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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 ...

METECS

Junior Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... microcontroller programming, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Company : METECS is a small engineering-services company headquartered in Houston Texas near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Founded ...

THOMAS MAGNETE GMBH

$69.34 - $98.23/hr

Erste Erfahrungen in der Microcontroller-Programmierung wünschenswert * Erste Berührungspunkte mit modellbasierter Softwareentwicklung (UML) wünschenswert * Ausgeprägtes analytisches Denken sowie ...

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 ...

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 ...

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How much do microcontroller programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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 microcontroller programming hard?

Microcontroller programming can be challenging for beginners due to the need to understand hardware interactions, embedded systems, and programming languages like C or C++. It requires problem-solving skills, knowledge of electronics, and familiarity with development environments and debugging tools. With practice and learning resources, it becomes more manageable over time.

What does a microcontroller programming engineer do?

A microcontroller programming engineer develops and writes software to control microcontrollers used in embedded systems. They write code in languages like C or C++, test firmware, and work with hardware components to ensure proper functionality. Knowledge of electronics, debugging tools, and real-time operating systems is essential for this role.
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Microcontroller Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microcontroller Programming job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% 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

Re-posted 11 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