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Bootloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TiltEdge Solutions LLC

SW Lead

Mountain View, CA · On-site

Non-Autosar platform - Bootloader, Diagnostics, peripheral drivers' development and integration, BSP integration * Telematics application development using Embedded C on Micro controllers from NXP ...

Ambiq

Embedded Software Engineer - Security

Austin, TX

$130.30K - $171.40K/yr

Scope As a member of the Security team at Ambiq, the Embedded Software Engineer - Security will participate in extending and supporting Ambiq's Secure Bootrom/Bootloader and SDK for the Apollo SoC ...

Ambiq Micro

Embedded Software Engineer - Security

Austin, TX

$130.30K - $171.40K/yr

Scope As a member of the Security team at Ambiq, the Embedded Software Engineer - Security will participate in extending and supporting Ambiq's Secure Bootrom/Bootloader and SDK for the Apollo SoC ...

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How much do bootloader jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bootloader Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

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Bootloader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bootloader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,093 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Senior Embedded Platform Developer (Secure Boot / Bootloaders)

Senior Embedded Platform Developer (Secure Boot / Bootloaders)

ACL Digital

Southfield, MI

$113.80K - $149.10K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Senior Embedded Platform Developer (Secure Boot / Bootloaders)

Location: Newark, CA / Southfield, MI Duration: 12 Months with possible extension Onsite: 5 days/week Experience: 10+ Years

We are currently seeking a Senior Embedded Platform Developer with deep expertise in secure boot, bootloader development, and embedded platform security for next-generation electric vehicles. This role requires a highly motivated professional with a strong track record in embedded systems development and platform-level security implementation. Our ideal candidate demonstrates a hands-on, problem-solving mindset, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is passionate about building secure, scalable automotive platforms. The candidate should be capable of quickly adapting to new technologies and delivering high-quality solutions with precision.

Role Responsibilities:
  • Own the design, development, and validation of secure boot and bootloader frameworks for vehicle ECUs
  • Develop and maintain secure boot chains, ensuring integrity and authenticity of firmware
  • Implement and validate security features such as secure boot, secure firmware update (OTA), encryption, authentication, and hardware root of trust
  • Work closely with system and security teams to define platform security requirements and ensure they are clear, complete, and implementable
  • Develop low-level embedded software for bootloaders (U-Boot or custom bootloaders) on embedded Linux/QNX platforms
  • Enable and debug bring-up activities for new hardware platforms and ECUs
  • Create and execute unit, integration, and system-level validation strategies for platform security features
  • Optimize boot time, memory footprint, and system performance for embedded platforms
  • Identify and drive improvements in platform security architecture, validation methodologies, and development processes
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 10+ years of experience in embedded systems development, preferably in automotive or networking domains
  • Strong experience in bootloader development (U-Boot, Barebox, or custom bootloaders)
  • Hands-on experience with secure boot implementation, chain of trust, and firmware authentication
  • Strong knowledge of embedded Linux systems and device bring-up
  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming and scripting languages (Python/Shell)
  • Experience with hardware security features such as OTP fuses, JTAG locking, secure key storage, and cryptographic modules
  • Experience with secure firmware update mechanisms (OTA)
  • Strong debugging skills using tools like JTAG, GDB, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
  • Experience developing and executing low-level test cases for embedded platforms
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with AUTOSAR, QNX, or RTOS-based systems
  • Knowledge of cryptographic protocols (PKI, TLS, AES, RSA, ECC)
  • Familiarity with vehicle ECU architectures and automotive standards (ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434)
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems and secure firmware delivery
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About ACL Digital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ACL Digital is a global digital technology firm based in San Jose, CA, US, operating within the IT and services industry. The company offers a broad spectrum of services and solutions, including digital transformation, product engineering, industry solutions, and design-led experiences, among others. ACL Digital has its roots established in 1991 with the aim to become a leading-edge innovator in the digital space and has since grown significantly to work with an array of global customers. The company's mission incorporates a commitment to aiding customers to achieve their business goals by adopting and accelerating their digital transformation journeys.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1992

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