Sensor Technologist, Consumer Hardware

Google • Mountain View, CA

14h • $174,000 - $258,000

About The Position

The Sensors Engineering team leads the research, development, and commercialization of next-generation sensing systems for Google’s Consumer Hardware portfolio. We bridge the gap between novel technologies and mass-market products, taking a systems-level approach to innovation. In this role, you will partner cross-functionally to define the technical strategy, selecting and optimizing sensor modalities that unlock new, transformative user experiences. You will serve as a technical architect for next-generation sensing systems across Google’s Consumer Hardware portfolio, including Phones, Wearables, and future form factors. You will lead the hardware definition and development for novel sensing modalities—ranging from advanced human-computer interaction (input) to high-fidelity biometric monitoring. You will bridge the gap between fundamental research and mass-scale productization. Working in a cross-functional environment, you will partner with Product, UX, Industrial Design, and Silicon teams to define the sensor roadmap, ensuring that our hardware capabilities enable transformative user experiences and differentiate our products in the market. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $174,000-$258,000 + 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.
• 6 years of experience working in hardware sensor development, focusing on sensor architecture, integration, or characterization for consumer electronics or medical devices.
• 3 years of experience in technical leadership.
• Experience leading technical strategy and architecture for shipping products (taking hardware from concept to mass production).
• Experience with multi-physics simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys) or data analysis/signal processing for sensor systems.

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 managing supply chains and custom component manufacturing process transfer.
• Technical expertise in sensing modalities (Capacitive, resistive, inductive, optical (PPG/Spectroscopy), piezoelectric, or inertial sensors), domain application in human physiology (heart rate, SpO2, BP), HCI, or environmental sensing), hardware design (Analog/mixed-signal circuit design, flexible hybrid electronics, or optomechanical integration).
• Proven technical innovation (patents, publications) and leadership defining sensor roadmaps for high-volume consumer products.
• Proficiency in DoE for sensor characterization and analyzing datasets using Python, MATLAB, or JMP.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end hardware architecture of complex sensing systems (e.g., capacitive, optical, inertial), optimizing for signal integrity, power, and latency within constrained form factors.
• Translate ambiguous UX goals and product goals into rigorous hardware specifications; drive high-stakes trade-offs between performance, integration, and manufacturability.
• Define sensor evaluation strategies, overseeing transitions from proofs-of-concept to user studies to ensure robust performance across environments.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and firmware teams to solve integration issues; serve as the technical authority for resolving critical sensor issues through mass production.
• Drive engagement with supply chains and partners to develop custom components and processes that push commercial boundaries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees