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Bare Metal Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AttoTude

Firmware Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

... bare-metal programming. • Hands-on experience with hardware interfaces (SPI, I²C, UART, USB, BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.). • Proficiency with debugging tools (JTAG, GDB, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers ...

Kelly Services

Embedded Software Engineer

Chandler, AZ

$129.10K - $169.90K/yr

Extensive experience with bare-metal programming and firmware development. * Proficient in C/C++ for embedded systems. * Strong Python skills for scripting, automation, and testing. * Education:

Utilidata

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Develop and optimize real-time embedded software using C/C++, RTOS, and bare-metal programming for resource-constrained microcontrollers * Implement and debug communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART ...

Utilidata

Embedded Firmware Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Develop and optimize real-time embedded software using C/C++, RTOS, and bare-metal programming for resource-constrained microcontrollers * Implement and debug communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART ...

Aquila Technology

Software Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

... Bare-Metal programming experience * 3 years - Embedded Software * 3 years - Experience developing code for commercial DSP chips/IP (NXP, TI, CEVA, or similar architectures) * 2 years - Experience ...

Aquila Technology

Software Engineer

Lexington, MA

... Bare-Metal programming experience * 3 years - Embedded Software * 3 years - Experience developing code for commercial DSP chips/IP (NXP, TI, CEVA, or similar architectures) * 2 years - Experience ...

Aquila Technology

Software Engineer

Lexington, MA · Hybrid

Bachelor's Degree * 3 years Experience with ARM architecture * 3 years Experience with board bring up and boot process * 3 years Bare-Metal programming experience * 5 years C/C++ Programming * 3 ...

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Bare Metal Programming information

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How much do bare metal programming jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for bare metal programming in the United States is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bare Metal Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bare Metal Programmer, you need deep expertise in low-level programming languages like C or Assembly, strong knowledge of microcontroller architectures, and a background in electronics or computer engineering. Familiarity with hardware debuggers, in-circuit emulators, and version control systems is typically required, along with experience using IDEs tailored for embedded development. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and persistence are crucial soft skills for diagnosing complex hardware-software interactions. These competencies are essential for developing reliable, efficient, and high-performance code that interacts directly with hardware without the support of an operating system.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in bare metal programming roles, and how can they be addressed?

Bare metal programming often involves working without an operating system, which means developers must directly manage hardware resources, memory, and peripherals. Common challenges include debugging low-level hardware issues, ensuring code efficiency, and handling limited debugging tools compared to higher-level environments. To address these challenges, professionals frequently use hardware debuggers, in-circuit emulators, and thorough documentation from chip manufacturers. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and maintaining clear version control can also help mitigate these difficulties and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is bare metal programming?

Bare metal programming refers to writing software that runs directly on hardware without the support of an operating system or intermediary layers. Programmers interact directly with the memory, processor, and peripherals, usually in languages like C or assembly. This approach is common in embedded systems, microcontrollers, and real-time applications where performance, low-level control, and minimal resource usage are critical. Bare metal programming requires a deep understanding of hardware architecture and is essential for building efficient, lightweight, and deterministic systems.

What is the difference between Bare Metal Programming vs Embedded Systems Developer?

AspectBare Metal ProgrammingEmbedded Systems Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of low-level programming, hardware interfacesIncludes embedded C, hardware knowledge, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentDirect hardware access, minimal OS, real-time constraintsEmbedded devices, RTOS, hardware integration
Industry UsageManufacturing, IoT, consumer electronicsAutomotive, medical devices, industrial automation
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on low-level hardware programmingBroader embedded system development

While both roles involve working close to hardware, Bare Metal Programming emphasizes writing code directly on hardware without an operating system, focusing on low-level control. Embedded Systems Developers typically work with embedded OS and develop software for complex devices. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

Infographic showing various Bare Metal Programming job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Firmware Engineer

AttoTude

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize embedded software for our next-generation products. The ideal candidate has strong experience in low-level programming (C/C++), microcontroller/SoC development, and hardware bring-up, with a proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and efficient firmware solutions. This role is a full-time onsite position in Menlo Park, CA.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Firmware Engineer to design, develop, and optimize embedded software for our next-generation products. The ideal candidate has strong experience in low-level programming (C/C++), microcontroller/SoC development, and hardware bring-up, with a proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and efficient firmware solutions. This role is a full-time onsite position in Menlo Park, CA.
Key Responsibilities
• Design, develop, and maintain firmware in C/C++ for microcontrollers, SoCs, and embedded platforms.
• Implement and optimize device drivers for hardware peripherals (SPI, I²C, UART, USB, CAN, Ethernet, GPIO, ADC/DAC, PWM).
• Integrate and configure RTOS or bare-metal firmware.
• Perform board bring-up and hardware validation, working closely with electrical engineers.
• Debug and analyze firmware/hardware issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD.
• Develop secure bootloaders and update soluions
• Write and maintain unit tests and automated test scripts for firmware validation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (hardware, software, QA, systems engineering) to deliver products on schedule.
• Document firmware architecture, APIs, and design decisions for maintainability.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science
• 5+ years of experience in embedded firmware development.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience with ARM Cortex-M, RISC-V, or similar MCU/SoC architectures.
• Familiarity with RTOS and bare-metal programming.
• Hands-on experience with hardware interfaces (SPI, I²C, UART, USB, BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.).
• Proficiency with debugging tools (JTAG, GDB, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
• Experience with version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
Annual Salary Range
$175-$205 USD

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