Max Buckley, a Senior Software Engineer at Google with over 11 years of experience, shares insights from his remarkable journey from intern to LLM engineer. He discusses the evolution of his roles, the importance of continuous learning through side projects, and his groundbreaking work on AI for anti-money laundering. Max highlights the exciting advancements in large language models and Retrieval-Augmented Generation, as well as changes in Google's corporate culture. His story emphasizes proactive career management and the significance of mentorship in tech.
The speaker's non-linear career trajectory at Google showcases how diverse experiences can lead to significant opportunities in technology.
Continuous learning and adaptability in various roles paved the way for the speaker’s eventual transition into AI and machine learning projects.
Cultural and operational shifts at Google necessitate a balance between innovation and structured goal alignment in AI development.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Software Engineering from a Non-Traditional Background
The journey into software engineering can often come from non-traditional pathways, as exemplified by the speaker's experience. Initially engaged in business studies, a formative programming childhood and a father's influence led to rekindling interest in computer science later on. The speaker found value in MOOCs—particularly those related to statistics and data science—which became instrumental in developing technical skills. This laid the groundwork for an internship opportunity at Google, heralding the start of a significant career in technology.
A Unique Career Path at Google
The speaker's career progression at Google is marked by an unorthodox approach, characterized by a desire for continuous learning and exploration. Having transitioned across numerous teams, each move was strategically chosen to build a diverse skill set that would ultimately lead towards a data science role. The speaker's journey involved progressively deeper engagements in data analysis, automation, and machine learning operations, using each role to fill gaps in knowledge while contributing meaningfully to team challenges. This adaptability and curiosity opened numerous opportunities within the organization, culminating in roles that bridged software engineering and data science.
Exploring AI and Machine Learning Integration
Fueled by a passion for data science and machine learning, the speaker pursued further education by obtaining advanced degrees while maintaining a hands-on role in software engineering. The turning point was a shift towards an AI-focused role within Google Cloud, where the speaker tackled projects like anti-money laundering AI, integrating machine learning techniques into practical applications. This experience emphasized not only technical prowess but also the need to balance AI advancements with scalability and user experience. The work involved continuous learning and experimentation with ML techniques, solidifying the speaker's commitment to the field.
The Evolution of Google's Work Culture
Reflecting on ten years at Google, the speaker noted significant cultural shifts within the company, especially in the context of AI development. A noticeable transition from a highly innovative, bottom-up approach to more structured, goal-oriented operations redefined how teams function. The speaker identified this evolving environment as a response to competitive pressures and advancements in technology, suggesting that while innovation remains crucial, it is now tempered by clearer objectives. This newfound direction allows for continued creativity yet requires stronger justification and alignment with company goals.
Advice for Career Advancement in Tech
The speaker highlighted the importance of owning one’s career trajectory rather than relying solely on managerial guidance for professional development. Recognizing opportunities for growth—whether through conferences, rotations, or networking—is imperative to success, especially in dynamic environments like Google. By taking initiative to specialize and pursue passions, individuals can more effectively navigate their career paths. This proactive strategy promotes not just personal growth but also enhances contributions to the organization as a whole.
Our guest today is Max Buckley, Senior Software Engineer at Google.
From business analyst intern to Senior LLM engineer at Google! Max has been at Google for 11+ years and what a great career he’s had! Max probably knows Google better than anyone else.
In our conversation, we go through Max's career with over 11 years of experience working at Google. We start with his first internship as a business analyst before he transitioned to software and then data engineering roles. In 2022, Max transitioned again and started building AI projects for Google including an Anti Money Laundering algorithm and internal RAG systems.
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