Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Android OS

Google; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer for Android OS in San Jose, CA. The role focuses on low-level system design, kernel development, and embedded firmware for XR hardware, with opportunities to influence Android userspace components and hardware abstraction layers.

As a candidate, you will drive Linux kernel and device driver work, collaborate across teams, and contribute to scalable software solutions. Competitive compensation includes base salary, bonus, equity, andBenefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience in Linux Kernel development using the C/C++ programming languages.
• Experience working on the Linux kernel.
• Experience in test automation, refactoring code, test-driven development, build infrastructure, optimizing software, debugging, building tools and testing frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Develop Linux kernel drivers to enable USB-connected XR devices and lead hardware bring-up for novel custom silicon.
• Research scalable USB software architectures, influence SoC architecture, and optimize USB use cases for performance and system health metrics.
• Abstract hardware interfaces for Android userspace, defining and delivering required HAL and Android framework layers.
• Collaborate across product areas to build features for split-compute XR systems (Compute Puck and HMD).
• Identify and fix USB issues while using tools to analyze system behavior and optimize timing and performance.

Skills

C/C++

Linux kernel

Embedded systems

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Android OS

Google – San Jose, CA, USA

Mid

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

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience in Linux Kernel development using the programming languages C/C++.
• Experience working on the Linux kernel.
• Experience in one or more of the following: test automation, refactoring code, test-driven development, build infrastructure, optimizing software, debugging, building tools and testing frameworks.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with Linux or BSD kernels.
• Demonstrated knowledge of embedded systems development, RTOS concepts, device drivers and hardware/software integration.
• Extensive knowledge of Unix/Linux environments, embedded Linux.
• Extensive knowledge of Android or WebKit.

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.

In this role, you will have experience in low-level computer systems, computer architecture, embedded systems, and kernel development. Key development areas will include the Linux (Android) kernel, device drivers, embedded firmware, Android userspace daemons, performance analysis, and Linux power management. You will collaborate across multidisciplinary domains through every stage of development—from schematic reviews to final user experience. You will also have a history of open-source Linux contributions.

With your technical expertise you will manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. You will design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance software solutions.

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

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Develop Linux kernel drivers to enable new universal serial bus (USB)-connected XR devices and lead hardware bring-up for novel custom silicon.
• Research scalable USB software architectures, influence SoC architecture, and optimize USB use cases for performance and system health metrics.
• Abstract hardware interfaces for Android userspace, defining and delivering required hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and Android framework layers.
• Collaborate across product areas (PAs) to build impactful, user-facing features for split-compute XR systems (Compute Puck and HMD).
• Identify and fix systemic USB issues while leveraging agentic tools to analyze system behavior and optimize timing and performance.

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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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