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Microcontroller Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$122.40K - $160.40K/yr

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer owns the full lifecycle of embedded microcontroller software development for new and existing products. This role requires technical ownership of complete ...

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

$122.40K - $160.40K/yr

The Senior Embedded Software Engineer owns the full lifecycle of embedded microcontroller software development for new and existing products. This role requires technical ownership of complete ...

Must be strong with C/C++ programming 2. Excellent digital and analog hardware knowledge3. Extensive Knowledge of Microchip, Texas Instruments, or other microcontroller/microprocessor IC suppliersTop ...

Must be strong with C/C++ programming 2. Excellent digital and analog hardware knowledge3. Extensive Knowledge of Microchip, Texas Instruments, or other microcontroller/microprocessor IC suppliersTop ...

Sales Engineer - Electronic Hardware Location: Wheaton, IL Type: Full-Time Posted: May 2026 About ... Strong working knowledge of digital and analog circuitry; embedded microcontroller experience ...

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135.60K - $178.40K/yr

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

Advanced Hardware Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$130K - $171.60K/yr

As an Advanced Hardware Engineer, you will be part of the PMC Engineering group, designing and ... microcontroller/processor integration • IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 standard awareness for product ...

Advanced Hardware Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL

$130K - $171.60K/yr

As an Advanced Hardware Engineer, you will be part of the PMC Engineering group, designing and ... with microcontroller/processor integration IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 standard awareness for product ...

Description HP Tuners is currently seeking a full-time Staff Hardware Engineer to join our team in ... microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems Experience taking a project from concept all the way ...

Advanced Hardware Engineer

Lincolnshire, IL

$130K - $171.60K/yr

As an Advanced Hardware Engineer, you will be part of the PMC Engineering group, designing and ... with microcontroller/processor integration IEC 61508 / IEC 61511 standard awareness for product ...

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

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Microcontroller Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do microcontroller programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for microcontroller programmer in Chicago, IL is $40.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.54 and $53.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Microcontroller Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

rf IDEAS

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$122.40K - $160.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Office Location: Schaumburg, IL (Includes Flexible WFH Option)
Position Summary:
The Senior Embedded Software Engineer owns the full lifecycle of embedded microcontroller software development for new and existing products. This role requires technical ownership of complete subsystems, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and the capacity to make architectural decisions that impact product quality and performance. The position involves balancing technical debt, feature delivery, and system reliability while coordinating across multiple product components and teams.
Technical Ability:
Core Responsibilities:
  • Design, architect, and implement multi-module embedded systems with a focus on scalability and maintainability
  • Perform memory optimization, execution time analysis, and power profiling to meet performance requirements
  • Implement complex communication protocols including USB and other communication stacks
  • Design and implement error handling, fault tolerance, and safety-critical software patterns
  • Adapt and port code across different microcontroller families and platforms
  • Identify root cause and resolve software issues in new and existing products using advanced debugging techniques
  • Apply secure coding practices and implement security features in embedded systems

Required Technical Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency in C/C++ for resource-constrained embedded systems; ARM Cortex experience preferred
  • Strong experience with RTOS concepts including task management, synchronization, scheduling, memory protection and multi-core development
  • Expertise with communication protocols: SPI, I2C, USB, RS232, RS485, TCP/IP
  • Proficiency with debugging tools: microcontroller debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, memory analyzers
  • Knowledge of hardware/software integration including reading and interpreting electrical schematics
  • Experience with embedded development environments and version control systems
  • Understanding of embedded security principles and secure development practices

Product Management Expertise:
Core Responsibilities:
  • Understand how embedded subsystems contribute to overall product value and customer experience
  • Influence product design decisions and evaluate technical tradeoffs with business impact in mind
  • Engage directly with customers and stakeholders to understand requirements gather feedback, and track customer success metrics
  • Contribute to product roadmap planning and feature prioritization based on technical feasibility
  • Capture and translate requirements to ensure software meets customer expectations
  • Define test requirements and processes to ensure products meet feature and reliability requirements
  • Understand how solutions apply across product families and platform architectures

Required Product Skills:
  • Understanding of competitive products and differentiation strategies in embedded/RFID markets
  • Ability to balance customer needs with technical constraints and development timelines
  • Experience translating business requirements into technical specifications
  • Familiarity with product development lifecycle and quality processes
  • Knowledge of relevant industry standards and certification requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, ISO, PCI, EU CRA, RED)

Communication + Leadership:
Core Responsibilities:
  • Mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers, supporting their technical growth
  • Present technical concepts and project status to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Create and maintain architecture documents, technical specifications, and design documentation
  • Participate in and contribute to internal technical forums and knowledge sharing
  • Lead technical discussions and drive decisions that may impact multiple teams
  • Establish technical standards and foster a collaborative engineering culture focused on quality and continuous improvement

Required Communication Skills:
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Ability to influence technical direction without direct authority
  • Experience providing constructive feedback through code reviews and design discussions
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships across engineering, product, and other functions

Scope + Independence:
Core Responsibilities:
  • Take ownership of entire embedded subsystems from design through validation and release
  • Coordinate integration efforts between multiple product components and teams
  • Exercise architectural authority in making design decisions that affect multiple teams, product quality, and maintainability
  • Lead initiatives spanning multiple quarters with strategic alignment to business goals
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices

Required Capabilities:
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, seeking guidance on strategic alignment
  • Self-directed learning and professional development
  • Strategic thinking to balance competing priorities: technical debt, performance, and feature delivery
  • Experience guiding and influencing the technical direction of a small team (3-5 engineers)
  • Ability to assess and manage technical risks and uncertainty in complex projects
  • Strategic technology evaluation for adoption decisions

Career Development Opportunities:
This role offers growth opportunities in the following areas:
Technical Growth:
  • Secure system-level architecture and advanced design patterns
  • Advanced RTOS features including memory protection and multi-core development
  • Security implementation in embedded systems
  • Technical mentoring and knowledge transfer at scale

Product Growth:
  • Strategic product positioning and market analysis
  • Cross-product family knowledge and platform thinking
  • Customer success metrics and business impact measurement
  • Industry standards and certification requirements

Leadership Growth:
  • Cross-organizational influence and relationship building
  • Strategic communication and vision articulation
  • Conflict resolution across teams
  • External representation and thought leadership opportunities

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum of 7 years of directly related embedded software development experience

Physical Demands: None specified.
Work Environment: Office
Benefits:
Health, Dental, Vision
Employer Paid Life/STD/LTD
401K + Company Match
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Educational Assistance
Competitive PTO Package & Paid Company Holidays
Wellness Program
Behavioral Assessment
In addition to supplying us with your resume, we ask that you take our Behavioral Assessment through Predictive Index by going to the following link:
https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/B3WV/EmbeddedSoftwareEngineer_Jan2026_172119
Tips:
Complete the assessment in a quiet place, free from interruption, in one session
Take as much time as you wish to complete this assessment; typically takes <7 minutes
Please use one of the following browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrom
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.