$76.70K - $129.50K/yr
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional ... Microcontroller programming and lowlevel embedded development * Linux experience * Scripting with ...
$76.70K - $129.50K/yr
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional ... Microcontroller programming and lowlevel embedded development * Linux experience * Scripting with ...
$76.70K - $129.50K/yr
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional ... Microcontroller programming and lowlevel embedded development * Linux experience * Scripting with ...
| Aspect | Remote Microcontroller Programmer | Embedded Systems Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires certifications in programming languages and microcontroller platforms | Requires degrees in electrical engineering or computer science, often with certifications in embedded systems |
| Work Environment | Primarily remote, focused on coding and debugging microcontroller firmware | Often combines remote and on-site work, involving hardware integration and system design |
| Industry Usage | Used in IoT, consumer electronics, and automation industries | Common in automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation sectors |
While both roles involve embedded programming, Remote Microcontroller Programmers focus mainly on firmware development for microcontrollers remotely, whereas Embedded Systems Engineers handle broader system design, hardware integration, and may work on both firmware and hardware aspects in various industries.
$76.70K - $129.50K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO
Posted 15 days ago
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a motivated and technically strong Embedded Software Engineer to join our Embedded Software Department within the Guidance and Control Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position supports the development of advanced autonomous undersea systems and contributes directly to national defense research initiatives.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Design, implement, integrate, and test embedded software supporting autonomous vehicle guidance and control, including sensor monitoring, actuator and motor control, and algorithms for signal processing, detection, classification, tracking, and decisionmaking
Develop and integrate autonomyrelated capabilities such as sensor fusion, perception, and embedded signalprocessing pipelines
Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team to integrate complete embedded software systems and support hardwareintheloop testing and benchlevel validation
Prepare documentation, technical reports, and presentations
Support occasional travel to remote test locations as part of a small engineering and research team
Required skills/experience areas include:
Writing software for an embedded system
Proficiency in C or C++ for embedded environments
Effective interpersonal communication skills, demonstrated through previous success in collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environments
Ability to clearly convey technical information in presentations, documentation, and design discussions
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Embedded communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, and Ethernet
Microcontroller programming and lowlevel embedded development
Linux experience
Scripting with Python or MATLAB
Autonomyrelated algorithms such as sensor fusion, Kalman filtering, state estimation, or embedded perception/tracking
Autonomy frameworks (e.g., ROS 2, MOOSIvP, JAUSbased middleware)
Realtime embedded systems or RTOS environments
Hardwareintheloop (HIL) environments or labbased hardware integration
Use of AI or LLMassisted workflows to improve software development efficiency, code quality, or documentation
Agile development methods and toolsets such as Atlassian
Unit testing frameworks
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required
This position will be fully onsite in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
No prior relevant work experience required
Required Certifications:
NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $129,500.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.
Education
11 - 50 Employees
University Park, PA, US
1855