Staff Software Engineer, XR Audio Platform and Wakeword
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 20, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 12, 2026. Google scores B on the Alion truth index.
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.
In XR Audio Platform, our mission is to develop a high quality and audio platform for XR Glasses and Headsets that weaves advanced algorithms into a scalable framework to support essential audio input, crisp communication, captivating media and breathtaking immersion.
For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven bybreakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now, AI. Google's XR team is at the forefront of the next major leap - the convergence of AI and XR. This is more than just new devices - it's about reimagining how we interact with the world around us. We're building a future where
lightweight XR devices like smart glasses and headsets pair with helpful AI to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and contextually aware experiences.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.
Responsibilities
- Lead Wakeword development for XR Glasses and Headsets, influencing current and next-generation design and architecture.
- Develop quantitative and qualitative metrics to track wakeword and audio quality and performance and drive measurement and optimizations.
- Lead a direct and cross-functional team of engineers in execution and delivery of their individual components.
- Design and build audio capture Microcontroller Unit (MCU) and framework features that enable low-power Augmented Reality (AR) glasses.
- Deliver software and technical support towards the larger organizational goals.
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 with real-time operating systems.
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 with Android or iOS development.