OP here. Lots of people at Google have PhDs. Most do not. My role is actually a Tech Lead Manager, which is far more technical than a typical manager position, and indeed I am on the Software Engineer ladder. I would say about 80% of my time is spent on technical things (writing code, design docs, evaluating designs, etc.) and only about 20% on "manager" activities like doing performance reviews, hiring, and the like. More here: http://matt-welsh.blogspot.com/2013/04/running-software-team...
As far as "wasting education" is concerned, I've blogged extensively about the differences between doing applied research in industry and doing that kind of work in academia or in a more pure research setting, see for example http://matt-welsh.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-im-leaving-harvar...
I find that applying my skills as a systems and networking researcher in an industry setting, where I have the chance to develop and launch real products, is far more satisfying than just writing academic papers. But this is of course not for everyone.
As far as "wasting education" is concerned, I've blogged extensively about the differences between doing applied research in industry and doing that kind of work in academia or in a more pure research setting, see for example http://matt-welsh.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-im-leaving-harvar...
I find that applying my skills as a systems and networking researcher in an industry setting, where I have the chance to develop and launch real products, is far more satisfying than just writing academic papers. But this is of course not for everyone.