Bootloader Developer – Embedded Systems

Q1 Technologies, Inc.; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Q1 Technologies, Inc. in Brentwood is seeking an experienced software developer to design and develop bootloader and low-level platform software for embedded systems. The successful candidate will implement secure boot flows, debug firmware issues, and collaborate with various teams.

The role demands strong programming experience in C and C++, particularly in embedded environments, along with familiarity in using debugging tools. This position offers a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong programming experience in C and C++ in embedded environments.
• Strong understanding of system boot flow and initialization.
• Experience with Embedded Linux systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop bootloader and low-level platform software.
• Implement and validate secure boot flow and firmware authentication.
• Collaborate with hardware, security, and platform teams.

Skills

C

Embedded systems

Linux

Device drivers

Bootloader

Debugging

Tools

Yocto

Git

JIRA

JTAG

Job description

Skillset needed

C, Linux, Embedded, Experience in device drivers and bootloader

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop bootloader and low-level platform software
• Perform hardware bring-up activities for new platforms/SoCs
• Implement and validate secure boot flow and firmware authentication
• Debug and resolve system-level issues related to boot, power‑on, and firmware initialization
• Optimize system performance such as boot time and memory usage
• Develop and maintain device drivers and embedded platform components
• Collaborate with hardware, security, and platform teams
• Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and technical discussions
• Interface with SoC vendors to resolve technical issues
• Maintain documentation and ensure adherence to development standards

Technical Skills (Must Have)

• Strong programming experience in C and C++ in embedded environments
• Strong understanding of system boot flow and initialization
• Strong understanding of memory management and hardware abstraction
• Strong understanding of device tree and low-level hardware interaction
• Experience with Embedded Linux systems
• Working knowledge of Yocto
• Experience in board bring-up
• Familiarity with debugging tools (UART logs, JTAG, serial console)
• Familiarity with version control (Git, Gerrit)
• Familiarity with issue tracking tools (JIRA)

Preferred Skills

• RDK-B / RDK-V experience
• STB or Networking router exposure
• Secure boot and OTA recovery
• Python

Soft Skills

• Strong debugging and problem-solving
• Good communication with onsite/offshore teams
• Ownership mindset
• Ability to handle production‑critical / field issues under pressure