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Microcontroller Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Use your electrical ... Experience with embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting.

Senior Staff AI Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

... Engineer to head our Edge AI Applications Lab. The role includes leadership of R&D, PoC and AI ... microcontroller deployment of tiny AI models. It includes management and scheduling of the ...

Senior Staff AI Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

... microcontroller deployment of tiny AI models. It includes management and scheduling of the ... Work with other AI and embedded engineers to optimize and deploy AI models suitable for ...

Job Title Staff Electrical Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Use your ... Experience with embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting.

Electrical Engineer Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for ... Experience with embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting.

Electrical Engineer Fibertek, Inc. is a leading developer of laser and electro-optic systems for ... Experience with embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting.

Senior Staff AI Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

... Engineer to lead their Edge AI Applications Lab. The role involves managing R&D projects ... microcontroller deployment. Responsibilities : • Lead Edge AI Applications Lab, including ...

Embedded Software Engineer

VA

$130K - $171K/yr

... microcontroller-based embedded systems. Expectations: This role blends hands-on engineering with cross-functional collaboration, technical problem solving, product lifecycle support and software ...

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Microcontroller Programmer information

See Washington salary details

$13

$44

$77

How much do microcontroller programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for microcontroller programmer in Washington is $44.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.13 and $58.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do microcontroller programmers make?

Microcontroller programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in fields like embedded systems or IoT development.

What jobs work with microcontrollers?

Jobs that work with microcontrollers include roles such as embedded systems engineer, firmware developer, electronics technician, and hardware engineer. These positions involve designing, programming, testing, and maintaining microcontroller-based devices, often requiring knowledge of programming languages like C or C++ and tools such as development boards and debugging equipment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Microcontroller Programmer?

Microcontroller Programmers typically spend their days writing, testing, and debugging firmware that runs on embedded devices. They often collaborate with hardware engineers to define system requirements, integrate new features, and troubleshoot issues that span both hardware and software. In addition to hands-on programming, they may be responsible for updating documentation, participating in team meetings, and reviewing code to ensure quality standards are met. This role frequently involves problem-solving, adapting to evolving project needs, and staying current with emerging microcontroller technologies.

What is a Microcontroller Programmer job?

A Microcontroller Programmer is responsible for writing, testing, and debugging code for microcontrollers, which are small embedded systems used in various electronic devices. They typically work with programming languages like C and C++ and use development environments specific to different microcontroller families. Their role involves optimizing code for performance, integrating hardware components, and troubleshooting firmware issues. Microcontroller programmers are commonly employed in industries such as automotive, medical devices, robotics, and consumer electronics.

What is a microcontroller programmer?

A microcontroller programmer is a professional who writes, tests, and uploads software to microcontrollers, which are small integrated circuits used to control electronic devices. They typically use specialized tools and programming languages like C or Assembly, and may need knowledge of hardware interfaces such as JTAG or SPI. This role often requires understanding embedded systems and debugging skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Microcontroller Programmer position, and why are they important?

A Microcontroller Programmer should have a solid background in embedded systems, C/C++ programming, and microcontroller architectures, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with development tools like IDEs (e.g., MPLAB, Keil), debugging interfaces, and version control systems is essential, and certifications such as ARM Accredited Engineer can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing reliable, efficient firmware solutions and effectively collaborating with hardware and systems engineering teams.

Is embedded systems a good career?

A career as a microcontroller programmer in embedded systems offers steady demand due to the widespread use of embedded devices in industries like automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. It requires knowledge of programming languages such as C or C++, and familiarity with hardware interfaces and real-time operating systems. The field provides opportunities for specialization, innovation, and growth with certifications and hands-on experience.
Infographic showing various Microcontroller Programmer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,138 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Electrical Engineer / FPGA & CPU

Electrical Engineer / FPGA & CPU

NSS

Herndon, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Electrical Engineer
Location
Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary)
Job Description

Use your electrical engineering skills to design and build electro-optical systems to push boundaries for NASA and DoD. We are looking for an Electrical Engineer to join our Herndon, VA location to contribute to the development of laser products within our R&D team. By taking on both short and long-term projects, you will use your versatility to bring uncharted laser research to the aerospace industry. You will work within a collaborative environment while empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise. You will have a manageable workload, and have the benefit of both your team and senior leadership support. In developing, verifying, and upgrading the electronics in our electro-optical systems, you will handle a wide range of engineering tasks, including circuit board development, firmware (FPGA & CPU) development, cable/harness design, and documentation. This will also include board and system-level integration and testing and troubleshooting. You will work on multiple concurrent projects, with a mix of small, short, quick-turn projects and more extensive, long-term projects.


Job Requirements
  • BSEE with 2-8 years of applicable work experience.
  • Experience with circuit board design, integration, and troubleshooting.
  • Comfortable working hands-on and will participate in field tests and experiments.
  • Experience using electrical lab equipment as part of embedded system development.


Bonus Areas:

  • MSEE
  • Experience developing hi-rel military and/or space-flight electronics
  • Experience with FPGA/CPLD design, simulation, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with embedded CPU/Microcontroller firmware development, integration, and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with LIDAR systems

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About NSS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NSS RPO was founded by Jessica Nicholson and Conor Nicholson in 2009. They saw the need for a nice services company that valued their employees by putting them first. With Jessica’s organizational skills and strategy along with Conor’s network, the company employed 25 contract recruiters in less than a year and proceeded to make the Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in America, three years in a row. Since its inception, NSS RPO has hired hundreds of recruiters in over 30 states. NSS RPO is proud to include among its clients eight of the ten largest government contractors, the world's largest job board, entertainment company and one of the nation’s largest banks. NSS RPO is your trusted provider of Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solutions. Founded by an experienced recruiter and solely focused on RPO, NSS RPO offers a strong network of exceptional recruiters and customizable staffing solutions. Named to Washington Business Journal’s prestigious list of Top 25 Staffing Agencies seven years in a row, NSS RPO is known for its quality, agility, and expertise. If you have a recruitment staffing need at your organization, NSS RPO can customize a solution for you, no matter how big or small.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

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