Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware – Google, Waterloo, ON
Location: Waterloo, ON | Company: Google
Google is hiring a Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware in Waterloo, Ontario. This senior engineering and team leadership role focuses on the intersection of hardware and software for next-generation wearable and augmented reality computing platforms.
The successful candidate will lead a team of embedded developers while remaining deeply involved in technical architecture, critical-path development and optimization. The role includes work across Android, MCU-based systems, multiprocessor hardware platforms, bootloaders, hardware abstraction layers and device drivers.
About This Embedded Systems Role
The Staff Software Developer will work within Google’s Augmented Reality organization and help define how future wearable computing platforms are designed and brought to life. The position combines technical leadership, embedded software development and people management.
The role involves solving complex engineering challenges on resource-constrained, multiprocessor Android and microcontroller platforms while influencing the long-term architecture of the Glasses platform. The successful candidate will also help establish clear technical direction and support the professional development of other engineers.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The position combines embedded systems engineering, architecture, technical leadership and team management across Google’s immersive computing organization.
Technical Roadmaps
Define multi-quarter technical roadmaps and collaborate with Hardware, Product and UX leaders to align software development with broader XR organizational goals.
Hardware Bring-Up
Lead the bring-up of multiprocessor MCU and System-on-Chip hardware reference platforms and own delivery through system stability milestones.
Embedded Software
Lead development and maintenance of bootloaders, hardware abstraction layers and drivers for components including chargers, fuel gauges, touchpads and environmental sensors.
Engineering Leadership
Provide technical direction across complex embedded systems projects and influence architecture and implementation decisions across teams.
People Leadership
Manage and develop a team of embedded engineers while encouraging technical excellence, continuous growth and effective collaboration.
Hands-On Development
Continue making individual technical contributions through design reviews, critical-path coding and data-driven platform optimization.
Embedded Systems and Wearable Computing
This position sits directly between hardware and software development. Candidates will work with resource-constrained platforms that combine Android-based systems, microcontrollers and multiprocessor architectures.
Experience with C or C++, Android platform development and MCU real-time operating systems can be particularly valuable. The role also requires the ability to work across hardware, product, UX and engineering teams while balancing immediate delivery needs with longer-term platform architecture.
Skills That May Help Candidates Succeed
This opportunity may suit a senior embedded systems engineer who combines deep technical expertise with team leadership, architecture experience and the ability to drive complex engineering programs.
Extensive software development experience with embedded operating systems and resource-constrained hardware environments.
Strong proficiency in low-level programming languages commonly used for firmware, drivers and embedded platform development.
Experience defining technical direction, reviewing designs, solving difficult engineering problems and guiding other developers.
The ability to lead engineering teams, support career development and build a culture focused on technical quality and continuous improvement.
Strong communication and project management skills for working effectively with hardware, product, UX and other engineering organizations.
Qualifications, Compensation and Benefits
Google requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience, at least eight years of software development experience, three years working with embedded operating systems, three years in a technical leadership role and two years of people management or team leadership experience.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field, proficiency in C or C++, knowledge of Android platform development or MCU real-time operating systems and strong communication, problem-solving and project management abilities.
Google lists a Canadian base salary range of $216,000 to $222,000 CAD per year, plus a 20% target bonus, equity and benefits. Individual compensation may vary based on job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Google Careers website. Application materials should highlight embedded systems development, firmware engineering, Android or MCU experience, technical leadership and previous responsibility for managing or leading engineering teams.
The official posting identifies this as an existing vacancy but does not provide a specific application deadline. Candidates should apply while the position remains active. Joblyz does not collect applications or participate in Google’s hiring decisions.