Staff Software Developer, Android XR - Google, Waterloo

AI Summary

Google is seeking a Staff Software Developer for Android XR System Apps in Waterloo, ON. This developer role involves designing and developing next-generation user interfaces for XR devices, setting technical direction for various mobile and XR apps, and providing technical mentorship. Key requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent, 8 years of software development experience in Kotlin, Java, or Swift, and 5 years in iOS or Android application development.

About the Role at Google

As a Staff Software Developer at Google, you will join a team of innovative software engineers dedicated to developing next-generation technologies that redefine how billions of users interact with information and one another. This pivotal role focuses on the design and development of cutting-edge user interfaces for XR devices, including smart glasses and headsets. You will be instrumental in setting the technical direction for multiple critical applications, such as device companion apps for mobile phones, out-of-box experiences, tutorials, and settings. This involves a deep technical understanding to prototype, build, and launch new user experiences that leverage emerging technologies like spatial interactions and AI-powered multi-modal conversational interfaces. Your development experience will directly contribute to reimagining how users set up, learn about, and optimise the comfort and usability of their XR devices, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the mobile and extended reality space. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned developer to make a significant impact on future computing paradigms.

Key Responsibilities and Technical Leadership

This Staff Software Developer position requires a strong technical leader who can contribute significantly to technical roadmaps by proposing high-value projects and validating product management direction. You will be responsible for designing, guiding, and vetting system designs across various mobile and XR apps, writing robust product or system development code to solve complex, ambiguous problems. A crucial part of this role involves ensuring product launches are delivered on schedule and with a high degree of quality, building for testability, and assisting with intricate issue triage. Furthermore, you will empower the development team to create delightful and OEM-extensible experiences through comprehensive technical mentorship and architectural oversight. This includes providing essential documentation, reference code, and direct support for OEM partner integrations. Your experience will also be vital in supporting user experience teams by enabling rapid prototyping and offering expert developer feasibility analysis for new designs, ensuring a seamless and innovative software development lifecycle.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates for this Staff Software Developer role must possess a bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience, coupled with a minimum of eight years of software development experience using Kotlin, Java, or Swift. Additionally, five years of dedicated experience in iOS or Android application development is essential. Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree or PhD in a related technical field, along with at least three years of experience in a technical leadership capacity, guiding project teams and establishing technical direction. Ideal applicants will also have three years of experience navigating complex, matrixed organizations, working on cross-functional or cross-business projects. Valuable experience in mobile app development, spatial app or 3D game development, performance optimisation, or software architecture within the mobile space, particularly related to the Android SDK, is highly sought after. Prior experience delivering mobile applications built with reactive frameworks such as Jetpack Compose, React, or Swift UI, and a proven track record in developing user interfaces, will further strengthen an application for this advanced developer position.