Staff Software Engineer – Google Play

About the role

Google Play is expanding its engineering footprint in Nairobi and is looking for a Staff Software Engineer to lead the technical direction of the product. You will partner with engineering management and cross‑functional teams to shape architecture, mentor engineers, and deliver high‑impact features for the Android gaming ecosystem.

Key responsibilities

• Define and drive product‑wide architecture initiatives in collaboration with senior leaders.
• Mentor and grow the local engineering team, fostering a collaborative culture.
• Work closely with Play teams in the US, UK, and India to align on roadmap and technical standards.
• Design, develop, and launch large‑scale software components for Google Play services.
• Lead cross‑functional projects in a matrixed organization, ensuring timely delivery and quality.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of software development experience, including 5 years of testing and product launch.
• 3+ years in software design and architecture.
• 3+ years of technical leadership in a matrixed, cross‑functional environment.
• Experience with Google's Java Android stack, server‑side Java, GMSCore, and native Android development.

Required skills

• Java
• Android development (including native)
• GMSCore
• Data structures and algorithms
• Software design and architecture
• Testing and product launch processes
• Large‑scale system design
• Distributed computing
• Networking and security fundamentals
• Artificial intelligence and natural language processing concepts