Software Engineer III, Embedded Systems/Firmware, XR

Google
San Jose, California, United States · Miami, Florida, United StatesFull-time$147,000–$210,000Posted Aug 31, 2026

About the role

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of experience with software development in C/C++.
  • 2 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields.
  • 2 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
  • Experience with version control systems like Git and code review tools like

Gerrit.

  • Familiarity with Linux device drivers and Android.
  • Ability to debug hardware using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc.

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.

The Glasses OS System Software team delivers the core software layers for our

hardware reference designs. Our work begins at the hardware's inception—covering

schematic reviews and factory bring up—and continues through the entire device

lifecycle.

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

Learn more about benefits at Google

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and maintain the low level system software that enables our AR

reference platforms.

  • Contribute across multiple subsystems including bootloader, kernel, device

drivers and Android HAL.

  • Contribute to both SOC (Android) and MCU (RTOS) software.
  • Optimize power consumption, thermal envelope and improve system stability.
  • Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineering (EE) team to review schematic

designs and develop hardware bring up and software test plans.

Responsibilities

  • Design and maintain the low level system software that enables our AR reference platforms.
  • Contribute across multiple subsystems including bootloader, kernel, device drivers and Android HAL.
  • Contribute to both SOC (Android) and MCU (RTOS) software.
  • Optimize power consumption, thermal envelope and improve system stability.
  • Collaborate closely with Electrical Engineering (EE) team to review schematic designs and develop hardware bring up and software test plans.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2 years of experience with software development in C/C++.
  • 2 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related technical fields preferred.
  • 2 years of experience with data structures and algorithms preferred.
  • Experience with version control systems like Git and code review tools like Gerrit preferred.
  • Familiarity with Linux device drivers and Android preferred.
  • Ability to debug hardware using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, etc. preferred.

Benefits

  • 15% bonus target
  • equity
  • benefits

Skills mentioned

CC++Embedded SystemsEmbedded Software DevelopmentEmbedded LinuxReal-Time Operating SystemsFirmware DevelopmentAndroid DevelopmentGitDebugging

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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