Staff Software Engineer, XR Audio Platform and Wakeword

Google

San Jose, California, United StatesFull-time$207,000–$300,000Posted Oct 12, 2026

About the role

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

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

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.

Responsibilities

  • Lead wakeword development for XR glasses and headsets, influencing design and architecture.
  • Develop metrics to measure wakeword and audio quality and performance, and drive optimizations.
  • Lead cross-functional engineers in executing and delivering project components.
  • Design and build audio capture MCU and framework features for low-power AR glasses.
  • Provide software and technical support for broader organizational goals.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8 years of software development experience.
  • 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
  • 5 years of experience working with embedded operating systems.
  • 3 years of experience in software design and architecture.
  • Experience with real-time operating systems.
  • Preferred: Master's degree or PhD in a related technical field.
  • Preferred: 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.

Benefits

  • 20% target bonus
  • Equity
  • Benefits

Skills mentioned

Embedded SystemsEmbedded Software DevelopmentReal-Time Operating SystemsFirmware DevelopmentSystems EngineeringSignal ProcessingSoftware TestingSystem DesignPerformance OptimizationAndroid Development

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

Software Development10,001+ employeesMountain View, CA

H-1B sponsorship history

Historical employer filing data was found for Google. The employer record includes 57,181 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.