What does it take to get to L6 (Staff) at Google right now?

It got a lot harder after 2022. What you need now, roughly:- Strong ratings two or three cycles in a row, not one good half- A promo packet showing impact beyond your own team- A Staff+ sponsor who will speak up for you in calibrationYour manager's support is necessary but nowhere near enough. Plan on 4 to 6 years unless you're on a very visible product.