Software Engineer, Rapid Prototyping New Pixel Software Products

Google
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United StatesFull-time$147,000–$210,000Posted Aug 26, 2026

About the role

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of experience with Android application development.
  • 2 years of experience with software development in Java or Kotlin programming

languages.

  • 1 year industry or academic experience with rapid prototyping techniques for

new products.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields.
  • 2 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
  • Experience developing accessible technologies.
  • Experience with prototyping proof-of-concept ideas to completion.

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.

As a Software Engineer on the Pixel Rapid Prototyping team, you will be a core

builder driving the creation of next-generation user experiences for Pixel

products. Operating in a fast-paced, highly creative environment, you will build

high-fidelity prototypes that push the boundaries of what is technically

possible, proving out new hardware and software experiences.

Working closely with technical leadership and cross-functional partners in UX,

Product, and Hardware, you will translate ambitious, abstract concepts into

tangible, working software. You will thrive on unconstrained technical

exploration—creatively hacking across the Android framework, applications, and

emerging technologies to demonstrate the "art of the possible," prioritizing

rapid iteration, speed, and discovery over immediate commercial viability or

productionization requirements.

The Google Pixel team focuses on designing and delivering the world's most

helpful mobile experience. The team works on shaping the future of Pixel devices

and services through some of the most advanced designs, techniques, products,

and experiences in consumer electronics. This includes bringing together the

best of Google’s artificial intelligence, software, and hardware to build global

smartphones and create transformative experiences for users across the world.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills,

experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $147000 - $210000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google

[https://www.google.com/about/careers/applications/benefits/].

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, build, and iterate on high-fidelity proof-of-concept Android

applications and system-level modifications to bring novel user experiences

to life.

  • Experiment with bleeding-edge technologies—such as new on-device ML models,

experimental sensor APIs, and unreleased hardware features—to push the

boundaries of what is technically possible on Pixel devices.

  • Identify and creatively bypass technical roadblocks within the Android stack.

Optimize for speed, ingenuity, and "art of the possible" demonstrations

rather than long-term maintainability or production-grade architecture.

  • Adapt quickly to changing requirements and pivot technical approaches based

on daily learnings, UX research feedback, and continuous discovery.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and iterate on high-fidelity proof-of-concept Android applications and system-level modifications to bring novel user experiences to life.
  • Experiment with bleeding-edge technologies—such as new on-device ML models, experimental sensor APIs, and unreleased hardware features—to push the boundaries of what is technically possible on Pixel devices.
  • Identify and creatively bypass technical roadblocks within the Android stack.
  • Optimize for speed, ingenuity, and 'art of the possible' demonstrations rather than long-term maintainability or production-grade architecture.
  • Adapt quickly to changing requirements and pivot technical approaches based on daily learnings, UX research feedback, and continuous discovery.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of experience with Android application development.
  • 2 years of experience with software development in Java or Kotlin programming languages.
  • 1 year industry or academic experience with rapid prototyping techniques for new products.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields (preferred).
  • 2 years of experience with data structures and algorithms (preferred).
  • Experience developing accessible technologies (preferred).
  • Experience with prototyping proof-of-concept ideas to completion (preferred).

Benefits

  • 15% bonus target
  • equity
  • benefits

Skills mentioned

Android DevelopmentAndroid SDKJavaKotlinMobile DevelopmentMachine LearningDebuggingPerformance OptimizationWeb AccessibilityAPI Integration

About Google

A problem isn't truly solved until it's solved for all. Googlers build products that help create opportunities for everyone, whether down the street or across the globe. Bring your insight, imagination and a healthy disregard for the impossible. Bring everything that makes you unique. Together, we can build for everyone. Check out our career opportunities at goo.gle/3DLEokh

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