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Linker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drive build and test infrastructure improvements; maintain toolchains, manage compiler/linker configurations, and ensure fast, reliable CI pipelines. * Performance & Optimization: Lead efforts on ...

Scientist / Sr. Scientist, Research

Waltham, MA · On-site

$107K - $136K/yr

Develop, optimize, and characterize antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), including linker chemistry and conjugation strategy * Collaborate closely with the broader research team to generate ...

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Linker information

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$53.5K

$116.7K

$185K

How much do linker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for linker in the United States is $116,743.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Linker vs Assembler?

AspectLinkerAssembler
Primary RoleCombines object files into a single executableConverts assembly language into machine code
Required SkillsKnowledge of linking process, file formats, and programmingUnderstanding of assembly language and hardware architecture
Work EnvironmentSoftware development, build processesLow-level programming, embedded systems
Common UsageFinal step in software compilationWriting performance-critical code

The main difference between a Linker and an Assembler is their role in software development. An Assembler translates assembly language into machine code, while a Linker combines multiple object files into a single executable. Both are essential in the software build process but serve distinct functions at different stages.

What are some common challenges Linkers face when coordinating between production teams and software developers?

Linkers often act as intermediaries, ensuring that all components of a software build process are correctly integrated. A key challenge is managing communication across teams with different technical backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings about requirements or timelines. Additionally, Linkers must stay organized to track dependencies and resolve conflicts efficiently, especially when multiple updates happen simultaneously. Strong collaboration skills and attention to detail are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth project delivery.

What are Linkers?

Linkers are specialized software tools used in computer programming to combine various pieces of code and data into a single executable program. They take object files generated by compilers and resolve references between them, connecting code and libraries as needed. Linkers can handle static linking, where code is combined at compile time, or dynamic linking, where code is linked at runtime. This process is essential for creating functional applications from modular code components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linker (typically referring to a software linker), you need strong knowledge of programming languages, computer architecture, and compiler design, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with build systems, version control tools like Git, and scripting languages is essential, along with experience using linker tools such as GNU ld or Microsoft Link. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing and resolving integration issues. These skills are vital for ensuring that software components are correctly combined, dependencies are managed, and applications run efficiently and reliably.
More about Linker jobs
What states have the most Linker jobs? States with the most job openings for Linker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Linker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,743 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Staff Firmware Engineer, Platform

Staff Firmware Engineer, Platform

ALSO

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About ALSO.

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

In this role, you will play a large role in platform-level firmware development, being a key contributor to the foundational software layers that enable all vehicle products—including drivers, real time operating system integration, and build infrastructure. You will own the end to end design, development, and test of critical embedded software and tooling that supports the full scope of ALSO’s products. You will also drive architectural decisions for the firmware platform and build systems, enabling teams to efficiently develop, test, and deploy firmware across the product portfolio.

What you will do
  • Driver Development & Architecture: Lead design and implementation of hardware abstraction layers, peripheral drivers, and board support packages across MCU families.

  • Operating System Management: Support RTOS configuration, integration, and optimization; drive decisions on OS selection, task architecture, and resource management.

  • Core Firmware Frameworks and Libraries: Design and Develop frameworks for core platform functions like telemetry generation, updating firmware, and health monitoring

  • Build System: Contribute to Bazel-based build infrastructure; ensure reproducible builds, efficient dependency management, and scalable build configurations across targets.

  • Architecture & Standards: Contribute to coding standards, driver interface design, and platform APIs; make informed architectural decisions on MCU selection, memory management, and peripheral allocation.

  • CI/CD Infrastructure: Drive build and test infrastructure improvements; maintain toolchains, manage compiler/linker configurations, and ensure fast, reliable CI pipelines.

  • Performance & Optimization: Lead efforts on boot time optimization, memory footprint reduction, and runtime performance tuning across the platform.

What you will bring
  • 7+ years of experience in embedded software/firmware development, with demonstrated experience in platform, BSP, or infrastructure roles.

  • MS in an engineering discipline, preferably Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.

  • Strong driver development experience: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, CAN-FD, GPIO, DMA, timers, ADC/DAC, and other MCU peripherals.

  • Experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, ThreadX, or similar); understanding of scheduling, synchronization primitives, and memory management.

  • Strong proficiency with Bazel or similar modern build systems (Buck, CMake); experience working with complex multi-target embedded builds.

  • Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ with deep understanding of embedded constraints (memory, timing, power).

  • Experience with toolchain management: GCC/LLVM for ARM, linker scripts, startup code, and debugging tools (JTAG/SWD, trace).

  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded development (build automation, static analysis, unit testing frameworks).

  • Excellent communication skills with ability to document complex systems and support cross-functional teams.

  • Familiarity with bootloader development, secure boot, and firmware update mechanisms (OTA).

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and emulation frameworks.

The salary for this position ranges from $230,000-$250,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Perks & Benefits

  • Robust health coverage — excellent health, dental, and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO, with FSA & HSA options

  • One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocate

  • Rich fertility and family-building benefits with Progyny

  • Flexible time off

  • 401(k) match

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed.

We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. 

Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.