Staff Software Engineer, XR Ecosystem, AR/VR Graphics and Compositor

Google LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Google LLC is seeking a Staff Software Engineer for the XR Ecosystem, focusing on AR/VR graphics and the compositor. The role involves building and optimizing software across RTOS and Linux-based platforms for wearable devices, with emphasis on power, performance, and reliability.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in software development, 6 years in systems integration, and strong C/C++ expertise, plus experience with embedded firmware and AR/VR technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of software development experience.
• 6 years of systems integration experience.
• Experience with embedded software/firmware development and C/C++.
• Experience with Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

Responsibilities

• Deliver software and technical support for wearable AR/VR devices from design to production.
• Optimize software and firmware for power, performance, memory and reliability.
• Write robust, reliable, efficient, and testable software across RTOS, embedded firmware, Linux kernel, drivers and Android HAL.
• Bring-up, debugging and troubleshooting of wearable devices with MCU, IMU and cameras.

Skills

8+ years software dev

6 years systems integration

C/C++

RTOS experience

Embedded firmware

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience

Tools

RTOS

Embedded firmware

Linux kernel

Android BSP

pigweed

Job description

Staff Software Engineer, XR Ecosystem, AR/VR Graphics and Compositor

Share Staff Software Engineer, XR Ecosystem, AR/VR Graphics and Compositor

In most instances, this position requires in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: San José, CA, USA; San Diego, CA, USA.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 6 years of experience in systems integration.
• Experience with embedded software/firmware development and experience in C/C++.
• Experience in Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS).

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.
• Experience with Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality or Wearables.
• Experience with Android BSP.
• Experience with any of the subsystems including Linux kernel, embedded firmware, video, camera, virtualization, system power or performance.

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.

About the job

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 .

• Deliver software and technical support related to wearable consumer Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) device development, commercialization and production, from design, development, bring-up, factory assembly and manufacturing, test and qualification.
• Optimize software and firmware for power, performance, memory and reliability.
• Write robust, reliable, efficient, and testable software designed to run in environments that span from Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) (FreeRTOS, Zephyr), embedded frameworks (pigweed) to Linux kernel, drivers and Android hardware abstraction layer, services and frameworks.
• Optimize software and firmware for power, performance, memory and reliability.
• Bring-up, debugging, troubleshooting and commercializing wearable devices with Microcontrollers (MCU), IMU, camera sensors.

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 .

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.

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.