Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware – Google – Waterloo, ON
At the forefront of wearable and augmented reality computing, Google is hiring a Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware to join its team in Waterloo, Ontario. This is a senior technical leadership role that places you at the intersection of hardware and software — shaping how the next generation of wearable computing platforms comes to life.
As part of the Google Augmented Reality team, you’ll lead a group of embedded developers and tackle complex challenges on resource-constrained, multi-processor Android and MCU-based platforms. This role blends deep technical contribution with people leadership, and offers a chance to influence the architecture of the Glasses platform at a global scale.
About the Role: Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware
You’ll sit at the heart of Google’s XR (Extended Reality) hardware development, defining multi-quarter technical roadmaps and partnering with cross-functional teams across Hardware, Product, and UX. Your work will directly shape the stability and performance of next-generation wearable devices, owning end-to-end delivery from hardware bring-up to system stability milestones.
Beyond your individual technical contributions, you’ll be responsible for managing and mentoring a team of embedded developers, cultivating a culture of psychological safety, technical excellence, and continuous growth. You’ll write and review critical-path code, guide architectural decisions, and drive data-informed platform optimizations — all while helping your team members advance in their careers.
Benefits and Salary
This role offers a competitive compensation package. The salary range for Canada is $216,000 – $221,000 CAD, plus a 20% bonus target, equity (GSU grants), and a comprehensive benefits package. Google’s benefits are well known for their depth, and you can explore the full details on Google’s benefits page. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Job Details
📌 Job Type: Full-Time
🏢 Company: Google
📍 Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
💰 Pay: $216,000 – $221,000 CAD + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits
Responsibilities
This role demands a rare combination of hands-on technical depth and strategic leadership. You’ll be expected to both drive the technical direction of the embedded platform and actively develop the engineers around you. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll own day-to-day.
- Define multi-quarter technical roadmaps and align software outcomes with broader XR organizational goals in partnership with Hardware, Product, and UX leads
- Lead the bring-up of multiprocessor MCU and SoC-based hardware reference platforms, owning end-to-end delivery measured through system stability milestones
- Develop and maintain bootloaders, hardware abstraction layers (HALs), and drivers for core components such as chargers, fuel gauges, touchpads, and environmental sensors
- Manage a team of embedded developers, fostering a strong culture of psychological safety, technical excellence, and continuous professional growth
- Contribute individually by creating and reviewing designs, writing critical-path code, and executing data-driven platform optimizations
- Clarify technical direction and influence the architecture of the Glasses platform to reduce ambiguity and drive alignment across teams
Requirements / Skills
Google is looking for a seasoned technical leader who can operate at the staff level — someone equally comfortable writing firmware code as they are mentoring engineers and influencing product strategy. Strong communication skills and the ability to work across cross-functional teams are just as important as technical depth in this role.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience
- 8+ years of experience in software development
- 3+ years of experience with embedded operating systems
- 3+ years in a technical leadership role, guiding engineering direction and architecture decisions
- 2+ years in people management or team leadership, with a track record of developing engineers
- Proficiency in C or C++ (preferred), with knowledge of Android platform development or MCU RTOS systems
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to drive results under deadline
- A Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field is an asset
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official Google Careers posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and tailored to highlight your embedded systems and leadership experience before submitting.
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Job Summary & Tips for Applying
Quick Summary & What to Highlight: This Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware role at Google in Waterloo is perfect for candidates who excel in embedded systems development, technical leadership, and people management. On your resume, emphasize any experience with MCU/RTOS platforms, Android firmware, or bootloader development, your ability to lead cross-functional teams, and your track record of delivering complex software projects on time. If you’ve previously worked on wearable devices, AR/VR hardware, or resource-constrained embedded platforms, make sure to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities that align with this position.
Resume & Application Tips: Before applying, tailor your resume to match the job description. Include keywords like embedded systems, hardware abstraction layer (HAL), and MCU/RTOS that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “led a team of 6 embedded engineers” or “reduced system boot time by 30% through firmware optimization”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your genuine interest in Google‘s Augmented Reality team and why you’re the right fit for this staff-level role 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 Augmented Reality initiatives, the Glasses platform, and the company’s broader XR strategy beforehand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your technical leadership, embedded software expertise, and team development skills. Common questions may include scenarios about managing competing technical priorities, navigating hardware-software trade-offs, and developing engineers. Dress appropriately for a technology environment, be prepared for in-person interviews as required, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the Glasses platform roadmap, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.