Senior Hardware Development Engineer, Pixel Optics

Google • Mountain View, CA

9h • $159,000 - $231,000

About The Position

Join the Pixel Optics metrology team as a Senior Engineer and take a leading role in shaping the future of imaging and sensing in Pixel products. We are seeking an experienced and versatile engineer with a track record of bridging the hardware, software, and mechanical domains. In this role, you will own and drive the development of critical test fixtures and compelling technology demonstrations, influencing the integration and validation of optical systems. You will be expected to lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the team's technical roadmap. You will leverage your technical experience across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver exceptional user experiences and solve ambiguous problems. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $159,000-$231,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
• 4 years of experience working in a hardware development, including designing, building, and testing mechanical fixtures, prototypes, optical, or electro-mechanical systems technical environment.
• Experience in Python programming for automation, instrument control, data analysis, and software architecture.
• Experience with leading technical projects and collaborating with executive cross-functional engineering teams to deliver on goals and timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP).
• Experience with optical systems, cameras, sensors, or display technologies, including system-level understanding.
• Experience in Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) systems development.
• Experience in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, NX) and advanced manufacturing/prototyping techniques.
• Experience in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, or related algorithms.
• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools and techniques to optimize engineering design, accelerate development cycles, or gain deeper insights from data.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of mechanical fixtures and mechatronic systems for optical component/system characterization, validation, and technology demonstrations, from concept to production.
• Drive technical decisions and collaboration across Optical, Electrical, Software, and Product Design teams to define system requirements, ensure seamless integration, and resolve issues.
• Architect, develop, and maintain scalable Python-based software frameworks and tools for test automation, instrument control, data acquisition, and advanced analysis.
• Own the end-to-end creation and execution of high-impact technology demonstrations, effectively showcasing novel optical capabilities and potential user benefits to key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for significant improvements in lab infrastructure, testing methodologies, and cross-functional workflows; lead initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and a data-driven culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level