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Bootloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Key Skills: C/C++11/Embedded Linux/Understanding Linux Driver Programming and Bootloader. Required Skills: * Must have experience in C and C++ 11 or higher * Must have worked on embedded systems

Familiarity with bare metal systems, board bring-up, and bootloader architecture. * Familiarity with using logic analyzers, I2C analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other relevant tools. * Understanding ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$161K - $211K/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 ...

Senior Firmware Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Familiarity with bare metal systems, board bring-up, and bootloader architecture. * Familiarity with using logic analyzers, I2C analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other relevant tools. * Understanding ...

Senior AUTOSAR Software Developer

Fridley, MN · On-site

$56.25 - $74.25/hr

... bootloader-related modules. § Experience in multicore system configuration and management. § Knowledge of AUTOSAR-based application layer development. § Hands-on experience with RTE behavior in ...

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Bootloader information

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$37K

$129.1K

$399K

How much do bootloader jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 the job of a bootloader?

A bootloader is a small program that initializes hardware and loads the operating system when a device is powered on. It performs tasks such as hardware checks, setting up system parameters, and transferring control to the OS kernel. Bootloaders are essential for system startup and often require knowledge of low-level programming and hardware architecture.

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 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 jobs pay $10,000 a week?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a week often include specialized roles such as senior software engineers, surgeons, corporate executives, and certain sales directors. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility or performance-based bonuses.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Executive or leadership roles in engineering organizations may also reach this compensation level, often including bonuses and stock options.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 a day include specialized roles such as senior software engineers, IT consultants, and project managers in the tech industry, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and experience. Freelance consultants and contractors in fields like cybersecurity or cloud architecture may also reach this level with significant expertise and client demand.

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.
More about Bootloader jobs
Infographic showing various Bootloader job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,093 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Sr. Staff Software Engineer, Customer Engineering

Sr. Staff Software Engineer, Customer Engineering

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$131K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
We are seeking an experienced embedded software engineer to join our team in a Customer Engineering (CE) role. The CE team is a cross-functional team that requires strong software development skills in addition to comprehensive communication, documentation and customer interaction competencies. This position has an emphasis on embedded software development tasking but also includes work on various phases of the product integration cycle including authoring technical documentation, collaborating with test and system engineering teams, and working closely with partners and customers to provide expertise in system design and integration. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in embedded software development but also enjoys the challenges and rewards of working directly with multiple teams to drive customer integration of QGOV products to ensure adoption by end users.
This role requires full-time onsite work in San Diego, CA (5 days per week).
Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
** Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to receive a U.S. Government security clearance **
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and optimize embedded software systems
  • Collaborate across teams to integrate features into secure government platforms
  • Analyze and debug complex issues across the software stack from bootloader to application layers
  • Develop comprehensive engineer-level documentation
  • Interface with customers and end users, including presenting at technical exchange meetings

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in embedded systems with a focus on any of the following subsystems: modem, BSP/bootloader, networking, compute/AI/Machine Vision, multimedia (camera, audio), platform security, virtualization
  • Extensive experience on any of the following embedded platforms: mobile, robotics, automotive
  • Extensive experience on any of the following software platforms: Android, Linux, QNX, microkernels/RTOS
  • Expertise in the following languages: C/C++, Python
  • Experience in creating engineering documentation and presentations
  • Comfortable explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be eligible to obtain a Top Secret security clearance
  • Must be available for limited travel

Preferred Qualifications
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded systems with a focus on any of the following subsystems: modem, BSP/bootloader, networking, compute/AI/Machine Vision, multimedia (camera, audio), platform security, virtualization
  • Deep expertise with the Linux kernel including modifying device tree and kernel configurations
  • Experience writing Linux kernel drivers
  • Experience with bash scripting, makefile and CMake
  • Working knowledge of common embedded communication protocols (e.g. USB, PCIE, SPI, I2C, etc)
  • Working knowledge of hardware principles including reading device schematics
  • Knowledge of 3GPP specifications and modem architecture
  • Prior experience working with government or defense-related systems
  • Experience in delivering presentations or demos to customers

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$162,600.00 - $244,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985