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Embedded Microcontroller Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$134K - $176K/yr

Title: Embedded Firmware Software Engineer Location: Eagan, MN (Onsite) Type: Long-Term Contract ... in Embedded C/C++ development for microcontroller-based systems • Hands-on experience with ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Rockledge, FL · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Embedded Software Engineers play a critical role in developing our wide variety of products and ... Experience with TI C2000 or STM32 microcontroller family * Experience with additional programming ...

New

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer for its Advanced Products Group (APG). APG is a ... Experience with embedded microcontroller peripheral configuration including Interrupts, Timers ...

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Embedded Microcontroller Engineer information

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$70K

$153.4K

$174K

How much do embedded microcontroller engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded microcontroller engineer in the United States is $153,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer do?

An Embedded Microcontroller Engineer designs, develops, and tests systems that use microcontrollers to perform specific functions within larger electronic devices. They write firmware (software that runs directly on hardware), integrate hardware and software components, and troubleshoot issues to ensure reliable operation. These engineers work on products like automotive systems, consumer electronics, medical devices, and industrial machinery. Their role often involves optimizing code for performance and memory constraints, as well as collaborating closely with hardware and software teams.

What are some common challenges an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Microcontroller Engineers often encounter challenges in synchronizing hardware with software, especially when dealing with timing constraints and resource limitations. Debugging issues can be complex, as problems may arise from either the code or the physical hardware. Additionally, ensuring compatibility between different components and maintaining system stability during updates require strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and firmware developers.

What is the difference between Embedded Microcontroller Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Microcontroller EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Computer Engineering or related; certifications like ARM or embedded systems coursesBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering; certifications in embedded systems or programming languages
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing microcontroller-based systems, often in hardware labs or development environmentsDeveloping low-level code for devices, often in software development environments
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, automotive, industrial automationConsumer electronics, IoT devices, embedded systems

Both roles involve embedded systems, but Embedded Microcontroller Engineers focus more on hardware integration and microcontroller-specific development, while Firmware Engineers concentrate on writing low-level code to control hardware functions. The roles often overlap, but their primary focus and work environments differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Microcontroller Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded systems design, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems (e.g., Git), and experience with microcontroller families like ARM, PIC, or AVR are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help you excel in troubleshooting and optimizing embedded systems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure the reliability, efficiency, and functionality of hardware-software integrations in complex electronic products.
More about Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Embedded Microcontroller Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Embedded Microcontroller Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,383 per year, or $73.7 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

$92K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 552 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a motivated and technically strong Embedded Software Engineer to join our Embedded Software Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position supports the development of advanced autonomous undersea systems and contributes directly to national defense research initiatives.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
  • Design, implement, integrate, and test embedded software supporting autonomous vehicle guidance and control, including sensor monitoring, actuator and motor control, and algorithms for signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and decision-making
  • Develop and integrate autonomy-related capabilities such as sensor fusion, perception, and embedded signal-processing pipelines
  • Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to integrate complete embedded software systems and support hardware-in-the-loop testing and bench-level validation
  • Prepare documentation, technical reports, and presentations
  • Support occasional travel to remote test locations as part of a small engineering and research team

Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Writing software for an embedded system
  • Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded environments
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through previous success in collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environments
  • Ability to clearly convey technical information in presentations, documentation, and design discussions

Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet
  • Microcontroller programming and low-level embedded development
  • Linux experience
  • Scripting with Python or MATLAB
  • Autonomy-related algorithms such as sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, state estimation, or embedded perception/tracking
  • Autonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS 2, MOOS-IvP, JAUS-based middleware)
  • Real-time embedded systems or RTOS environments
  • Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments or lab-based hardware integration
  • Use of AI- or LLM-assisted workflows to improve software development efficiency, code quality, or documentation
  • Agile development methods and toolsets such as Atlassian
  • Unit testing frameworks
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required

This position will be fully on-site in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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