Staff Software Engineer, Search Ads Auction Mechanism

Google Inc.; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 301,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Inc. in Mountain View, CA is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to advance the Search Ads auction mechanism. You will design, implement, test, and deploy large‑scale distributed systems powering ad auctions, collaborating across teams to enhance performance and reliability.

Candidates should bring extensive Java/C++ experience, deep knowledge of algorithms, and a strong software engineering background, with a preference for advanced degrees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience programming in Java or C++.
• 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field (preferred).
• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross‑functional projects.
• Experience with auction theory (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Write analyses to test hypotheses about the user‑value landscape and what improvements might be appropriate.
• Implement (including testing) such mechanisms in the auction.
• Design experiments to evaluate our hypotheses and analyze results.
• Document the findings of analyses and the design of mechanisms at both conceptual and serving‑implementation levels.
• Operate as a mix of research scientist, data scientist, and software engineer in iterating the auction.

Skills

Distributed systems

Algorithms

Java

C++

Software engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Auction theory

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or PhD (preferred)

Job description

Staff Software Engineer, Search Ads Auction Mechanism

Location: Mountain View, CA, USA

Google is looking for a highly skilled engineer to develop the next‑generation technology for the Search Ads auction mechanism. The role requires deep expertise in distributed systems, algorithms, and software engineering. The ideal candidate will lead design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance large‑scale software solutions that power the ad auction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience programming in Java or C++.
• 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field (preferred).
• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross‑functional projects.
• Experience with auction theory (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Write analyses to test hypotheses about the user‑value landscape and what improvements (e.g., new mechanisms or improvements to existing ones) might be appropriate.
• Implement (including testing) such mechanisms in the auction.
• Design experiments to evaluate our hypotheses, and tease out small‑but‑crucial effects in improving user/advertiser value; then analyze the results.
• Document the findings of analyses, and the design of mechanisms (at the conceptual level and the serving‑implementation level).
• Operate as a mix of research scientist, data scientist, and software engineer, iterating to bring the auction to an ideal state.

Compensation

US: $207,000 - $301,000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits.

Benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Employment Equity Statement

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 or 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.

Requirements

English proficiency is required for all roles unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

Recruiting Notice

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity

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.