Software Engineer II, Early Career, Google Cloud AI Catalyst Program

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with software development in one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, C, C++, Java, JavaScript).
• Experience working with data structures or algorithms during coursework/projects, research, internships, or practical experience in school or work (e.g. open-source coding).
• Experience within AI/ML and Infrastructure technical domains through internships, research or independent exposure.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in AI/ML and Infrastructure.
  
• Ability to learn new technologies, coding languages, and concepts, and apply them to real-world challenges.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to start in June 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 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.

About Cloud AI and Infrastructure

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. Our team works on the world’s toughest problems, redefining what’s possible and making the impossible seem easy.

We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving factor behind Google's groundbreaking innovations! We empower the development of our AI models, deliver unparalleled computing power to global services, and provide the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more!

About the Program

The Google Catalyst Program is a 12-month development initiative designed to accelerate the growth of L3 Software Engineers within Google Cloud’s AI and Infrastructure organization. The program aims to attract, engage, and retain early career engineering talent by offering participants broad exposure to various teams and projects. It provides unique opportunities to build engineering skills, gain cross organizational understanding, and pursue development opportunities. The program also fosters talent development through mentorships, and builds community among early-career engineers.

The program will consist of three four-month rotations, with specific projects determined in alignment with business goals.

Google Cloud accelerates every organization’s ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $118,000-$170,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across up to three AI2 organizations.
• Work on designated projects to ramp-up and contribute to business goals.
• Be assigned a Key Host Manager who will support your onboarding, provide mentorship and feedback, and help with annual performance review activities.
• Receive project work assignments and regular one-on-one feedback from a Rotation Host Manager during each rotation.
• Be part of a cohort of L3 participants assigned a dedicated mentor for guidance throughout the program, and at the end of the program, express the top three choices for AI2 organizations for your post-program placement.