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Bootloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Science Corp

System on Chip Software Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Own the SoC BSP integration pipeline: bootloader, firmware, kernel, and userspace builds * First boot on custom hardware: device tree development, PMIC configuration, power sequencing, flash ...

Cylake Inc.

Software Infrastucture Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Role Overview You will be responsible for architecting and implementing the platform layer (Bootloader through system software) on a large scale embedded system. This will also include image and ...

Sunday Inc.

$97K - $127K/yr

Own the embedded software stack (bootloader, kernel, devicetree, BSP, and drivers) for compute platforms based on SoCs like NVIDIA Jetson, Qualcomm etc * Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and ...

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$37K

$129.1K

$399K

How much do bootloader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for bootloader in the United States is $129,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bootloader?

A bootloader is a small program that starts up on a device when it is powered on and is responsible for loading the operating system or firmware. It initializes the hardware, verifies and loads the main system software, and often provides features for updating or recovering the device's software. Bootloaders are crucial in embedded systems, smartphones, and computers, and their security is essential to prevent unauthorized modifications. Understanding how a bootloader works is important for developers who work with low-level system programming or custom device firmware.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bootloader engineer?

To thrive as a Bootloader Engineer, you need a solid background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and a degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as JTAG debuggers, version control systems, and experience with microcontroller architectures is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help you troubleshoot issues and collaborate across teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable system startup, device security, and seamless firmware updates.

What are some common challenges a bootloader engineer faces when working with new hardware platforms?

A Bootloader Engineer often encounters challenges such as ensuring compatibility with diverse hardware architectures, debugging low-level hardware initialization issues, and managing secure boot processes. Because bootloaders operate at the earliest stage of device startup, even small errors can prevent the system from booting, requiring a strong understanding of both hardware schematics and firmware. Collaboration with hardware engineers and embedded software teams is essential to resolve issues and optimize performance, especially when integrating support for new chipsets or custom boards.

What is the difference between Bootloader vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectBootloaderFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of embedded systems, low-level programming, and hardware interfacesProficiency in embedded C/C++, hardware integration, and debugging skills
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems, hardware development, often in manufacturing or product designSoftware development, embedded systems, product development teams
Industry UsageUsed in device initialization, hardware setup, and system startupDevelops, tests, and maintains firmware for devices and systems

While a Bootloader focuses on initializing hardware and loading the main firmware, a Firmware Engineer designs and develops the software that runs on embedded devices. Both roles require embedded systems knowledge, but Bootloaders are more hardware-focused, whereas Firmware Engineers work on the overall software functionality.

What can a bootloader do?

A bootloader is a program that initializes hardware and loads the operating system when a device is powered on. It can also provide options for selecting different OS versions, perform system recovery, and update firmware. Skills in embedded systems and familiarity with hardware are often required for this role.
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What job categories do people searching Bootloader jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Bootloader jobs are:

Bootloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bootloader job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,093 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

System on Chip Software Engineer

Alameda, CA • On-site

Science Corp
See more jobs at Science Corpexternal

$130K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the SoC BSP integration pipeline, including bootloader, firmware, kernel, and userspace builds

  • Perform first boot on custom hardware by developing device tree, configuring PMIC, and developing flash procedures

  • Debug boot failures at various stages and bring up display, camera, audio, and connectivity subsystems

Job description

Science is a clinical stage, vertically integrated technology company focused on solving some of neuroscience’s hardest questions and most serious unmet medical needs. We work to restore quality of life to those with debilitating conditions for which there are no treatment options, creating devices aimed at restoring vision, cognition, and mobility to patients who have lost it. To support progress across our industry, we provide state‑of‑the‑art components and vertically integrated infrastructure for others to build on via Science Foundry.

Role Responsibilities Boot, BSP & Build Infrastructure
  • Own the SoC BSP integration pipeline: bootloader, firmware, kernel, and userspace builds
  • First boot on custom hardware: device tree development, PMIC configuration, power sequencing, flash procedure development
  • Maintain build environments, patch systems, kernel config management
  • Debug boot failures at every stage: bootloader stages, kernel init, userspace
  • Display: MIPI DSI panel driver bringup, init sequences, timing, display subsystem configuration
  • Camera: sensor driver bringup (MIPI CSI), ISP pipeline configuration and optimization
  • Audio: codec bringup, digital and analog mic path configuration, mixer/DAPM routing
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth and WiFi firmware loading and configuration
  • IMU and other sensor bringup (I2C/SPI integration)
Power & Performance
  • Platform power measurement and optimization: CPU tuning, peripheral power profiling, regulator management
  • Battery/charger configuration, suspend/resume, peripheral power gating
  • PMIC debug: LDO/SMPS configuration, fault analysis
Characterization, Reliability & Production Readiness
  • Reliability testing: long‑duration soak tests, suspend/resume cycling, subsystem crash recovery, watchdog validation
  • OTA update infrastructure, factory provisioning, production test support
  • Platform characterization: thermal profiling, power consumption across operating modes, sustained‑workload stress testing
Cross‑Functional Debug
  • Systematic failure triage: reading crash dumps, correlating timestamps across subsystems, bisecting regressions across BSP and kernel versions
  • Board‑level debug in collaboration with EE team: correlating software behavior with bench measurements, power rail issues, fault isolation
Key Qualifications
  • 5+ years of embedded Linux development with significant hands‑on SoC platform bringup experience
  • Direct experience bringing up custom hardware from a vendor BSP: bootloader, device tree, kernel drivers, flash procedures
  • Deep familiarity with multiple SoC subsystems: PMIC, audio codec, connectivity, display, camera
  • Kernel driver development and debugging, meaning reading and modifying driver source
  • Comfortable with bench‑level debug: UART consoles, JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers
  • Strong understanding of common embedded interfaces: MIPI DSI/CSI, I2C, SPI, SPMI, SoundWire or similar
Preferred Qualifications
  • Qualcomm SoC experience is strongly preferred: chipcode/BSP integration, CamX/CHI camera pipeline, SDE/MDSS display, SoundWire audio, XBL boot, CDT, DTBO
  • Experience shipping a product on custom hardware with custom device trees, custom drivers, and production builds (not just eval board work)
  • Both Android (AOSP) and Linux (Ubuntu/Yocto) BSP experience
  • Medical device software experience (IEC 62304)
  • FPGA/co‑processor integration
Compensation

For individuals hired to work in California, Science Corporation is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The base salary range for this full‑time position is $130,000 – $200,000 + equity + benefits. Individual pay is determined by various factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please keep in mind that the equity portion of the offer is not included in these numbers.

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Flexible vacation and company‑paid holidays
  • Healthy meals and snacks provided onsite
  • Paid parental, jury duty, bereavement, family care, and medical leave
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, subsidized by Science Corporation
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) plan
Equal‑Opportunity Statement

Science Corporation is an equal‑opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated. Our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work.

We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, and we are committed to considering qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

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