Senior Connectivity Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware, XR

Google; San Jose (CA); On-site; CAD 182,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

Google's XR Glasses OS System Software team seeks a Senior Connectivity Software Developer to design, implement and maintain low-level system software enabling AR reference platforms. You will apply embedded systems expertise to lead the integration, bring-up, and refinement of low-power Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth subsystems.

Collaborate with MicroXR connectivity, EE, and power teams to meet product KPIs for launching new product categories.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with software development in C/C++, Firmware, Connectivity, Embedded Systems.
• 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, or launching software products, and 1 year of experience with software design and architecture.
• 3 years of experience with embedded development.
• Experience with Android platform or Microcontroller unit (MCU) software development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Android and Microcontroller unit (MCU) device drivers and hardware abstraction layers (HALs) for next-generation AR reference platforms.
• Integrate and bring up new wireless chipsets.
• Drive Wi-Fi and Bluetooth driver and firmware level power, thermal and latency improvements to meet product targets.
• Collaborate closely with EE, MicroXR connectivity and power teams to optimize the E2E connectivity solution.
• Lead technical engagements with third-party partners, providing the deep-dive architectural support and debugging expertise necessary to accelerate their device bring-up cycles.

Skills

C/C++

Firmware

Embedded systems

Connectivity

Android platform

MCU development

Software testing

Architecture design

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Wireshark

logic analyzers

kernel tracing

oscilloscopes

Job description

Senior Connectivity Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware, XR

San Jose, CA, USA; Waterloo, ON, Canada

Mid

Experience driving progress, solving problems, and mentoring more junior team members; deeper expertise and applied knowledge within relevant area.

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

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with software development in C/C++, Firmware, Connectivity, Embedded Systems.
• 3 years of experience testing, maintaining, or launching software products, and 1 year of experience with software design and architecture.
• 3 years of experience with embedded development.
• Experience with Android platform or Microcontroller unit (MCU) software development.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field.
• 1 year of experience in a technical leadership role.
• Experience in low-level embedded systems using application processors or microcontrollers.
• Experience with 802.11 and BT/BLE device drivers and host interfaces (PCIe, SDIO, UART).
• Proficient in using tools such as Wireshark, logic analyzers, and kernel tracing to resolve deep-seated issues in the driver, firmware, or hardware interface.
• Ability to debug hardware using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.

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.

As a Connectivity Software Developer on the XR Glasses OS System Software team, you will design, implement and maintain the low-level system software that enables next‑generation Augmented Reality (AR) reference platforms.

In this capacity, you will apply your extensive embedded systems expertise to lead the integration, bring‑up, and refinement of low‑power Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth subsystems. You will collaborate with the MicroXR connectivity, Electrical Engineering (EE), and power/thermal teams to achieve the rigorous performance and power Key Performance Indicator (KPIs) necessary for launching groundbreaking product categories.

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: $174000 - $252000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Canada: $182000 - $186000 (CAD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement Android and Microcontroller unit (MCU) device drivers and hardware abstraction layers (HALs) for next‑generation Augmented Reality (AR) reference platforms.
• Integrate and bring up new wireless chipsets.
• Drive Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth driver and firmware level power, thermal and latency improvements to meet product targets.
• Collaborate closely with EE, MicroXR connectivity and power teams to optimize the E2E connectivity solution.
• Lead technical engagements with third‑party partners, providing the deep‑dive architectural support and debugging expertise necessary to accelerate their device bring‑up cycles.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy.

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.

If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.

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.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.