Software Engineer, AI/ML, PhD, Early Career

Software Engineer, AI/ML, PhD, Early Career Overview

This early-career software engineering role sits within Google’s AI and machine learning work in London. The team’s focus is on improving the quality of models released across Google’s product ecosystem by building tools and services that make it faster and easier to reach model-quality goals. The work is centered on data-centric AI in the Gemini era, where the quality of training, fine-tuning, and retrieval-augmented generation data can be more important than almost anything else. The team develops integrated tools and platforms that bring data-optimization methods to a wider audience, automating and streamlining how those techniques are applied, and helping users understand which approaches are most effective for their specific needs.

In this role, you would contribute to software that supports Google’s broader machine learning and AI efforts, working on projects that are important to the company’s needs and may change as priorities evolve. The position is part of Google’s engineering organization, where software engineers are expected to be adaptable, capable of taking on new problems, and able to collaborate across disciplines and product areas.

What you will do

• Support the scaling of data-optimization methods that improve the performance and quality of machine learning models.
• Work side by side with research teams and machine learning practitioners to identify opportunities, build solutions, and refine engineering workflows.
• Develop and improve engineering tools, data-processing pipelines, and related systems that make optimization techniques easier to apply effectively.
• Iterate on platforms and tooling that help determine which optimization methods work best for different model-training or data-use scenarios.
• Contribute to efforts that turn research ideas into practical systems used across Google’s product and cloud ecosystem.

What Google is looking for

• You are currently enrolled in a PhD program or have already completed one.
• You have research experience in artificial intelligence, distributed systems, machine learning, data mining, natural language processing, image classification, spam-fighting, or a related area.
• You have a background in computer science and software design.
• You are comfortable working in a fast-moving environment and can take on new technical challenges as priorities shift.
• You are able to collaborate effectively with researchers and ML practitioners.

Preferred experience

• Hands-on experience with generative AI.
• Knowledge of data structures and algorithms.
• Programming experience in Python.

Team and role context

The role is described as mid-level in Google’s internal leveling language, meaning it is suited to someone with some experience who can drive progress, solve problems, and support or mentor more junior colleagues while still deepening their expertise. The work is tied to Google Cloud and to broader Google AI efforts, with an emphasis on building enterprise-grade solutions and tools that help developers and customers solve important business problems. Google notes that its products operate at very large scale and that engineers may work across areas such as information retrieval, distributed systems, large-scale system design, networking, storage, security, AI, natural language processing, user interface design, and mobile technologies.

The company also states that engineers may move between teams and projects as the business grows and changes, so flexibility and breadth are important. Google highlights that it values leadership qualities, versatility, and enthusiasm for solving new problems across the full stack.

Additional information

Google says English proficiency is required for all roles unless a posting explicitly says otherwise, because the company collaborates globally and wants efficient communication across regions.

Applicants who need workplace accommodations can use Google’s accommodations process for candidates.

Google also states that it does not accept resumes from agencies and will not pay fees for unsolicited submissions.

Any equity granted is handled solely at Alphabet’s discretion and is governed by the relevant stock plan and grant agreement; such grants are not guaranteed and do not affect statutory payments.

How to apply

Use the application link on Google Careers to submit your application. Information collected through your Google Careers profile and any application you submit is covered by Google’s Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy.

Equal opportunity

Google says it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and aims to build a workforce that reflects the users it serves. The company states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, expected parenthood, criminal history consistent with legal requirements, or any other protected characteristic. Google also points applicants to its EEO policy, its workplace discrimination rights notice, its Belonging at Google information, and its hiring information.

Degree Requirement: PhD

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