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Microcontroller Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer 3

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$188K - $235K/yr

The Software Engineer develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g ... STM32 microcontroller software development experience. * Familiarity with STM32CubeMX, STM32CubeIDE ...

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Microcontroller Programmer information

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$13

$44

$77

How much do microcontroller programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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.

What is a microcontroller programmer?

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 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Microcontroller Programmer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,138 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Electrical & Embedded Systems Engineer with Security Clearance

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturingย โ€ขย 5 - 10K employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Description Are you ready to make real contributions to impactful engineering work? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. At APL, we tackle the toughest challenges on projects of all scales spanning from submarines to spacecraft. If you're passionate about pushing boundaries and advancing your career while contributing to national defense and NASA initiatives, this is the place for you. If you have a degree in electrical or computer engineering and are looking to launch or accelerate your engineering career, we'd love to have you join our team. We are seeking an engineer to help us design, analyze, test and deploy advanced electrical and embedded systems. You will work alongside and learn from a team of experienced engineers while contributing to exciting projects that support the US Department of Defense and NASA. You'll receive mentorship from experienced engineers while progressively taking ownership of increasingly complex technical challenges. Our team strives to develop, apply, and maintain deep expertise in electrical and embedded systems. As a member of our team, you will: * Design and develop mixed-signal electronic systems including power electronics, embedded firmware, FPGA interfaces, sensor electronics, motor control, communications hardware, and custom printed circuit boards (PCBs).
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to capture requirements, design circuits, select components, and validate designs through modeling and simulation.
* Showcase your work at design reviews and produce crucial documentation for communication, fabrication and operation of your designs.
* Own the integration, test, and deployment of your electrical systems into larger mission-critical platforms.
* Contribute to technologies that enable spacecraft, autonomous systems, advanced sensing, hypersonics, cyber systems, and national security missions. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
* 2+ years of experience in electrical or computer engineering.
* Experience in the design, test, and development of electrical hardware and software systems through coursework, research, personal projects, or previous work experience. * Experience designing or prototyping electronic circuitry employing microcontrollers, FPGAs, DSPs, sensors, or power electronics.
* Programming experience in C, C++, Python, or similar programming languages.
* Experience with electronic design tools such as Altium Designer or Cadence, and simulation tools such as SPICE or MATLAB/Simulink.
* Experience in the test and measurement of electrical systems via the use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, function generators, etc.
* Excellent communication skills and an ability to document designs and results.
* Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * Possess a Master's or dual degree in a relevant discipline.
* Have technical leadership experience.
* Have experience with Linux and real time operating systems.
* Have experience with FPGA development using hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog.
* Have experience in controls or digital signal processing.
* Have experience developing embedded firmware for STM32, ESP32, ARM Cortex-M, or similar microcontroller platforms.
* Have software development skills suitable for developing automation tools, test interfaces, etc. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $85,000 Annually Maximum Rate $195,000 Annually