Staff Software Engineer, Messages

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.

Are you ready to help shape the next evolution of global communication? We are looking for a visionary, performance-obsessed software engineer to join our team and supercharge the RCS (Rich Communication Services) experience for billions of users worldwide.

SMS is history, and standard messaging is getting a massive upgrade. RCS is transforming the default texting experience into a vibrant, secure, and feature-rich medium. We are bridging the gap between carriers, operating systems, and devices to deliver a truly next-gen communication standard.

US: $207000 - $300000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Profile, debug, and enhance our RCS protocol stack and client-side architecture to achieve maximum throughput and minimal latency.
• Design robust systems capable of handling massive concurrency while maintaining seamless interoperability across global networks.
• Architect and optimize seamless, high-definition video experiences that flow effortlessly across Android, iOS, and device ecosystems.
• Power high-res image sharing, live typing indicators, read receipts, and interactive business messaging at unprecedented scale.
• Drive deep-level optimizations to ensure lightning-fast message delivery, minimal latency, ultra-low battery consumption, and rock-solid reliability under peak global traffic.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8 years of experience in software development in mobile systems, network protocols (SIP/IMS/RCS standards), or high-performance application engineering.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
• 5 years of experience with full stack development, across back-end such as Java, Python, Golang, or C++ codebases, and front-end experience including JavaScript or TypeScript, HTML, CSS or equivalent.
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience integrating generative AI tools or LLM interfaces into workflows.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Experience with real-time communication technologies.
• Knowledge of security protocols such as DTLS, MLS, and experience with End-to-End Encryption.
• Experience building distributed systems and backend services, and familiarity with gRPC and Protocol Buffers.
• Understanding of telecommunication standards like SIP and MSRP.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.