Staff Software Engineer, XR Audio Platform and Wakeword

Google; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking software engineers for XR Audio Platform to develop a high-quality audio framework powering XR Glasses and Headsets. You'll contribute to scalable algorithms, audio input, and immersive experiences, across teams as Google pushes the frontier of AI, XR, and mobility.

Ideal candidates bring deep experience in large-scale systems, real-time audio, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful, user-centered technologies for billions of users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience with real-time operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Wakeword development for XR Glasses and Headsets, influencing current and next-generation design and architecture.
• Develop metrics to track wakeword, audio quality and performance, and drive optimizations.
• Lead a direct and cross-functional team of engineers in execution and delivery of their components.
• Design and build MCU and framework features enabling low-power AR glasses.
• Deliver software and technical support towards larger organizational goals.

Skills

Data structures & algorithms

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Android or iOS development

Embedded systems

Real-time operating systems

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

8 years of software development experience

5 years testing and launching software products

5 years working with embedded operating systems

3 years software design & architecture

Experience with real-time operating systems

Job description

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience with real-time operating systems.

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 with Android or iOS development.

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.

In XR Audio Platform, our mission is to develop a high quality and audio platform for XR Glasses and Headsets that weaves advanced algorithms into a scalable framework to support essential audio input, crisp communication, captivating media and breathtaking immersion.

For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven by breakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now, AI. Google's XR team is at the forefront of the next major leap – the convergence of AI and XR. This is more than just new devices – it's about reimagining how we interact with the world around us. We're building a future where
lightweight XR devices like smart glasses and headsets pair with helpful AI to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and contextually aware experiences. 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

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Lead Wakeword development for XR Glasses and Headsets, influencing current and next-generation design and architecture.
• Develop quantitative and qualitative metrics to track wakeword and audio quality and performance and drive measurement and optimizations.
• Lead a direct and cross-functional team of engineers in execution and delivery of their individual components.
• Design and build audio capture Microcontroller Unit (MCU) and framework features that enable low-power Augmented Reality (AR) glasses.
• Deliver software and technical support towards the larger organizational goals.

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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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