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Microcontroller Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Proto-Town

Hardware Engineer

Lockhart, TX · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

We're looking for a tinkerer whose core strengths are sensors, microcontroller programming, and breadboard-level fabrication . A lot of this role is figuring out how to prototype and build. Materials ...

Arrow International Inc

Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Experience with ECAD tools such as Altium or KiCAD is a plus, as is comfort with microcontroller programming. This is a support-oriented role requiring attention to detail, clear communication, and a ...

PHIHONG USA

Firmware Engineer

Bohemia, NY · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for power supply products, including microcontroller programming, device drivers, and communication protocols. Familiarity with Microchip, TI and ...

Phihong USA Corp

Firmware Engineer

Bohemia, NY · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for power supply products, including microcontroller programming, device drivers, and communication protocols. Familiarity with Microchip, TI and ...

Phihong USA Corp

Firmware Engineer

Bohemia, NY · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware for power supply products, including microcontroller programming, device drivers, and communication protocols. Familiarity with Microchip, TI and ...

METECS

Junior Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Hands-on experience in embedded systems development, including firmware design, microcontroller programming, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required ...

METECS

Junior Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Hands-on experience in embedded systems development, including firmware design, microcontroller programming, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Citizenship or lawful permanent resident required ...

BCforward

Embedded Engineer III

Laurel, MD

$60.81/hr

... Embedded microcontroller programming experience (C language) - Schematic/Layout tool expertise (cadence orcad allegro preferred) Qualifications: 1. BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent ...

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How much do microcontroller programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for microcontroller programming in the United States is $52.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is microcontroller programming?

Microcontroller programming is the process of writing software code that tells a microcontroller how to perform specific tasks. Microcontrollers are small, self-contained computers found in many electronic devices, such as household appliances, cars, and industrial equipment. Programmers use languages like C, C++, or assembly to create instructions that control the hardware and interact with sensors, motors, or displays. This programming enables automation and smart functionality in embedded systems.

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

To thrive as a Microcontroller Programmer, you need strong skills in embedded C/C++ programming, circuit design, and a solid understanding of microcontroller architectures, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with IDEs (such as MPLAB or Keil), debugging tools, and version control systems is essential, and certifications in embedded systems can be beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help programmers excel in collaborative, deadline-driven environments. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient embedded software development crucial for powering a wide range of electronic devices.

What are some common challenges faced when working on microcontroller programming projects?

A frequent challenge in microcontroller programming is efficiently managing limited resources, such as memory and processing power, which requires careful code optimization and hardware understanding. Debugging embedded systems can also be more complex compared to general software development, due to limited visibility into system internals and real-time constraints. Collaboration with hardware engineers is essential, as successful projects often depend on close teamwork to integrate software and hardware components seamlessly. Additionally, staying up-to-date with evolving microcontroller architectures and development tools is key for ongoing success in this field.

What is the difference between Microcontroller Programming vs Embedded Systems Development?

AspectMicrocontroller ProgrammingEmbedded Systems Development
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of microcontroller architectures, programming languages like C/C++, and sometimes certifications in embedded systemsRequires similar skills, often with additional knowledge of hardware design, real-time operating systems, and system integration
Work EnvironmentPrimarily involves coding on microcontrollers for specific devices, often in manufacturing or product development settingsEncompasses designing, developing, and testing entire embedded systems, including hardware and software integration
Industry UsageUsed in consumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, and industrial automationApplied across a broader range of products, including medical devices, aerospace, and complex automation systems

While microcontroller programming focuses on writing code for specific microcontrollers, embedded systems development involves creating complete systems that integrate hardware and software. Both roles require similar technical skills, but embedded systems development often demands a broader understanding of hardware design and system integration.

Is embedded systems still a good career in 2026?

Microcontroller programming in embedded systems remains a strong career choice in 2026 due to ongoing demand in industries like automotive, healthcare, and IoT. Skills in C/C++, real-time operating systems, and hardware integration are valuable, and the field offers opportunities for specialization and growth as embedded technology continues to evolve.

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 in embedded systems and programming languages like C or C++ can earn higher salaries.

What jobs work with microcontrollers?

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

What are careers in microelectronics?

Careers in microelectronics include roles such as microcontroller programmer, embedded systems engineer, and hardware designer. These positions involve designing, developing, and testing electronic circuits and devices, often requiring knowledge of programming languages like C or assembly and tools such as oscilloscopes and circuit simulators.
More about Microcontroller Programming jobs
What job categories do people searching Microcontroller Programming jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Microcontroller Programming jobs are:
Microcontroller Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microcontroller Programming job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 6% As Needed, 12% Full Time, 12% Temporary, 52% Contract, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,490 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Hardware Engineer

Proto-Town

Lockhart, TX • On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Proto-Experiments runs ambitious projects. Our current focus is ML-driven crystal growth systems that close the loop between sensors, ML-driven control, and physical hardware. We're looking for a tinkerer whose core strengths are sensors, microcontroller programming, and breadboard-level fabrication. A lot of this role is figuring out how to prototype and build. Materials science or ML background is a plus but not required. Hiring ASAP.

Crystal growth is the immediate project, but Proto-Experiments has other unusual builds in the pipeline. If it is a good fit, there is real opportunity to keep working together on what comes next.

What you'll do

  • Build the sensing side of our growth rigs: thermocouples, optical sensors, cameras, pressure sensors - selecting them, wiring them cleanly, and getting clean signals out of noisy environments.

  • Program the microcontrollers running the rigs: sensor sampling, control loops, motor sequencing, and host comms.

  • Breadboard and prototype-level fabrication: protoboards, harnesses, simple carrier boards, plus 3D-printed brackets and basic mechanical scaffolding.

  • Power side: heater control, motor drives, PID loops, MOSFETs, isolation, grounding.

  • Take rigs from "works on the bench" to "runs reliably for a 72-hour growth," and debug across the stack when they don't.

We're looking for

  • A natural tinkerer - someone who learns quickly, stays deeply curious, works extremely hard, and brings creativity to the bench.

  • Strong sensor integration experience

  • Solid microcontroller programming

  • Real breadboard and prototype-fab skills

  • Light mechanical fab: basic CAD, 3D printing

You don't need every one of these. We care more about mindset and attitude.

Logistics

  • Contract: Hours flexible. Hiring ASAP. Potential to convert to full-time.

  • On-site in Lockhart, TX.

  • To apply: email jack@earthship.city