Senior Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Systems, Firmware

Google LLC; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 262,000 - 364,000; Full time

Job summary

Google LLC is seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer specializing in Embedded Systems and Firmware to lead ASIC‑Software firmware initiatives for the TPU family. You will guide architecture across chip generations and collaborate with silicon teams to evolve secure, power‑efficient embedded firmware for large‑scale AI workloads.

You will mentor engineers, drive cross‑functional projects in a matrixed organization, and shape the developer experience for ML practitioners while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 7 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
• 5 years of experience with design and architecture; and testing/launching software products.
• Experience with C or C++.

Responsibilities

• Drive TPU firmware architecture across multiple chip generations, focusing on Security, Power Management, and Telemetry.
• Bridge hardware and software, collaborating with silicon teams to co‑engineer TPU capabilities.
• Define and execute multi‑year technical roadmaps for multi‑generational chip programs and firmware initiatives.
• Architect real‑time on‑chip systems and bare‑metal microcontroller solutions for AI accelerator performance.
• Mentor engineers and foster a culture of engineering excellence across distributed ASIC‑Software teams.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Leadership

System architecture

Real-time OS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's or PhD (preferred)

Job description

Senior Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Systems, Firmware

Share Senior Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Systems, Firmware

corporate_fare Google place Sunnyvale, CA, USA

X In most instances, this position requires in-person interviews as part of the hiring process.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 7 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
• 5 years of experience with design and architecture; and testing/launching software products.
• Experience with C or C++.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
• 5 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross-functional, or cross-business projects.

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.

As an ASIC-Software Firmware Architect, you will guide Google’s TPU firmware design across multiple chip generations. You will drive architecture for Security, Power Management, and Telemetry across microcontrollers in an embedded distributed system with real‑time constraints and direct hardware interaction.

Bridging hardware and software, you will collaborate with silicon teams to co‑engineer TPU capabilities and upper‑layer software teams to build interfaces. You will ensure platform reliability, addressing system‑level challenges through rigorous engineering.

Working with end‑users, you will help shape the developer experience for ML practitioners. Google’s end‑to‑end integration from chip to data center offers a unique opportunity to impact the entire TPU system. Google Cloud accelerates every organization’s ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise‑grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting‑edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems. Individual pay is determined by factors including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $262000 - $364000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Drive the long‑term technical goal and architecture for Google’s next‑generation TPU firmware, solving complex system‑level issues across Security, Power Management, and Telemetry.
• Act as a technical multiplier and domain expert, mentoring executive engineers and fostering a culture of engineering, high reliability, and innovation across distributed ASIC‑Software teams.
• Forge partnerships across organizational boundaries, bridging silicon design, software infrastructure, and data center deployment teams to co‑engineer end‑to‑end TPU capabilities.
• Define and execute multi‑year technical roadmaps for multi‑generational chip programs, guiding complex firmware initiatives from initial silicon concept through to global data center deployment.
• Architect highly reliable, real‑time on‑chip systems and bare‑metal microcontroller solutions that maximize AI accelerator performance and optimize the developer experience for platforms like Trillium and Ironwood.

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.

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.