Staff Engineer Jobs at Google with Visa Sponsorship
Staff Engineer jobs at Google involve leading complex, cross-functional technical work across infrastructure, AI, and product platforms. The company has a well-established sponsorship process for engineering roles, working with immigration counsel to support H-1B visa, H-1B1 visa, and E-3 visa candidates through the full filing process.
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Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. 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 and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is the industry standard for container orchestration and the core of Google Cloud’s modernization strategy. We are now embarking on a mission to reinvent GKE and Kubernetes as the premier substrate for the next generation of AI-ML workloads. The GKE AI Data organization is a critical, high-growth technical domain core to GKE’s business. The team is deeply involved in building storage solutions and data pipelines for the AI-ML workloads including training, inference, RL and agentic workflows.
In this role, you will solve complex storage problems through solutions working at the intersection of K8s (kubernetes), AI-ML and Storage. You will drive the agenda in close collaboration with leads across other storage organizations inside Google and in Open Source.
The Google Cloud AI Research team addresses AI challenges motivated by Google Cloud’s mission of bringing AI to tech, healthcare, finance, retail and many other industries. We work on a range of unique problems focused on research topics that maximize scientific and real-world impact, aiming to push the state-of-the-art in AI and share findings with the broader research community. We also collaborate with product teams to bring innovations to real-world impact that benefits our customers. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Responsibilities
- Guide the architectural direction for GKE AI Data ensuring a scalable, performant and efficient storage solution for AI-ML workloads running on K8s across block, file and object storage.
- Drive storage solutions for evolving AI/ML issues, including KV Caching, fast model loading, and re-envisioning storage for agentic workloads (e.g., fast suspend/resume and shared multi-agent storage).
- Partner with multiple storage teams in google cloud platform (GCP) to drive alignment and clarity around strategy and execution.
- Lead the broader Kubernetes ecosystem and Open Source Software (OSS) community, driving key upstream initiatives to establish industry standards for storage solutions.
- Imagine, architect, and lead the technical execution of industry-defining standards through both direct, technical work and by mentoring and guiding teams of engineers.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 8 years of experience programming in C++.
- 5 years of experience with design and architecture; and testing/launching software products.
Preferred qualifications:
- Deep expertise in AI/ML infrastructure, specifically regarding storage and caching solutions.
- Demonstrated track record of significant technical contributions to the Kubernetes open-source project or related CNCF or PyTorch AI/ML projects.
- Demonstrated track record of influencing cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) to deliver complex technical outcomes.
Compensation
- Salary Range: $262000 - $364000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits
Benefits
In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:
- Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
- Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
- Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability + Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
- Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
- Holidays: 13 paid days per year
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Seattle, WA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.
About the job
Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. 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 and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is the industry standard for container orchestration and the core of Google Cloud’s modernization strategy. We are now embarking on a mission to reinvent GKE and Kubernetes as the premier substrate for the next generation of AI-ML workloads. The GKE AI Data organization is a critical, high-growth technical domain core to GKE’s business. The team is deeply involved in building storage solutions and data pipelines for the AI-ML workloads including training, inference, RL and agentic workflows.
In this role, you will solve complex storage problems through solutions working at the intersection of K8s (kubernetes), AI-ML and Storage. You will drive the agenda in close collaboration with leads across other storage organizations inside Google and in Open Source.
The Google Cloud AI Research team addresses AI challenges motivated by Google Cloud’s mission of bringing AI to tech, healthcare, finance, retail and many other industries. We work on a range of unique problems focused on research topics that maximize scientific and real-world impact, aiming to push the state-of-the-art in AI and share findings with the broader research community. We also collaborate with product teams to bring innovations to real-world impact that benefits our customers. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Responsibilities
- Guide the architectural direction for GKE AI Data ensuring a scalable, performant and efficient storage solution for AI-ML workloads running on K8s across block, file and object storage.
- Drive storage solutions for evolving AI/ML issues, including KV Caching, fast model loading, and re-envisioning storage for agentic workloads (e.g., fast suspend/resume and shared multi-agent storage).
- Partner with multiple storage teams in google cloud platform (GCP) to drive alignment and clarity around strategy and execution.
- Lead the broader Kubernetes ecosystem and Open Source Software (OSS) community, driving key upstream initiatives to establish industry standards for storage solutions.
