevant ML frameworks such as JAX, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Experience with multimodal learning, large language models or AI agents.
• Experience with prompt engineering, few-shot learning, post‑training techniques, and evaluations.
• Familiarity with large‑scale model training and deployment.

Responsibilities

Learn more about benefits at Google.

• Develop algorithms/models to enhance AI agents for XR devices using techniques like prompting, few‑shot learning, post‑training techniques to improve model performance and real‑world XR scenarios.
• Write production‑quality C++/Python code and tests.
• Create a comprehensive evaluation plan, from dataset development to KPI definitions and measurements.
• Identify, implement and ship the latest modeling innovations including orchestration, multimodality, tool integrations, memory, hybrid agent architectures and personalization.
• Demonstrate concepts through rapid prototyping and iterative development, using team testing in close partnership with the XR product teams.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google’s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.