Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware – Google – Waterloo, ON
Waterloo’s tech scene has a new standout opportunity: Google is hiring a Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware to join its Augmented Reality team in Waterloo, Ontario. This is a senior-level role sitting at the intersection of hardware and software, where you’ll shape how the next generation of wearable computing comes to life — from the bootloader up.
This isn’t a purely heads-down coding role. You’ll be leading a team of embedded developers, defining multi-quarter technical roadmaps, and partnering with Hardware, Product, and UX leads to align software outcomes with broader XR organizational goals. At the same time, you’ll remain a hands-on technical contributor — writing critical-path code, reviewing designs, and driving data-driven platform optimizations.
About the Role: Staff Software Developer, Embedded Systems/Firmware
As a Staff Software Developer on the Augmented Reality team, you’ll own the embedded software foundation for next-generation Glasses hardware. You’ll lead the bring-up of multiprocessor MCU and SoC-based hardware reference platforms, own end-to-end delivery measured through system stability milestones, and develop and maintain bootloaders, hardware abstraction layers (HALs), and drivers for components like chargers, fuel gauges, touchpads, and environmental sensors.
Beyond technical execution, you’ll be expected to “reduce chaos” — clarifying technical direction, influencing platform architecture, and balancing deep individual contributions with the growth and career development of your embedded development team. Psychological safety, technical excellence, and continuous growth are core pillars of the culture you’ll help build.
Benefits and Salary
This role offers a competitive compensation package of $216,000 – $221,000 CAD per year, plus a 20% bonus target, equity, and a full suite of benefits. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. For more details on what Google offers, visit Google’s benefits page.
Job Details
🏢 Company: Google
📍 Location: Waterloo, ON, Canada
💰 Pay: $216,000 – $221,000 CAD/year + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits
Responsibilities
In this role, you’ll operate at both the strategic and tactical level — defining the technical direction for the Glasses platform while rolling up your sleeves to write and review code. The responsibilities below span team leadership, architecture, and hands-on embedded development, reflecting the breadth expected of a Staff-level engineer at Google.
- Define multi-quarter technical roadmaps and partner with cross-functional leads across Hardware, Product, and UX to align software outcomes with broader XR organizational goals
- 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 including chargers, fuel gauges, touchpads, and environmental sensors
- Manage a team of embedded developers, fostering a culture of psychological safety, technical excellence, and continuous growth
- Contribute individually by creating and reviewing designs, writing critical-path code, and executing data-driven platform optimizations
- Clarify technical direction to reduce ambiguity and actively influence the architecture of the Glasses platform
- Balance deep technical contributions with the career development and growth of your developers
Requirements / Skills
Google is looking for a candidate who combines deep embedded systems expertise with genuine people leadership experience. You should be comfortable moving between influencing architecture at a high level and writing production-quality firmware — and equally comfortable coaching a developer as you are debugging a HAL driver.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience in a relevant technical field
- 8+ years of software development experience, with a strong embedded systems focus
- 3+ years working with embedded operating systems in a hands-on capacity
- 3+ years in a technical leadership role, influencing architecture and technical direction
- 2+ years in people management or team leadership, directly supporting developer growth
- Proficiency in C or C++ for resource-constrained, performance-critical environments (preferred)
- Knowledge of Android platform development or MCU RTOS systems (preferred)
- Excellent problem-solving and project management skills with the ability to drive results across cross-functional teams
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official Google job posting using the link below. Make sure your resume is up to date and reflects 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 team leadership, and firmware architecture. On your resume, emphasize any experience with bootloaders, HALs, MCU/SoC bring-up, and RTOS environments, attention to detail, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. If you’ve previously worked in wearable technology, AR/VR hardware, or Android embedded development, 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 operating systems, hardware abstraction layer, and multiprocessor SoC that appear in the posting. Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “led bring-up of 3 hardware reference platforms” or “managed a team of 6 embedded developers across 4 product cycles”). Write a brief cover letter expressing your genuine interest in Google‘s Augmented Reality work and why you’re excited about this opportunity 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, recent XR announcements, and engineering culture beforehand. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your embedded systems leadership and firmware development skills. Common questions may include scenarios about hardware bring-up challenges, cross-functional collaboration, performance-critical code decisions, and managing technical teams under deadline pressure. Dress appropriately for a technology environment, arrive 10–15 minutes early, and bring copies of your resume. Prepare thoughtful questions about the Glasses platform roadmap, team structure, and growth opportunities. After the interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours reiterating your interest in the position.
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