Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, 2026

About the role

Google seeks a PhD Software Engineer to join their AI and Infrastructure (AI2) team. The role involves designing and implementing large-scale distributed systems, applying specialized research expertise in areas like AI/ML, networking, and data storage. Responsibilities include defining technical goals, developing scalable systems, and resolving complex technical issues. The position requires a PhD in Computer Science or a related field, experience in software development, and proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, or Golang. Preferred qualifications include expertise in algorithms, architecture, and AI, as well as a track record of publishing peer-reviewed articles. The role offers opportunities to work on innovative projects and collaborate with a versatile team.

What you’ll do

• Define and drive technical goals for next-generation distributed systems
• Design, develop, and implement scalable, reliable, and high-performance large-scale distributed systems
• Apply specialized research expertise to the design, analysis, and development of complex systems across the stack
• Investigate, diagnose, and resolve technical issues by analyzing root causes and impact
• Write and review code, ensuring adherence to best practices in style, accuracy, testability, and efficiency

What you’ll bring

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience in software development, focusing on large-scale distributed systems, AI/ML, networking, data storage, or security
• Experience in architecture or development of distributed systems, including concurrency, multi-threading, or synchronization
• Experience in algorithms, complexity analysis, and system design
• Proficiency in coding with C, C++, Python, Java, or Golang

Nice to have

• Experience in algorithms, architecture, AI, compilers, databases, data mining, distributed systems, machine learning, networking, or general systems
• Expertise in designing and implementing complex systems for production or experimental use
• Proficiency in performance analysis or systems data analysis
• Track record of publishing peer-reviewed articles in prestigious conferences or journals
• Availability to start full-time in 2026
• Exceptional engineering capabilities

Skills

Education

PhD