Staff Software Engineer, Embedded Systems/Firmware

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.

We develop C++ code that controls and monitors Google’s custom accelerators (ASICs), including TPUs and VCUs. We also define the API software stack used to build planet-scale deployments. Our C++ firmware is not typical: it runs on a small embedded processor with no RTOS, directly handling interrupts, DMAs, and hardware-centric features.

We play a direct role in initial debug and bring-up, being among the first teams to use new chips. Additionally, our team owns simulation models that allow for early software development pre-silicon. We work closely with external vendors and internal teams, including chip design, system software, ML supercomputer, compiler, and system test.

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.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $207,000-$300,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of critical firmware features (security, power management, telemetry) across multiple TPU generations, from bare-metal microcontrollers to distributed systems.
• Bridge hardware design and software teams to co-engineer groundbreaking chip features and establish high-performance interfaces that unlock advanced ML infrastructure capabilities.
• Provide technical direction on high-impact projects while mentoring and influencing a distributed engineering team to foster a culture of technical excellence.
• Identify and mitigate complex system-level challenges through rigorous architectural design and testing to ensure the reliability of public TPU platforms.
• Own project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables while facilitating cross-team clarity to deliver an exceptional developer experience for platforms like Trillium and Ironwood.

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 C/C++.

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 one or more of the following: advanced computer architecture, industry-standard RTOSes (e.g., Zephyr, FreeRTOS), robust API design, or building complex systems within distributed engineering teams.