Staff Software Engineer, Messages

Google; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking seasoned software engineers to advance the Rich Communication Services (RCS) stack for billions of users. You will contribute to the core protocol, client architecture, and cross-platform integration across Android and iOS.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in software development, deep experience with network protocols, and a track record of designing scalable backend services with modern languages and AI-enabled workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development in mobile systems, network protocols (SIP/IMS/RCS standards), or high-performance application engineering.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience with full stack development across back-end (Java, Python, Golang, or C++) and front-end (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, CSS).
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience integrating generative AI tools or LLM interfaces into workflows.

Responsibilities

• Profile, debug, and enhance our RCS protocol stack and client-side architecture to achieve maximum throughput and minimal latency.
• Design robust systems capable of handling massive concurrency while maintaining seamless interoperability across global networks.
• Architect and optimize seamless, high-definition video experiences that flow across Android, iOS, and device ecosystems.
• Power high-res image sharing, live typing indicators, read receipts, and interactive business messaging at scale.
• Drive deep-level optimizations to ensure lightning-fast message delivery, minimal latency, ultra-low battery consumption, and rock-solid reliability under peak global traffic.

Skills

Mobile systems

Network protocols (SIP/IMS/RCS)

Full stack development

Backend languages (Java, Python, Gol—,

Frontend (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML,

Software design & architecture

Generative AI integrations

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

gRPC

Protocol Buffers

Job description

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

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development in mobile systems, network protocols (SIP/IMS/RCS standards), or high-performance application engineering.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience with full stack development, across back-end such as Java, Python, Golang, or C++ codebases, and front-end experience including JavaScript or TypeScript, HTML, CSS or equivalent.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience integrating generative AI tools or LLM interfaces into workflows.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Experience with real-time communication technologies.
• Knowledge of security protocols such as DTLS, MLS, and experience with End-to-End Encryption.
• Experience building distributed systems and backend services, and familiarity with gRPC and Protocol Buffers.
• Understanding of telecommunication standards like SIP and MSRP.
• 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.

Are you ready to help shape the next evolution of global communication? We are looking for a visionary, performance-obsessed software engineer to join our team and 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.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $207000 - $300000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Responsibilities

Learn more about benefits at Google .

• Profile, debug, and enhance our RCS protocol stack and client-side architecture to achieve maximum throughput and minimal latency.
• Design robust systems capable of handling massive concurrency while maintaining seamless interoperability across global networks.
• Architect and optimize seamless, high-definition video experiences that flow effortlessly across Android, iOS, and device ecosystems.
• Power high-res image sharing, live typing indicators, read receipts, and interactive business messaging at unprecedented scale.
• Drive deep-level optimizations to ensure lightning-fast message delivery, minimal latency, ultra-low battery consumption, and rock-solid reliability under peak global traffic.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .