Firmware Engineer, AS Layer 3, Modem Reliability

About the job

As a Firmware Engineer on the Modem Reliability team, you will be responsible for the performance and stability of the cellular protocol stack on Google’s consumer hardware. You will debug and enhance Access Stratum (AS) Layer 3 protocols, collaborating across hardware, software, and carrier ecosystems to deliver reliable, next-generation connectivity to users worldwide.The Platforms and Devices team encompasses Google's various computing software platforms across environments (desktop, mobile, applications), as well as our first party devices and services that combine the best of Google AI, software, and hardware. Teams across this area research, design, and develop new technologies to make our user's interaction with computing faster and more seamless, building innovative experiences for our users around the world.

Responsibilities

• Debug and triage complex modem Layer 3 (L3) RRC protocol issues across field trials, testing, and carrier certification.
• Own the mitigation of blocker bugs to enhance call performance, control plane stability, and system Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Survey and develop the comprehensive evaluations Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) features and carrier requirements across modem layers (L1, AS, NAS, IMS).
• Partner cross-functionally with Android software, Pixel Mobile Wireless (PMW), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), carriers, and vendors to resolve cross-boundary modem issues.
• Build automation tools, testing frameworks, and diagnostic workflows to increase team velocity and product quality.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Computer Engineering, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of experience with cellular protocol stack development (e.g., NAS, RRC, PDCP, MAC, PHY).
• 3 years of Experience with 3GPP standards (e.g., LTE, 5G NR, IMS).
• 3 years of experience with C/C++, Python, and embedded software development for microcontrollers or embedded systems.
• 3 years of experience with cellular modem features development, analysis, carrier requirement handling, and mobile device certifications.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science.
• 5 years of experience optimizing 3GPP RRC/Call performance KPIs and driving carrier feature acceptance.
• 5 years of experience developing engineering automations, scripts, or AI agent workflows for protocol log triaging and issue debugging.