- Imagine, architect, and lead the technical execution of industry-defining standards through both direct, technical work and by mentoring and guiding teams of engineers.
Minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
- 8 years of experience programming in C++.
- 5 years of experience with design and architecture; and testing/launching software products.
Preferred qualifications:
- Deep expertise in AI/ML infrastructure, specifically regarding storage and caching solutions.
- Demonstrated track record of significant technical contributions to the Kubernetes open-source project or related CNCF or PyTorch AI/ML projects.
- Demonstrated track record of influencing cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) to deliver complex technical outcomes.
Compensation
- Salary Range: $262000 - $364000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits
Benefits
In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:
- Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
- Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
- Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability + Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
- Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
- Holidays: 13 paid days per year
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Seattle, WA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA.
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.
See all 76+ Staff Engineer Jobs at Google
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Staff Engineer Jobs at Google.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Staff Engineer Jobs at Google
Align your experience to Staff-level scope
Google's Staff Engineer bar requires demonstrated technical leadership across multiple teams or systems, not just individual contributor depth. Frame your resume around org-wide impact, technical direction, and cross-functional influence before you apply.
Target teams with active sponsorship patterns
Google's infrastructure, machine learning, and cloud divisions consistently file for engineering roles. Search DOL's LCA disclosure data to identify which internal Google orgs are actively filing Labor Condition Applications for your target job title.
Clarify your visa type before the offer stage
Australian citizens can request E-3 sponsorship instead of entering the H-1B lottery. Raise this with your recruiter early since Google's immigration team handles each visa type through a different filing path, and timing affects your start date.
Prepare your credentials for specialty occupation review
USCIS scrutinizes whether Staff Engineer roles meet specialty occupation requirements. Gather degree transcripts, any credential evaluations for non-U.S. degrees, and documentation showing your specific role requires a relevant bachelor's degree or higher.
Use Migrate Mate to filter open Staff Engineer roles by visa type
Not every open Google role is tied to an active sponsorship pathway. Use Migrate Mate to filter Staff Engineer listings at Google by the visa type you need, so you're targeting roles where sponsorship is already confirmed.
Understand Google's H-1B lottery timing and cap-exempt options
If you need H-1B sponsorship, USCIS registration opens in March for an October 1 start. If you're already on OPT STEM extension, you can start before lottery selection and transfer status later, which gives you more flexibility on a Google offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google sponsor H-1B visas for Staff Engineers?
Yes, Google sponsors H-1B visas for Staff Engineers and has one of the most active engineering sponsorship programs in the technology sector. Google's in-house immigration team manages the H-1B petition process, including premium processing in many cases. Your offer letter will confirm sponsorship eligibility, and Google's counsel handles USCIS filing directly.
Which visa types does Google sponsor for Staff Engineer roles?
Google sponsors H-1B, H-1B1 visa, and E-3 visas for Staff Engineers. H-1B is the most common path for non-Australian, non-Chilean and non-Singaporean nationals. Australian citizens qualify for the E-3, which has no lottery and renews in two-year increments. Chilean and Singaporean citizens may qualify for the H-1B1. Each type has a separate filing process handled by Google's immigration counsel.
How do I apply for Staff Engineer jobs at Google?
You can browse open Staff Engineer roles at Google through Migrate Mate, which filters listings by visa sponsorship type so you can confirm eligibility before applying. Google's hiring process for Staff Engineers typically involves a recruiter screen, technical phone interviews, and a full loop of four to six rounds covering systems design, coding, and leadership. Tailor your application to reflect cross-team technical impact, not just individual coding ability.
What qualifications does Google expect for Staff Engineer roles?
Google's Staff Engineer level requires a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field, which also satisfies USCIS specialty occupation requirements for H-1B sponsorship. Beyond credentials, Google expects candidates to demonstrate technical leadership at scope, meaning you've shaped architecture decisions that affect multiple teams or systems, not just delivered features as an individual contributor.
How do I think about timeline if I need visa sponsorship at Google?
Timeline depends on your visa type. H-1B sponsorship is tied to USCIS's annual cap cycle, with registration in March and the earliest start date of October 1. E-3 and H-1B1 visas aren't cap-subject, so those can be filed year-round with faster turnarounds. If you're on OPT or a STEM extension, align your Google offer timeline with your current authorization end date and confirm with the recruiter early so Google's immigration team can plan accordingly.