Staff Software Engineer, 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.

As a Staff Software Engineer, you are the technical cornerstone of our silicon integrity story. You don't just implement security features, you own the security DNA of our custom compute SoC firmware. Your day-to-day involves balancing solid security engineering with the tight deadlines of real world silicon projects. You work with cross-functional software and hardware teams to ensure the security for our silicon and servers.

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 $197,000-$291,000 + 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

• Drive a exceptional firmware security architecture from the ground up, defining specifications for security boundaries and cryptography while partnering with Hardware Architects to ensure seamless SoC integration.

• Lead and inspire a talented engineering team, reinforcing security best practices through active mentorship, design reviews, and a security-first mindset.

• Define and execute multi-generational security roadmaps that incrementally raise the industry bar for power, performance, and side-channel protections.
• Oversee the security lifecycle from initial RTL design to post-silicon productization, partnering with Software/Firmware teams to ensure a true defense-in-depth implementation.

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, kernel drivers, embedded systems, firmware, servers, security, and bootloaders.

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 in ARM, hardware architecture, security operating systems, and computer architecture.