Software Engineering Manager, GKE and AI Infrastructure

Company: Google
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience. 8 years of experience in software development. 5 years of experience in distributed cloud computing including 3 years of experience in containerization, container orchestration, or operations management. 3 years of experience in a technical leadership role. 2 years of experience in a people management or team leadership role. Preferred qualifications: Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or a related technical field. 5 years of experience in a people management or team leadership role. 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization. Experience with KCC or other Kubernetes-native Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions like crossplane. Experience leading AI-driven development initiatives for IaC or cloud-native tooling. About the job As a Software Engineering Manager within the Kubernetes Kernel team, you will initially lead the Kubernetes Config Connector (KCC) team and oversee the technology that ensures our high-scale customers achieve compliance and manage their infrastructure with production-grade reliability. You will define the KCC long-term goal, focusing on its role as a foundation for AI Agentic infrastructure, and accelerate resource coverage to unblock the next generation of Google Cloud users. In this role, you will define and execute the strategy for KCC, focusing on improving core reliability (e.g., high availability/disaster recovery, safer upgrades) and addressing critical customer escalations. You will lead the team's effort to leverage LLMs and AI Agents via tools like the Open Source Software (OSS) repo-agent to automate the full resource lifecycle. This includes driving innovation in AI-powered code generation, automated code review, streamlined release processes, and intelligent support remediation to reach coverage goals. You will shape the product roadmap to evolve KCC's core infrastructure, meeting customer demands for continuous reconciliation and strict compliance. You will manage a team of Engineers, cultivating an environment of psychological safety, high execution, and continuous innovation. You will grow at the intersection of systems engineering, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and Kubernetes. You will be creating production-grade systems that manage Google Cloud infrastructure on behalf of the user. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $207,000-$300,000 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 Lead the technical goal and execution for Kubernetes Config Connector, ensuring KCC evolves to meet critical customer demands for continuous reconciliation, compliance, and day two operations. Set clear expectations with individuals based on their level and role, aligned to the broader organization's goals. Meet regularly with individuals to discuss performance and development, and provide feedback and coaching. Develop the mid-term technical goal and roadmap within the scope of the team. Evolve the roadmap to meet anticipated future requirements and infrastructure needs. Drive all levels of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) from the control plane through to the core infrastructure by communicating, designing, and driving decisions effectively through developing design documents and code across a wide number of organizations. Review code developed by other engineers and provide feedback to ensure best practices.

Keywords: Google, Watsonville , Software Engineering Manager, GKE and AI Infrastructure, IT / Software / Systems , Sunnyvale, California