Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, Infrastructure, 2026 Start

Google; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

Google is seeking a Software Engineer with a PhD to work on next-generation technologies that impact billions of users. This role involves leading projects critical to Google’s innovation, particularly in areas like AI and infrastructure.

Successful candidates will participate fully in the engineering process, from design through development, while collaborating across teams. Key requirements include experience in coding and distributed systems. The US base salary varies from $141,000 to $202,000, excluding bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience coding in one of the specified programming languages.
• Research experience in algorithms, architecture, or AI.

Responsibilities

• Participate in or lead team projects for design and development.
• Write documents to set new technical directions.
• Study and resolve complex technical issues.
• Develop code and review other developers' code.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Java

Golang

Distributed systems

Concurrency

Multi-threading

Synchronization

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, Infrastructure, 2026 Start

Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; Mountain View, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA; Raleigh, NC, USA; Durham, NC, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA

Minimum qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience coding in one of the following programming languages including but not limited to: C, C++, Python, Java, or Golang.
• Experience in one or more of the following: architecting or developing distributed systems, concurrency, multi-threading, or synchronization.

Preferred qualifications

• Research experience in algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, compilers, databases, data mining, distributed systems, machine learning, networking, or systems.
• Experience in designing and implementing a complex system, for production or experimental use.
• Experience with performance, reliability, systems data analysis, visualization tools, or debugging.
• Ability to start full-time role in 2026.
• Excellent engineering skills.

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 PhD graduate, your research expertise is invaluable to us. Explore a variety of projects, collaborate with various teams, and contribute to products that are changing the world, across many product areas, including AI & Infrastructure, Cloud, and more!

Our Engineering teams include thousands of PhDs who bring their deep knowledge and research experience to enhance our systems and products. As a Google PhD Software Engineer, you will work on critical projects, with many opportunities to learn and follow your interests. We expect our engineers to be creative and versatile, leading and identifying new problems to push the field and Google technology forward.

Google is one of the world’s leading suppliers and consumers of ML and AI technology, with decades of experience in designing, deploying, and using ML software and custom ML hardware infrastructure at massive scale.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $141,000-$202,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Participate in or lead team projects to carry out design, analysis, and development of advanced systems across the stack, using your research expertise.
• Write documents that set new technical directions. Contribute to existing documentation or educational content, and adapt content based on product/program updates and user feedback.
• Study, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues by analyzing the sources of the issues and the impact on software, hardware, network, or service operations and quality.
• Develop code, review code developed by other developers, and provide feedback to ensure best practices (e.g., style guidelines, accuracy, testability, and efficiency).

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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.

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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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