Principal Engineer, Cloud Networking

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
15 years of experience with distributed systems, networking, and cloud computing.
10 years of experience in design, data structures and algorithms, and data analysis and debugging, and experience with customer-facing products.

Preferred qualifications:

20 years of experience in networking or other relevant industries/roles.
Experience successfully building software and large-scale distributed systems.
Master's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

About the job

As the Cloud Networking AI Principal Engineer for Network Security, you will provide strategic direction to Google’s Networking Security portfolio, including the development of next-generation security offerings by leveraging AI and autonomous AI agents. You will be responsible for architecting intelligent systems that proactively identify and counter AI-driven exploits, ensuring robust protection across cloud environments. You will drive the product strategy for integrating AI into the security fabric of Google Cloud Networking.

In this role, you will utilize understanding of networking platforms and a track record of leading network security products. You will bring a broad perspective on the networking and security market direction, paired with a demonstrated outlook for advocating AI and agentic-based security solutions. You will be instrumental in defining how autonomous systems redefine protection in a complex cloud landscape.

The network is the first line of defense for protecting infrastructure and workloads, making threat containment critical. While AI and agentic-based defenses empower the network to rapidly adapt to emerging threats, adversaries are also leveraging AI to more quickly identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

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 $307,000-$427,000 + 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.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

Maintain a broad understanding of networking and security industry evolutions, including the application of AI-based tools.
Collaborate with senior leaders to ensure Google Cloud Platform (GCP) continues to be the most secure cloud for enterprise applications as they broadly adopt agentic workflows.
Drive alignment and execute organization-wide programs across the entire Google Cloud Networking organization.
Work closely and collaboratively with other GCP organizations, including Compute and Storage.

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.

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