Senior Staff Software Engineer, AdSpam

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.

We are seeking a Senior Staff Software Engineer to lead the fight against ad fraud across Google’s core business engine. In this role, you will define the technical strategy, cultivate a high-performing team, and deliver an impact on the Search Ads ecosystem.

Google Ads is helping power the open internet with the best technology that connects and creates value for people, publishers, advertisers, and Google. We’re made up of multiple teams, building Google’s Advertising products including search, display, shopping, travel and video advertising, as well as analytics. Our teams create trusted experiences between people and businesses with useful ads. We help grow businesses of all sizes from small businesses, to large brands, to YouTube creators, with effective advertiser tools that deliver measurable results. We also enable Google to engage with customers at scale.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $248,000-$349,000 + 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

• Own the end-to-end defense strategy for Search Ads. Become the domain authority, deeply understanding how Invalid Traffic (IVT) impacts all stakeholders.
• Be responsible for building, growing, and inspiring a high-impact team of engineers, focusing on their career development and fostering technical excellence. Function as a strategic leader and shape the defense roadmap across AdSpam and key partner organizations.
• Lead the technical hunt by leading R&D to measure, analyze, and categorize spam using advanced tools and agentic workflows to pinpoint elusive threats. Guide your team to engineer resilient defenses by designing and implementing new signals and advanced ML techniques at Google-scale.
• Drive efficiency and defense velocity by embracing AI/Agent technologies.
• Drive cross-functional capabilities by building high-leverage relationships with leaders across Search Ads, ensuring we future-proof the Search defense roadmap.