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Bootloader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coreforce

Senior Embedded Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Lead and contribute to board bring-up activities for new hardware platforms, including bootloader configuration, memory initialization, and peripheral verification. * Design, implement, and maintain ...

Coreforce

Senior Embedded Engineer

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$119K - $156K/yr

Lead and contribute to board bring-up activities for new hardware platforms, including bootloader configuration, memory initialization, and peripheral verification. * Design, implement, and maintain ...

Amperesand

Staff Firmware Engineer

Reno, NV

Own embedded bootloader architecture, embedded security, and common platforms * Lead firmware for power electronics embedded systems, ensuring functional and performance requirements are met * Work ...

Microsoft

Principal Security Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

Defined and implemented bootloader and embedded kernel architectures to support secure and reliable system initialization. * Developed secure firmware supporting security protocols, key management ...

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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.
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Bootloader jobs near you
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.

Senior Embedded Engineer

Coreforce

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Apply today to join Coreforce, where your Engineering expertise makes a real impact.
Join Our Team as a Senior Embedded Engineer
Company: Coreforce
Location: Atlanta (Hybrid)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Based on Experience
Company Overview:
Coreforce is an innovative technology company providing public safety organizations a comprehensive technology suite from dispatch to the courtroom. Coreforce delivers integrated technology designed to support public safety entities, regardless of organizational size. Our products - body cameras, in-car videos, mobile routers, and digital evidence systems- help public safety officers and first responders save lives, strengthen community trust, and enhance accountability.
Senior Embedded Engineer - Build Your Career with Purpose
Join Coreforce and use your engineering skills to support innovative technology that strengthens communities.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Flexible hybrid schedule
  • Free chef-inspired lunch Monday-Thursday.
  • 15 PTO days + floating holiday.
  • Competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401(k). We provide 401(k) matching per the terms of the 401(k) plan.
  • Annual bonus.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Career growth in a fast-growing, mission-driven company.
  • Collaborative, purpose-driven culture.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead and contribute to board bring-up activities for new hardware platforms, including bootloader configuration, memory initialization, and peripheral verification.
  • Design, implement, and maintain firmware in C/C++ for bare-metal microcontrollers and embedded Linux systems.
  • Develop, integrate, and optimize device drivers for peripherals such as sensors, radios, storage, displays, and communication interfaces (e.g., I²C, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet).
  • Implement and tune interrupt handlers, ISRs, and low-level scheduling mechanisms to achieve reliable, deterministic behavior.
  • Perform performance tuning and resource optimization (CPU, memory, power consumption) to meet system constraints and battery-life targets.
  • Use low-level debugging and measurement tools-such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and protocol analyzers-to diagnose and resolve hardware/firmware interaction issues.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to review schematics and PCB layouts, ensuring firmware compatibility and identifying potential design risks early.
  • Develop and maintain board support packages (BSPs), bootloaders, and OS configuration for embedded Linux and RTOS-based systems.
  • Implement robust error handling, logging, and diagnostic capabilities for field debugging and remote support.
  • Create and maintain unit and integration tests for firmware components, leveraging test harnesses, hardware-in-the-loop setups, and automated test frameworks where appropriate.
  • Participate fully in Scrum ceremonies including daily standups, sprint planning, refinement, reviews, and retrospectives.
  • Work with product managers and cross-functional partners to break requirements into clear user stories and technical tasks.
  • Conduct peer reviews of firmware design and implementation to maintain quality, consistency, and security best practices.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices, build pipelines, and documentation related to firmware development.
  • Collaborate with software engineering teams on Java-based device management services and firmware/cloud integration points.

  • Significant professional experience developing embedded firmware for production hardware platforms.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems, including memory management, concurrency, and real-time constraints.
  • Hands-on experience with bare-metal development and at least one RTOS or embedded Linux distribution (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot, or similar).
  • Demonstrated experience with board bring-up, including bootloader configuration, peripheral initialization, and hardware validation.
  • Experience developing and debugging device drivers for common embedded interfaces (e.g., GPIO, I²C, SPI, UART, USB, CAN, Ethernet).
  • Practical experience implementing and tuning interrupt handlers and low-level timing mechanisms (timers, watchdogs, clock configuration).
  • Proficiency with low-level debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG/SWD debuggers, and serial consoles.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and basic PCB layout to understand hardware behavior and constraints.
  • Solid understanding of embedded systems fundamentals including real-time concepts, state machines, and resource-constrained design.
  • Experience working in an agile/Scrum environment as part of a cross-functional engineering team.
  • Familiarity with Git-based workflows, code review practices, and modern CI/CD tooling for firmware builds.
  • Experience with wireless communication stacks (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth/BLE, LTE, proprietary RF) and associated firmware.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background with secure boot, cryptographic libraries, and secure firmware update mechanisms (OTA or field upgrades).
  • Experience developing firmware for battery-powered or low-power devices, including power state management and energy profiling.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing test, factory programming, and calibration processes.
  • Exposure to scripting languages (e.g., Python) for test automation, tooling, or build orchestration.
  • Experience integrating embedded devices with cloud services or backend systems via standard protocols (e.g., MQTT, HTTP, gRPC).
  • Experience with Nordic Semiconductor BLE SDK and development workflows - including BLE profile implementation, OTA DFU, and debugging BLE communication issues across embedded and mobile boundaries.
  • Working knowledge of Android development tools (ADB, logcat, Android NDK) for debugging firmware/mobile communication issues and understanding the mobile side of BLE integrations.
  • Experience developing firmware for body-worn cameras, in-car video, evidence capture devices, or similarly rugged public-safety hardware.
  • Familiarity with security/privacy and evidentiary integrity requirements for evidence capture (encryption, tamper resistance, secure key storage, audit logs, chain-of-custody concepts).
  • Experience with embedded audio/video capture or camera subsystems (camera sensors, basic ISP concepts, video encoding such as H.264/H.265, audio capture) and optimizing for reliability, latency, and storage.
  • Experience building always-on, field-deployed devices with tight power/thermal constraints and high reliability requirements.
  • Exposure to GPS/GNSS, IMU, and event/trigger capture workflows (e.g., pre-event buffering, bookmarking) relevant to bodycam use cases.
  • Familiarity with device offload and evidence management workflows (docking/offload, high throughput transfer, intermittent connectivity).
  • Working knowledge of Java (Spring Boot or similar frameworks) for device-side services, companion applications, or firmware/cloud.

Coreforce is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

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