Staff Hardware Engineer, Electrical, XR Hardware at Google in San Jose, CA, USA
- Company: Google
- Location: San Jose, CA, USA
- Posted: Sep 18, 2026
- Type: Full-time
- Salary: $188000 - $274000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits
- Experience: 6+ years
- Visa sponsorship available
Overview
The XR Hardware Engineering organization builds hardware platforms enabling spatial computing, augmented reality (AR) glasses, and virtual/mixed reality headsets. We solve complex multi-physics and electro-mechanical issues to deliver lightweight, wearable consumer devices that seamlessly integrate …
Job description
- The XR Hardware Engineering organization builds hardware platforms enabling spatial computing, augmented reality (AR) glasses, and virtual/mixed reality headsets. We solve complex multi-physics and electro-mechanical issues to deliver lightweight, wearable consumer devices that seamlessly integrate spatial audio, display optics, eye/head tracking, high-performance silicon, and wireless connectivity.
- As a Staff Hardware Electrical Engineer, you will define and drive the electrical architecture for cutting-edge XR hardware products from early concepts through mass production. You will lead cross-functional technical alignment across Silicon, Product Design (Mechanical), Display/Optics, Firmware, and System Integration teams
- You will operate with technical autonomy, resolving ambiguity, architect subsystem interconnects, setting engineering standards, and mentoring junior and mid-level engineers.
- For decades, the computing revolution has reshaped our world driven by
- breakthroughs in compute, connectivity, mobile, and now, AI. Google's XR
- team is at the forefront of the next major leap – the convergence of AI and
- XR. This is more than just new devices – it's about reimagining how we
- interact with the world around us. We're building a future where
- lightweight XR devices like smart glasses and headsets pair with helpful AI
- to augment human intelligence, offering personalized, conversational, and
- contextually aware experiences.
Responsibilities
- Define system-level electrical architecture, block diagrams, component selection, schematics, and HDI/rigid-flex PCB stackups for compact, battery-powered XR devices.
- Design and optimize power distribution networks (PMICs, DC-DC converters, battery management) and high-speed interfaces (MIPI CSI/DSI, PCIe, USB-C, LPDDR) to meet strict power, thermal, and signal/power integrity (SI/PI) limits.
- Integrate custom and commercial silicon, display optics drivers (micro-OLED/MicroLED), camera/sensor suites (IMUs, eye-tracking, environment perception), and wireless coexistence (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, UWB).
- Lead board bring-up, lab characterization, failure analysis, and hardware debugging across prototype builds (EVT, DVT, PVT) using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and RF test equipment.
- Guide junior engineers, author comprehensive design specifications and test plans, and establish robust hardware design review processes across the organization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 6 years of experience working in an electrical hardware development or consumer electronics environment.
- 3 years of experience in technical leadership, managing architecture decisions, and leading hardware design projects.
- Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience integrating spatial sensing pipelines (time-of-flight, global shutter cameras, eye-tracking) and display modules.
- Expertise in rigid-flex and HDI PCB layout, impedance control, EMC or EMI mitigation, and RF coexistence.
- Deep understanding of thermal management, battery life optimization, and ultra-miniaturized form-factor design.
- Demonstrated capability to align cross-functional priorities across Silicon architects, Mechanical/Optical engineers, and Firmware developers.
- Proven track record delivering high-volume, compact consumer electronics, smart wearables, AI glasses, or AR/VR headsets to mass production.
Skills
Required
- Electrical engineering
- Hardware development
- Consumer electronics
- Technical leadership
- Architecture decisions
- Hardware design projects
Preferred
- Display modules
- Rigid-flex and HDI PCB layout
- Impedance control
- EMC or EMI mitigation
- RF coexistence
- Thermal management
- Battery life optimization
- Ultra-miniaturized form-factor design
Benefits
- Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
- US: $188000 - $274000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits
- Learn more about benefits at Google.