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Microcontroller Programming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Experience with complex power supply control architectures and microcontroller programming. * RF & Signal Integrity: A strong handle on RF development and performance challenges, including isolation ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Bellmore, NY · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in embedded systems architecture, microcontroller programming, and hardware-software interoperability, with the ability to work collaboratively across ...

Board Hardware Engineer

Duluth, GA · On-site

$91K - $146K/yr

Microcontroller programming * High current DC/DC design and layout * Test Equipment: TDR and VNA * Experience using and following checklists * Experience performing board layout, PCB Stack up design ...

Board Hardware Engineer

Duluth, GA · On-site

$91K - $146K/yr

Microcontroller programming * High current DC/DC design and layout * Test Equipment: TDR and VNA * Experience using and following checklists * Experience performing board layout, PCB Stack up design ...

Sr. Innovation Engineer

San Jose, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

Experience with microcontroller programming and IC communication * Hands-on lab experience with system debugging and prototype validation * Ability to work independently and drive application ideas ...

Embedded Systems Engineer

Bellmore, NY · On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in embedded systems architecture, microcontroller programming, hands-on electronics troubleshooting, and hardware, firmware, and software interoperability.

Lead, Electrical Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$127K - $236K/yr

Experience with microcontroller programming and debugging in embedded C * Experience with stepper motor control circuit design * Ability and desire to own development cradle to grave * Ability to ...

Sr. Flight Software Engineer

Webster, TX · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Familiarity with microcontroller programming in C * Experience with Bitbucket or Gitlab and Jenkins software tools, and Agile software development processes * Familiar with containerization ...

FPGA or microcontroller programming for custom waveform generation or high-speed signal processing * Familiarity with G-code/CNC part program structure and post-processor development * Experience ...

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Microcontroller Programming information

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How much do microcontroller programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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
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 Development Engineer

Hardware Development Engineer

Trimble, Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Trimble rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Pioneer the Future of Aviation GPS!
Do you want to develop hardware for high-performance aviation GPS receivers and own the design process from concept to completion?
Trimble is looking for a Hardware Development Engineer to join our Sunnyvale, California team!
This position requires an active U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret DOD Security Clearance. See more information below.
About Trimble:
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it is helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress.
Trimble is the market leader in high-performance embedded GPS navigation receivers for aviation applications. The Trimble receivers are deeply embedded in inertial navigation subsystems. The Hardware Development Engineer manages circuit card and programmable logic life cycle Development, implementation, test, and verification activities for high-performance aviation GPS receivers, comprising digital, RF, power, and mechanical subsystems of circuit card-level receivers.
You will support products from initial development to end of life, including conceptualization, proposals, development validation, new product introduction, engineering changes, sustaining engineering, manufacturing problem resolution, and quality issues.
What Makes This Role Great:
Trimble Military Advanced Systems (TMAS) is a group within Trimble that specializes in advanced positioning, navigation, and timing technologies primarily serving federal defense agencies. TMAS provides sophisticated Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, modules, and related technical solutions, with a primary focus on military and national security applications.
In this role, you will be at the forefront of developing high-performance embedded GPS navigation receivers, directly influencing the safety and efficiency of global aviation and shaping the future of inertial navigation subsystems.
Key Exciting Responsibilities:
  • Lead the life cycle development of circuit card assemblies and programmable logic, taking products from initial conceptualization through to production and sustaining engineering.
  • Design, implement, and test complex digital, analog, and RF systems, ensuring they meet rigorous functional and reliability requirements for aviation environments.
  • Manage full-scale development activities including schematic capture, layout, board bring-up, and the creation of critical specification documentation.
  • Spearhead root cause analysis and corrective actions for legacy products while driving configuration control and production transitions via Agile database management.
  • Partner with certification and quality leads to ensure every deliverable meets the highest development assurance and global quality standards.

Essential Skills & Experience:
  • 10+ Years of Mixed-Signal Expertise: Deep experience in board-level circuit design, specifically for RF signals, high-speed ADCs, and FPGAs.
  • Proven ability to scope FPGA resources and conduct rigorous circuit simulations.
  • Systems Bring-up & BSP: Full-stack hardware bring-up skills with expertise in Board Support Package (BSP) development for CISC/RISC CPU-based systems and microcontroller subsystems.
  • A track record of meticulous record-keeping and organizational precision.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills with the ability to interface effectively across cross-functional teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of memory and peripheral systems (200MHz+), SERDES, or equivalent high-speed interconnects.
  • Power & Control: Experience with complex power supply control architectures and microcontroller programming.
  • RF & Signal Integrity: A strong handle on RF development and performance challenges, including isolation, crosstalk, and interference.
  • BA in Electrical engineering, electronics Engineering or similar.
  • Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance is required. Applicants must clearly indicate citizenship and any previous DoD security clearance activity.

Logistics:
Location: Sunnyvale, CA, Office-Based
DOD Secret Security Clearance Info: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/
Why You Will Love Working With Us:
At Trimble, we are not just a company that "does good"-we are a team dedicated to making a tangible, positive Real-World Impact. We build innovative solutions designed to solve the world's most critical challenges. From construction sites to transportation hubs, our work tangibly improves how people live, build, move, and grow.
You will work on projects that truly matter: Our purpose-driven culture means you will be helping to build and deliver solutions that make work faster, safer, and more sustainable for millions of people worldwide. Our impact is tangible, from connected machines that save fuel to data-driven insights that reduce waste. Collaborate with like-minded people: Our strong internal culture is a "hidden gem."
You will work with a collaborative, supportive team that shares your purpose and fosters a genuine sense of belonging. We are a company of "visionary pragmatists" who think boldly and build things that work. Be an owner: Trimble thrives on individuals who take initiative and embrace ownership. You will find an entrepreneurial spirit where success is often "self-authored," empowering proactive "doers."
Hardware Engineer, Electrical Engineer, GPS, Aviation, RF Design, FPGA, Verilog, VHDL, Circuit Design, DoD Clearance, Mixed Signal, Embedded Systems, Sunnyvale Jobs
Compensation: Trimble provides the following compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that it in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position. This compensation range is based on a full time schedule. Trimble reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, or federal law.
Hiring Range
$119,500.00-$164,400.00
Pay Rate Type
Salary
Bonus Eligible?
Yes
Commission Eligible?
No
Benefits: Trimble offers comprehensive core benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Time off plans and retirement plans. Most of our businesses also offer tax savings plans for health, dependent care and commuter expenses as well as Paid Parental Leave and Employee Stock Purchase Plan. If this position is identified above as commission- or bonus-eligible, the terms of the commission plan or discretionary bonus plan for which you are eligible will be provided following the employee start date.
How to Apply: Please submit an online application for this position by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button located in this posting.
Application Deadline: Trimble accepts applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
At Trimble, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Guided by our core values-Belong, Innovate, and Grow-we embrace and celebrate differences, knowing they make us stronger and more innovative. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds and advancing opportunities while embracing race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected and diverse characteristic. We are committed to offering our candidates and employees with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs the ability to seek reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law and/or where it would not constitute undue hardship for Trimble. For more, please see Trimble's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics at https://investor.trimble.com, under "Corporate Governance."
Our mission to transform the way the world works starts with transforming how we work together. By actively listening, asking questions, and taking intentional actions, we cultivate a culture that provides equitable opportunities for everyone to contribute and grow.
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If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact careers@trimble.com.

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