Software Developer III, Chrome Desktop Growth – Google – Waterloo, ON
Google’s Chrome Desktop Growth team is hiring a Software Developer III based in Waterloo, Ontario. This is a hands-on engineering role where you’ll help shape the browser experience for billions of users worldwide — working across C++, web technologies, and the open-source Chromium project.
Day-to-day, you’ll be building and refining the core features that make Chrome the browser people come back to — think tab strips, tab groups, toolbars, side panels, bookmarks, and other productivity tools. You’ll run experiments, analyse results, and collaborate closely with UX experts to deliver seamless, user-centric experiences on desktop platforms.
About the Role: Software Developer III, Chrome Desktop Growth
As part of the Chrome Desktop Growth team, you will design, build, and maintain foundational browser features that simplify complex tasks and reduce friction for users across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. Your code will directly influence how hundreds of millions of people interact with the web every single day. This is a high-impact position that sits at the intersection of performance engineering, UX refinement, and data-driven product development.
You’ll contribute to Chrome as an open-source project, meaning your work reaches developers and users across the globe. Google expects its engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities, and be eager to take on new problems across the full stack as the business grows and evolves.
Benefits and Salary
This role offers a salary range of $150,000 – $153,000 CAD per year, plus a 15% bonus target, equity, and a comprehensive Google benefits package. Full details on Google’s benefits programme are available on the Google careers site.
Job Details
🏢 Company: Google
📍 Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
💰 Pay: $150,000 – $153,000 CAD/year + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits
Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll be contributing to one of the world’s most widely used software products. Your work spans feature development, code quality, and cross-functional collaboration — everything from writing production-grade C++ to running A/B experiments that inform product direction.
- Develop new features and enhance existing ones in Chrome Desktop, working primarily in C++ and web technologies (HTML, CSS, TS/JS)
- Contribute to the open-source Chromium project, interacting with developers and users across the globe
- Implement new features for Chrome Desktop in collaboration with your team
- Write high-quality code that meets Chrome’s standards for performance and reliability
- Partner closely with UX experts to refine feature designs and create seamless user interactions
- Run experiments and analyse results to make data-driven decisions on product development
- Design, build, and maintain foundational features such as the tab strip, tab groups, toolbar, side panel, and bookmarks
Requirements / Skills
Google is looking for engineers who bring fresh thinking and technical rigour to complex, large-scale problems. The ideal candidate has solid C++ programming experience, a strong grasp of software development fundamentals, and a genuine enthusiasm for working on products that shape how people use the web.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
- 2 years of experience programming in C++
- 2 years of experience with software development in one or more programming languages, or 1 year with an advanced degree
- Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field (preferred)
- 2 years of experience with data structures and algorithms (preferred)
- Experience in web or desktop application development, including full-stack development (preferred)
- Experience developing accessible technologies (preferred)
- Experience contributing to an open-source project (preferred)
- Experience with web browsers (preferred)
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official Google Careers job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to the technical requirements before submitting.
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Job Summary & Tips for Applying
Quick Summary & What to Highlight: This Software Developer III role at Google in Waterloo is perfect for candidates who excel in C++ programming, web technologies, and data-driven product development. On your resume, emphasize any experience with Chrome, Chromium, or other open-source browser projects, attention to code quality and performance, and your ability to work in a fast-paced, large-scale engineering environment. If you’ve previously worked in desktop or web application development, make sure to highlight specific features or systems you shipped and the measurable impact they had.
Resume & Application Tips: Before applying, tailor your resume to match the job description. Include keywords like C++, Chromium, and full-stack development that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “reduced page load time by 15%” or “contributed 20+ patches to an open-source project”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your genuine interest in Google and why you’re excited about the Chrome Desktop Growth team in Waterloo. Double-check your application for spelling errors and ensure your contact information is current.
Interview Preparation: If selected for an interview, research Google‘s engineering culture, Chrome’s product roadmap, and recent Chromium project news beforehand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your C++ expertise, algorithm design, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Common questions may include scenarios about debugging complex systems, optimising performance, or contributing to open-source codebases. Dress appropriately for a software engineering environment, arrive (or join virtually) 10–15 minutes early, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the Chrome team’s roadmap, engineering standards, and growth opportunities. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.
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