tech
December 19, 2025
Google's boomerang year: 20% of AI software engineers hired in 2025 were ex-employees
As competition heats up for AI talent, Google turned to hiring more so-called boomerang employees in 2025.
TL;DR
- Approximately 20% of AI software engineers hired by Google in 2025 were boomerang employees.
- Google has seen a jump in AI researchers returning from major competitors.
- AI engineers are drawn to Google's resources and computational infrastructure.
- Google has a large pool of ex-employees following layoffs in early 2023.
- The tech industry, particularly the information sector, is experiencing an overall increase in boomerang employees.
- Google is investing heavily in AI infrastructure and has seen success with its Gemini app and the announcement of Gemini 3.
- Competitors like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Meta are actively hiring AI talent, with OpenAI reportedly offering large signing bonuses.
- Google has re-hired key AI figures, including Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas.
- Google has taken more risks in product development and reduced bureaucracy, including eliminating management roles.
- Google co-founder Sergey Brin has personally recruited candidates.
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