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Internship Microcontroller Programmer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Engineer, Firmware

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Engineer, Firmware

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design. * Familiarity with ... Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.

Internship Microcontroller Programmer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$15

$29

$45

How much do internship microcontroller programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship microcontroller programmer in Santa Clara, CA is $29.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Internship Microcontroller Programmer, you need a solid understanding of embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and basic electronics, often demonstrated through relevant coursework or personal projects. Familiarity with microcontroller platforms (such as Arduino, STM32, or PIC), debugging tools, and version control systems like Git is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate within a team are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable embedded applications, troubleshooting hardware-software interactions, and contributing effectively to engineering projects.

What types of projects do Microcontroller Programmer interns typically work on, and how much autonomy can I expect?

As a Microcontroller Programmer intern, you will usually assist with designing, coding, and testing firmware for embedded systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Projects often involve tasks like interfacing sensors, optimizing code for resource-constrained environments, and troubleshooting hardware-software integration issues. While you'll receive close mentorship, many organizations encourage interns to take ownership of specific modules or features, allowing you to contribute meaningfully and build confidence. Collaboration with hardware engineers and software developers is common, providing a well-rounded experience in embedded systems development.

What does an Internship Microcontroller Programmer do?

An Internship Microcontroller Programmer assists in developing, testing, and debugging software for microcontroller-based systems under the supervision of senior engineers. They typically write code in languages such as C or C++ to control hardware devices, sensors, or other embedded systems. Interns may also help with circuit design, hardware interfacing, and troubleshooting. The role provides hands-on experience in embedded systems development and helps build foundational skills for a career in embedded programming.

What is the difference between Internship Microcontroller Programmer vs Electronics Technician?

AspectInternship Microcontroller ProgrammerElectronics Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or completed relevant coursework or certifications in microcontrollers and embedded systemsAssociate degree or diploma in electronics or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in labs or development teams, focusing on programming and testing microcontrollersManufacturing, repair shops, or maintenance environments working on electronic systems
Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, startups, and R&D departments for embedded system developmentCommon in manufacturing, service centers, and electronics repair industries

Internship Microcontroller Programmers focus on learning and applying microcontroller programming skills during their internship, often in a development or R&D setting. Electronics Technicians work on maintaining and repairing electronic systems, with a broader scope in electronics. Both roles share some technical knowledge but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Internship Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Internship Microcontroller Programmer jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Internship Microcontroller Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Internship Microcontroller Programmer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,089 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Engineer, Firmware

Lumotive

Milpitas, CA

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Lumotive is pioneering the era of programmable optics—where light is controlled as intelligently and flexibly as software.
 
At the heart of this transformation is a once-in-a-generation innovation: a flat CMOS-based “general purpose optic.” Lumotive’s Light Control Metasurface (LCM™) beam forming chips can be programmed to function as a beam steering mirror, a lens, mirror, a beam splitter—or any optical function—replacing bulky and mechanical optical components with a fully digital, reconfigurable semiconductor . This breakthrough lays the foundation for a massive shift in multiple technologies—from 3D sensing and imaging to optical networking, free space optical communication, and beyond. Like the shift from analog to digital in electronics, programmable optics will reshape industries from robotics, self-driving cars, AI, defense, and healthcare.

Lumotive’s first commercial application is in LiDAR, where its software-defined beam steering chips are already enabling compact, high-performance, solid-state sensors. These sensors are being deployed today in smart infrastructure, robotics, and mobility systems through leading module makers and solution integrators.

With more than 200 patents and growing commercial traction, Lumotive is delivering the world’s first digital platform for light—and redefining what’s possible in the optical age.

Job Description:

Join our firmware team to develop and support embedded software for next-generation Mixed signal ASIC/SoC for Optical circuit switching platform. This role is ideal for recent graduates or engineers with up to one year of experience who want hands-on exposure to embedded systems, firmware development, RTOS environments, and hardware bring-up. You will work closely with experienced engineers across hardware, software, and system teams to develop production-quality firmware and gain practical experience with embedded platforms.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain embedded firmware modules for processor-based systems and ASIC/SoC platforms.
  • Assist in implementation, integration, and debugging of firmware features under guidance from senior engineers.
  • Support development and validation of drivers and interfaces for embedded peripherals such as I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, DMA, and related hardware modules.
  • Participate in RTOS-based firmware development activities including task creation, scheduling, and debugging.
  • Support board bring-up activities and system-level integration and validation.
  • Collaborate with hardware and software teams to integrate firmware components into the overall system architecture.
  • Assist in debugging firmware and hardware interaction issues.
  • Write unit tests and participate in system-level testing and validation activities.
  • Use debugging and lab tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related tools for troubleshooting.
  • Participate in code reviews and follow software development best practices.
  • Document firmware designs, implementation details, and test results.
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams including ASIC, hardware, software, and systems engineering teams.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 0–1 year of experience in embedded systems or firmware development (internships, research work, and academic projects are acceptable).
  • Basic understanding of C/C++ programming for embedded systems.
  • Understanding of computer architecture concepts including memory systems, interrupts, and processor fundamentals.
  • Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based design.
  • Familiarity with communication protocols such as I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, Ethernet or similar interfaces.
  • Familiarity with software development tools and version control systems such as Git.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
  • Internship, academic research, or project experience in embedded systems or firmware development.
  • Exposure in IC design, processor design or optical system design.
  •  Exposure to RTOS environments such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, ThreadX, or similar systems.
  • Basic scripting experience with Python or similar programming languages.
  • Familiarity with Linux-based development environments.
  • Exposure to debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or JTAG-based debugging.
  • Understanding of software testing concepts including unit testing and debugging methodologies.
  • Familiarity with embedded software development workflows and build systems.
Base pay is scaled depending on experience  + Performance based Quarterly Bonus + Equity.
Benefits include but not limited to:

Health, dental and vision
FSA, HSA
PTO plus 14 paid company holidays
401K with 3% contribution
Stock Options
Life insurance and disability

Lumotive logo

About Lumotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

2018

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