Staff Software Engineer, Kernel, Drivers and Systems

Sunnyvale, CA, US Until 9/4/2026 8+ years exp First posted July 6, 2026 Last posted July 6, 2026
Job description

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 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 channel 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.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $207000 - $301000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical leadership on high-impact projects.
  • Influence and coach a distributed team of engineers.
  • Facilitate alignment and clarity across teams on goals, outcomes, and timelines.
  • Manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance large scale software solutions.

Qualifications

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 in Kernel Drivers and Networking.

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 Network Virtualization and Software-Defined Networking.
About this role

Summary

Lead kernel, drivers, and system projects; influence teams; design large-scale software solutions.

Job title

Staff Software Engineer, Kernel, Drivers and Systems

Experience level

8+ years

Minimum experience

8+ years exp

Industry

software

Location requirements

Sunnyvale, CA, USA; remote work not specified

Salary

$207k–$301k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

software developmentembedded operating systemskernel driversnetworking

Preferred skills

data structures and algorithmsnetwork virtualizationsoftware-defined networking

Specializations

kerneldriversnetworkingembedded OSsystem design
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Work arrangement unknown City