Senior Software Engineer, Messages

Google; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

Google in Mountain View, CA is seeking a software engineer to advance the next generation of RCS and global communications. You will profile, debug, and enhance the RCS protocol stack, and collaborate across teams to integrate features like cross‑platform video streaming and codecs.

The role emphasizes low‑level optimization, scalability, and delivering butter-smooth user experiences at massive scale, with opportunities to work on backend services and distributed systems within Platforms and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with algorithms, data structures, complexity analysis and software design.
• Experience with Android system‑level development or application framework design.

Responsibilities

• Profile, debug, and enhance RCS protocol stack and client‑side architecture for throughput and latency.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate cross‑platform video streaming and codecs.
• Design robust systems to handle massive concurrency while ensuring interoperability across global networks.
• Focus on low‑level optimization, latency reduction, and delivering butter‑smooth experiences.
• Grow in a changing environment and build technology impacting billions daily.

Skills

Algorithms

Data structures

Complexity analysis

Software design

Android system‑level development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Equivalent practical experience

Master's or PhD in Computer Science

Tools

GRPC

Protocol buffers

SIP

MSRP

Job description

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience working with algorithms, data structures, complexity analysis and software design.
  
• Experience with Android system-level development or application framework design.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field.
• Experience with Real Time Communication technologies.
• Understanding of telecommunication standards like SIP and MSRP. Knowledge of security protocols such as DTLS, MLS, and with end-to-end encryption.
• Experience building distributed systems and backend services and familiarity with gRPC and protocol buffers.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

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

In this role, you will help shape the next evolution of global communication and will supercharge the RCS (Rich Communication Services) experience for billions of users worldwide.

SMS is history, and standard messaging is getting a massive upgrade. RCS is transforming the default texting experience into a vibrant, secure, and feature-rich medium. We are bridging the gap between carriers, operating systems, and devices to deliver a truly next-gen communication standard.

The Platforms and Devices team encompasses Google's various computing software platforms across environments (desktop, mobile, applications), as well as our first party devices and services that combine the best of Google AI, software, and hardware. Teams across this area research, design, and develop new technologies to make our user's interaction with computing faster and more seamless, building innovative experiences for our users around the world.

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

Responsibilities

• Profile, debug, and enhance our RCS protocol stack and client-side architecture to achieve maximum throughput and minimal latency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional product and engineering teams to integrate features like seamless cross-platform video streaming and advanced media codecs.
• Design robust systems capable of handling massive concurrency while maintaining seamless interoperability across global networks.
• Be passionate about low-level optimization, latency reduction, and delivering butter-smooth user experiences.
• Grow in a changing environment and get excited about building technology that impacts billions of people every single day.

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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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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.