Actually a significant portion of the tech team (for instance Content ID) is based in Zurich, not in San Bruno. Check out their jobs page [0]. You don't need a friend to recommend you, but it would be great if you find somebody on a team that you are interested to join that would root for you.

[0] https://www.google.com/about/careers/locations/zurich/

Thanks buddy. I will have to investigate their team and work first, but then I might apply. Crazy!