Rapid Prototyping Software Engineer, Pixel
Google· Internet & Cloud Services· Jul 28, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 91 days ago
San Francisco, CA, USA
In office
Full-time
Staff
$130K–$175K est.
8+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 28, 2026 — 91 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
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 on the Pixel Rapid Prototyping team, you will be the technical anchor driving the exploration of next-generation user experiences for Pixel products. Operating at the intersection of software, hardware, and UX, you will lead the zero-to-one development of high-fidelity prototypes that validate novel product concepts and emerging technologies.
In this highly ambiguous and changing environment, you will set the technical strategy for rapid iteration—optimizing for speed, creativity, and unconstrained technical exploration. You will partner closely with cross-functional leaders across Product, UX Research, and hardware engineering to push the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring the long-term Pixel product roadmap by demonstrating what can be built rather than being constrained by immediate commercial viability or productionization requirements.
Android is Google’s mobile operating system powering more than 3 billion devices worldwide. Android is about bringing computing to everyone in the world. We believe computing is a super power for good, enabling access to information, economic opportunity, productivity, connectivity between friends and family and more. We think everyone in the world should have access to the best computing has to offer. We provide the platform for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and developers to build compelling computing devices (smartphones, tablets, TVs, wearables, etc) that run the best apps/services for everyone in the world.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 .
• Architect and develop end-to-end proof-of-concept Pixel experiences, covering Android applications, system services, and framework modifications.
• Establish technical strategy and best practices for the team to maximize iteration speed, defining clear engineering boundaries for eventual productionization.
• Partner with UX Research, Product Management, and Hardware Engineering to translate ambiguous product concepts into prototypes that prove the value of new products.
• Analyze and integrate technologies, such as on-device AI/ML models, new sensors, and advanced hardware features, into prototypes.
• Be prepared to discuss your knowledge and use of AI tools during the hiring process.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development.
• 5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• 3 years of experience building prototypes and proof-of-concept models.
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.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• 3 years of experience building prototypes and proof-of-concept models.
Preferred qualifications:
• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization including technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
• 2 years of experience with camera, video and audio systems and technologies.
• Experience with Android applications, Android operating system and frameworks, or other major mobile operating systems.
• Ability to build things with AI.
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