Staff Software Engineer, Photos Create

Google•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$207,000 - $300,000

About The Position

Google’s software engineers develop next-generation technologies that help billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information. Engineers work on projects critical to Google, with opportunities to move between teams and projects as the business evolves, and are expected to bring versatility, leadership, and enthusiasm for solving problems across the full stack. The Google Photos Create team aims to give users simple tools for creative expression. It brings Google’s generative media technologies to Google Photos and builds experiences that help its 1.5 billion users create shareable assets and bring out the best in their content. The team has launched features including the Create Tab, Conversational Editing, Video Remix, and Face Touchups. The role involves taking ownership of complex, ambiguous technical problems; contributing to code and system design; guiding investment and execution; and helping prove out generative media features and technology in the product. The position offers US pay of $207,000–$300,000, a 20% bonus target, equity, and benefits. Individual pay depends on factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
8 years of experience in software development (e.g., Java or C++) with software design and architecture.
5 years of experience testing and launching software products.
5 years of experience building large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems, or networks.
5 years of experience leading technical strategy.
Experience integrating generative AI tools or LLM interfaces into workflows.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
3 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross-functional or cross-business projects.
Experience launching ML-enabled product features to consumers.

Responsibilities

Take personal ownership of complex, ambiguous problems, clarifying and solving them through technical leadership.
Contribute to the codebase and system design, setting a high bar for technical excellence and scalable execution.
Steer short- and long-term investments to deliver at a rapid industry pace.
Balance influence with initiative to prove out new Generative Media features and technology in the product.
Work efficiently across teams and cross-functionally with product managers (PM) and program managers (PgM).