Staff Software Engineer, CoreOS Agentic Engineering

Google Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Inc. is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to drive innovative AI strategies and lead engineering projects. Located in Sunnyvale, CA, you will be responsible for the Operating System that powers Google, focusing on performance and reliability.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in C++ programming and technical leadership, managing complex projects across teams. A competitive salary range of $207,000 to $300,000 is offered, along with bonuses, equity, and benefits.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience programming in C++.
• 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.

Responsibilities

• Drive projects to optimize Node-level engineering and global compute performance.
• Lead and influence a team of Kernel, Node OS, and AI experts.
• Design and maintain large-scale software solutions.

Skills

C++ programming

Software design and architecture

Technical leadership

Data structures and algorithms

Linux Kernel

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Staff Software Engineer, CoreOS Agentic Engineering

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Experience and Qualifications

Advanced experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders; deep expertise in domain.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience programming in C++.
• 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience building and developing large‑scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or experience with compute technologies, storage, or hardware architecture.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience with either agentic engineering or Linux Kernel, career development, and leadership.

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.
• 3 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.
• Experience in Technical Infrastructure, Release Engineering, and Release Management.

About the Job

In this role you will be responsible for the Operating System that runs Google, from the Kernel through the Node userspace. The Agentic Engineering team within CoreOS is driving the AI revolution into how we work, test, release, and support compute across Production.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability, and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $207,000–$300,000 plus bonus, equity, and benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Pay is based on location and other factors such as job‑related skills, experience, and education. Additional compensation details can be provided during the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Drive projects by conceptualizing and validating novel AI‑driven strategies to optimize Google’s "Node‑level" engineering and global compute performance.
• Lead, coach, and influence a distributed team of 3‑5 Kernel, Node OS, and AI experts, fostering a culture of rapid execution.
• Design, develop, and maintain large‑scale software solutions, ensuring alignment on goals and timelines across cross‑functional teams.
• Debug, fix, and optimize complex issues while staying current with upstream practices to ensure non‑disruptive rollouts across the fleet.
• Build tools and dashboards to monitor production demand and quality, implementing testing to minimize production issues.

Google is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that represents 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.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication worldwide, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless otherwise stated.