Join a pioneering team at Google, shaping the future of how billions connect and interact with information. Our software engineers drive innovation across a vast spectrum, from massive-scale distributed systems and cutting-edge AI/ML to robust networking, secure data storage, and intuitive UI design. This role offers the chance to contribute to critical projects, with opportunities to evolve and explore diverse challenges within our fast-paced environment.

As a key member of a focused, adaptable team, you will be instrumental in the entire software lifecycle – from conception and design to testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance. We are seeking forward-thinking engineers who bring unique expertise in areas like information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking, data storage, security, and AI/ML.

Within Google Cloud's AI and Infrastructure (AI2) organization, you will be at the heart of developing advanced AI/ML capabilities. This involves architecting and managing the sophisticated software, hardware, and ML systems infrastructure that powers essential Google services like Search and YouTube, alongside our comprehensive suite of Google Cloud products. Your specialized research insights as a PhD Software Engineer will be crucial for tackling complex, real-world challenges at an unparalleled scale. You will dive into innovative projects spanning AI/ML, networking, data storage, security, and distributed systems.

Drive the technical vision and strategy for next-generation distributed systems.

Design, develop, and implement highly scalable, reliable, and performant large-scale distributed systems.

Leverage specialized research expertise to meticulously design, analyze, and develop intricate systems across the full technology stack.

Proactively investigate, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues by conducting thorough root cause analysis and assessing impact.

Write and review code with precision, ensuring strict adherence to best practices for style, accuracy, testability, and efficiency.

Minimum qualifications include a PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.

Demonstrated experience in software development, with a particular emphasis on areas such as large-scale distributed systems, AI/ML, networking, data storage, or security.

Proven experience in architecting or developing distributed systems, encompassing concepts like concurrency, multi-threading, or synchronization.

Solid understanding and practical experience with algorithms, complexity analysis, and system design principles.

Proficiency in coding using at least one of the following programming languages: C, C++, Python, Java, or Golang.

Preferred qualifications include experience in domains such as algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, compilers, databases, data mining, distributed systems, machine learning, networking, or general systems.

Expertise in designing and implementing sophisticated systems for either production environments or experimental purposes.

Proficiency in performance analysis or the analysis of system data.

Evidence of success in publishing peer-reviewed articles in highly regarded conferences or journals (e.g., ACL, KDD, SOSP, Nature).

Availability to commence a full-time position in 2026.

Exceptional engineering capabilities and a passion for tackling challenging problems.