Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, AI/Machine Learning, 2026 Start

Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, AI/Machine Learning, 2026 Start

Join to apply for the Software Engineer, PhD, Early Career, AI/Machine Learning, 2026 Start role at Google.

Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; Mountain View, CA, USA; New York, NY, USA; Raleigh, NC, USA; Durham, NC, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA.

Minimum qualifications

• PhD degree in Computer Science, ML/AI, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience coding in Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript or Golang.
• Experience in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence.

Preferred qualifications

• Research experience designing, developing, or applying ML/AI systems or applications in a large-scale distributed environment.
• Experience designing, training, or refining complex ML/AI models.
• Experience in deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow, Jax, or PyTorch.
• Experience building a stack for an AI-powered application, including data ingestion/processing pipelines, APIs, and user-facing interfaces.
• Familiarity with model architectures (CNNs, NLP Transformers, Diffusion/Vision Transformers).
• Availability to start full-time role in 2026.

About The Job

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information. We seek engineers who are versatile, display leadership, and are enthusiastic to tackle new problems across the full stack as we push technology forward. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you grow.

As a PhD graduate, your research expertise is invaluable. You will collaborate with various teams across product areas including AI & Infrastructure, Cloud, YouTube, Search, Ads and more. Our engineering teams include thousands of PhDs who bring deep knowledge and research experience to enhance our systems and products.

Compensation and Benefits

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $141,000-$202,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Your recruiter can share the specific range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Compensation details listed reflect base salary and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate or lead on team projects to design, analyze, and develop advanced ML systems across the stack using your research expertise.
• Support building end-to-end ML systems across the full stack, from hardware acceleration and compiler optimizations to model architecture and production APIs.
• Optimize system performance by identifying and fixing bottlenecks, memory inefficiencies, and production errors to meet customer goals.
• Promote engineering excellence by writing well-tested code, conducting code reviews, and advocating best practices.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. See Google\'s EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you require accommodations, please let us know by completing the Accommodations for Applicants form.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology and Engineering

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