1

Google Software Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Google Software Engineering information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$72.3K

$168K

$234K

How much do google software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for google software engineering in Seattle, WA is $167,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,600.00 and $197,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Google software engineer do?

Google Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems that power Google's wide range of products and services. Their work involves solving complex technical challenges, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and writing high-quality, efficient code. They contribute to projects such as search algorithms, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and mobile applications, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Software Engineers at Google often participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and continuous improvement processes to deliver innovative solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineers at Google, and how are they typically addressed?

Software engineers at Google often work on large-scale, complex systems that require balancing innovation with maintaining reliability. Common challenges include navigating legacy codebases, collaborating across global teams, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive onboarding programs, strong mentorship structures, and regular technical talks and code reviews. Additionally, Google's emphasis on open communication and structured project management helps engineers collaboratively overcome obstacles and drive impactful results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Google software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Google Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like Java, C++, or Python), a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures, and a relevant computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with distributed systems, version control tools like Git, and cloud platforms such as Google Cloud is important, along with coding interview preparation and, in some cases, technical certifications. Problem-solving ability, collaboration, adaptability, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering scalable solutions, contributing to complex projects, and working effectively in Google's fast-paced, innovative environment.

What is the difference between Google Software Engineering vs Google Software Developer?

AspectGoogle Software EngineeringGoogle Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, coding skills, technical interviewsSimilar credentials, often with coding experience and technical assessments
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project-based, fast-pacedDevelopment-focused, team collaboration, agile methodologies
Employer & Industry UsageGoogle's internal teams, tech industryGoogle's product teams, tech industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Google Software Engineering and Google Software Developer roles share similar educational backgrounds, work environments, and industry usage. Both involve coding, problem-solving, and collaboration within Google's tech teams. The main difference often lies in job titles and specific responsibilities, with 'Software Engineer' typically emphasizing system design and architecture, while 'Software Developer' may focus more on coding and application development.

Does Google still hire software engineers?

Yes, Google continues to hire software engineers for various teams and projects. The company regularly posts job openings requiring skills in programming, data structures, and algorithms, and values candidates with strong technical backgrounds and problem-solving abilities.

Is it hard to get a job at Google as a software engineer?

Getting a software engineering job at Google is competitive and typically requires strong technical skills, including proficiency in algorithms, data structures, and coding in languages like Python or C++. Candidates often go through multiple interview rounds assessing problem-solving, system design, and technical knowledge. Success depends on experience, preparation, and demonstrating the ability to work on complex projects.
Infographic showing various Google Software Engineering job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,980 per year, or $80.8 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Google Cloud Compute, Performance

Google Inc.

Seattle, WA • On-site

$207 - $300/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Staff Software Engineer, Google Cloud Compute, Performance

Google Seattle, WA, USA

Advanced

Experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders;deep expertise in domain.

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • 8 years of experience programming in C++.
  • 5 years of experience building and developing large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or experience with compute technologies, storage, or hardware architecture.
  • Experience with CPU/memory architectures (e.g., x86, ARM) and modern server hardware performance characteristics.
  • Experience as an architect or technical lead for multi-year infrastructure initiatives from conception to global deployment.
  • Experience in one or more of the following domains: OS kernels, hypervisors/virtualization stacks (e.g., KVM, Xen), high-performance networking drivers, storage stacks.
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.
  • Experience collaborating directly with principal engineers at strategic enterprise client organizations to root-cause and resolve complex, large-scale system performance bottlenecks.
  • Understanding of hardware/software boundaries, including performance profiling tools, microarchitectural optimization, and hardware acceleration techniques.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive technical alignment across distinct organizational boundaries, including Product Management, Hardware Engineering, and foundational Software teams.
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.

With your technical expertise you will manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. You will design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance software solutions.

As a Staff Software Engineer on the Google Cloud Compute (GCE) Performance team, you will provide technical leadership and drive the architectural direction for Google Cloud’s foundational Virtual Machine (VM) offerings.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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.

With your technical expertise you will manage project priorities, deadlines, and deliverables. You will design, develop, test, deploy, maintain, and enhance software solutions.

As a Staff Software Engineer on the Google Cloud Compute (GCE) Performance team, you will provide technical leadership and drive the architectural direction for Google Cloud’s foundational Virtual Machine (VM) offerings.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

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 .

  • Partner with Product Management and cross-functional engineering teams to define the roadmap for GCE’s next-generation VM offerings, translating high-level business goals into concrete technical execution plans.
  • Design, architect, and develop scalable technical solutions that optimize VM performance, push the boundaries of hardware efficiency, and maximize infrastructure utilization.
  • Lead complex, multi-functional initiatives across hardware, kernel, virtualization, and product teams to drive critical GCE performance initiatives from conception to production.
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to GCE’s most critical, high-profile customers. Analyze, benchmark, and optimize their massive-scale workloads to ensure performance exceeds expectations and unlocks business value.
  • Shape the technical culture of the broader organization by mentoring junior and senior engineers, conducting design reviews, and establishing engineering best practices for performance analysis.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Google employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom