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Bare Metal Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bare metal programming experience * Software integration and verification experience * Experience with Git Lab REQUIRED EDUCATION * Accredited Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in Computer ...

$125 - $150/hr

... reverse engineering experience with embedded firmware and bare-metal systems. * + Proven vulnerability research experience: CVEs, advisories, or offensive work on embedded targets. * + Deep ...

Software Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Bare-metal programming * Real-time programming * User interface design * Multi-processor system programming/inter-processor communications * Bringing up custom boards * Bootloader development

$125 - $150/hr

Bare-metal programming * Real-time programming * User interface design * Multi-processor system programming/inter-processor communications * Bringing up custom boards * Bootloader development

Showing results 41-60

Bare Metal Programming information

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How much do bare metal programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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 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 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,349 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer, Bare Metal, C, ARM, Hybrid/Dallas TX

Dallas, TX • Hybrid

Riccione Resources
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer, Bare Metal, C, ARM, Hybrid/Dallas, TX


We are looking for a Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer to take a leading role in designing and expanding the core microcode driving our proprietary technology. This position is perfect for an engineer who excels at hardware-level programming, loves tackling intricate, system-wide engineering challenges, and is dedicated to deploying clean, dependable code from early builds to final release. You will guide our firmware roadmaps, implement structured engineering workflows, and partner with our mechanical, software, and product divisions to deploy high-resolution physical devices. If you are motivated by complex technical hurdles and want a highly autonomous role in an agile startup setting, we want to connect with you.


Why should you apply here?

  • Entrepreneurial firm, 7+ years in business
  • Startup mentality
  • Received third round funding
  • 40+ employees with the goal to double in size next year
  • High demand for the product
  • Application in medical, physical AI, robotics
  • Intelligent staff solving challenging problems


What will you be doing?

  • Design and refine a modular codebase structured for continuous integration and long-term scalability.
  • Lead technical decision-making for core system architecture, guiding features from early-stage concepts through commercial launch.
  • Establish and scale development standards and best practices for an expanding engineering organization.
  • Demonstrate deep expertise in C/C++ for hardware-constrained environments.
  • Write efficient code directly on microcontrollers without an operating system (no-OS/RTOS environments).
  • Configure diverse hardware interfaces to achieve microsecond-accurate event synchronization and scheduling.
  • Optimize low-level software for resource-constrained systems, balancing memory, power, and performance trade-offs.
  • Document system architecture and technical specifications to build a comprehensive internal engineering repository.
  • Develop low-level software across a range of hardware platforms to support both internal testing tools and client-facing hardware.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (including cloud, application software, and product) to deliver seamless end-to-end device integration.


What skills/experience do you need? 

  • Senior-level software development skills
  • Strong C programming skills
  • ARM microcontrollers required
  • Bare-metal development
  • Ability to solve complex problems
  • Prefer a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.


Location: Dallas, TX, Hybrid


Salary: $120k – $160k + Equity


Relocation: Will assist


Citizenship: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident