Silicon Engineer, Platform and Devices, University Graduate,
About the role
Google is a global technology leader that builds products used by billions of people every day. Its Consumer Hardware Silicon division focuses on designing custom chips that power Googleβbranded devices such as Pixel phones, Nest smart home products, and AIβenabled wearables. The division combines cuttingβedge research in imaging, machine learning, video, and security with a culture of rapid prototyping and deep collaboration across software, hardware, and product teams.
Working at Google means access to worldβclass mentors, a supportive learning environment, and the freedom to experiment on problems that shape the future of consumer technology.
The Silicon Engineer role is aimed at fresh graduates who are passionate about turning architectural ideas into silicon reality. As a member of the Platforms and Devices team, you will work alongside senior ASIC designers, verification engineers, and system architects to develop powerβefficient, highβperformance chips for nextβgeneration Google products. You will be exposed to endβtoβend silicon development β from RTL coding to tapeβout β and will get handsβon experience with industryβstandard EDA tools, silicon validation, and vendor collaboration.
Key responsibilities
- Collaborate with SoC teams to define power and performance targets for upcoming chips.
- Write and verify RTL in Verilog/SystemVerilog for CPU, imageβprocessing, and ML blocks.
- Participate in designβforβtest (DfT) planning and generate test vectors.
- Run synthesis, placeβandβroute, and timing analysis using industry tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys).
- Conduct postβsilicon validation, debug issues, and work with vendors to resolve manufacturing problems.
- Develop Python or Tcl scripts to automate design flows and improve productivity.
- Contribute to architectural tradeβoff studies involving security, video, and computerβvision accelerators.
- Prepare documentation, design specifications, and present progress to crossβfunctional stakeholders.
- Stay updated with emerging silicon technologies and propose innovative solutions.
- Support prototype bringβup in the lab, including FPGA emulation and board bringβup.
Tech stack: Verilog/SystemVerilog, VHDL, Python, Tcl, Cadence/Synopsys EDA suite, FPGA prototyping platforms, Linux, Git, and basic C/C++ for firmware.
Growth path: Successful engineers can progress to Senior Silicon Engineer, ASIC Design Lead, or move into specialized roles such as Physical Design Engineer, Verification Lead, or Hardware Architecture Manager. Google also offers rotational programs across hardware, software, and product teams, enabling a broad career trajectory.
Why join Google? You will work on products that reach millions, receive mentorship from industry pioneers, enjoy generous compensation and benefits, and be part of a culture that values curiosity, inclusion, and impact. The role offers a rare blend of cuttingβedge research and realβworld product delivery, making it an ideal launchpad for a hardware engineering career.
Eligibility & process
Who can apply
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum aggregate of 60% (or 6.5 CGPA on a 10βpoint scale). Must be a 2026 graduate (or graduating in 2026). No active backlogs at the time of application. Internship or project experience in hardware design, ASIC/SoC, or related fields is strongly preferred.
Skills & stack
Selection process
- Round 1: Online assessment (coding/hardware fundamentals)
- Round 2: Technical phone screen (RTL coding, design concepts)
- Round 3: Onβsite interview (4 rounds: design, verification, system design, behavioral)
- Round 4: HR discussion
Prep kit
20 resourcesStudy material 4
Company-specific guides 4
Likely coding questions 4
Round-wise strategy 4
Technical questions 5
Explain OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) principles with real-world examples in Verilog. Answer
What is the time and space complexity of QuickSort vs MergeSort? Answer
Explain the difference between SQL Indexing (B-Tree vs Hash) and when not to use an index. Answer
What happens under the hood when you enter a URL in a browser? Answer
What is the difference between REST and GraphQL APIs? Answer
Behavioural & HR questions 3
Highlight Google's market reputation, recent tech innovations, and how your skills in Verilog directly solve their team's objectives.
Use the STAR method: Situation (project context), Task (what needed solving), Action (specific tools/logic applied), Result (quantifiable positive outcome).
Explain your prioritization strategy, proactive communication with mentors/peers, and agile mindset.