Hire the Best Microcontroller Designers

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Hossam M.

Rasheed, Egypt

$30/hr
5.0
12 jobs

Hello! I’m an Embedded Systems Engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communications Engineering, specialized in Embedded Systems Development and IoT solutions. I help clients design and build reliable embedded systems from idea → prototype → final implementation, including microcontroller programming, IoT connectivity, sensor integration, and PCB design. ✅ What I can help you with: ✅ Embedded C / C++ Programming (clean, efficient, and scalable code) ✅ Microcontroller Programming (AVR, PIC, STM32, 8051) ✅ ESP32 / ESP8266 Projects (Wi-Fi, IoT dashboards, sensors, automation) ✅ Arduino Development (Uno, Nano, Mega) ✅ Microcontroller Interfacing using UART, I2C, SPI, ModBus, and CAN protocols ✅ PCB Design & Hardware Integration using: • Altium Designer • KiCad • Autodesk Eagle • EasyEDA ✅ Circuit Design, Simulation & Debugging using: • Proteus Professional • Autodesk Tinkercad • Fritzing ✅ Projects I’ve worked on: 🔹 Fertigation System for Greenhouses 🔹 Climate Monitoring and Control System for Greenhouses 🔹 Dual Axis Solar Tracking System 🔹 IoT-Based ECG Monitoring System 🔹 Smart Parking System 🔹 Smart Irrigation & Water Level Monitoring 🔹 Intelligent Lighting System 🔹 Automated Garage System 🔹 Solar Panel Cleaner 🔹 Access Control System (PIC18F4520) 🔹 RTC + Temperature/Humidity Monitoring 🔹 Embedded Converters (8051) 🔹 Stopwatch System (ATmega328P) ✅ Why clients choose me: ⭐ Proven experience in Embedded Systems and IoT development ⭐ Reliable delivery with professional documentation ⭐ Quick debugging, optimization, and clean code ⭐ Clear communication and client-focused support 📩 Feel free to message me anytime — I’d be happy to discuss your project and help you build your next Embedded & IoT solution.

  • Microcontroller Programming
  • PIC Programming
  • Embedded System
  • MATLAB
  • Altium Designer
  • AVR Microcontroller
  • STM32
  • Eagle
  • Proteus Design Suite
  • PCB Design
  • C
  • EasyEDA
  • Circuit Design
  • Arduino
  • ESP32
Slobodan I.

Krusevac, Serbia

$25/hr
4.9
46 jobs

I’m an Embedded Systems Engineer specializing in Firmware development, with nearly 10 years of experience in the field. I have extensive experience with the following microcontroller families: PIC16F/18F, STM32 and other ARM Cortex-based MCUs, ATmega, ATtiny, SAMD—and most recently, the ESP32 family for IoT devices. 1️⃣My strongest skill is an in-depth knowledge of MCU internal architecture and operating principles: ⚡Memory organization, ⚡Instruction sets and execution, ⚡Device configuration, ⚡Watchdogs, ⚡Interrupt services (including multiple-interrupt handling), and ⚡Peripheral management. I’ve worked with virtually all standard peripherals found on modern MCUs— 🚀 Precise Timer usage; 🚀 PWM drivers; 🚀 Capture-Compare units; 🚀 ADCs; DACs; and 🚀 Serial Communications (I²C, SPI, USART, I²S). Less common peripherals I’ve tackled include the STM32 🔹AES encryption accelerator; the PIC16F’s 🔹NCO and 🔹logic-gate features; the PIC18F 🔹USB module; and the ESP32’s 🔹PDM and 🔹I²S interfaces and various other specialized modules. ➡️This deep understanding of MCU internals lets me write high-quality code with very few bugs from the outset, and it makes debugging far faster in later development stages. 2️⃣Hardware integration I deliver seamless, efficient hardware integration for: 🔹Sensors (analog and digital: temperature, humidity, light, voltage) using SPI, I²C, 1-Wire, USART, etc. 🔹Input devices from simple buttons, keypads, potentiometers, and rotary encoders to touchpads and sliders. 🔹Output devices including LCDs (various sizes), OLEDs, addressable LEDs, 7-segment displays, touchscreens, and more. I go beyond plain text and primitives, 🎨crafting eye-catching UIs with attractive fonts, colors, images, and animations whenever possible. 3️⃣I can develop—and maintain—a complete embedded-system firmware from start to finish, ensuring it’s easily maintainable by future engineers. When your embedded system is part of a larger ecosystem (e.g., IoT devices or desktop/mobile-controlled systems), I’ve implemented higher-level protocols like USB, Bluetooth/BLE, HTTP, and MQTT. I write clean, well-documented firmware APIs that integrate effortlessly into any larger system. 4️⃣An invaluable skill I bring is the ability to emulate missing peripherals entirely in software—avoiding the time, cost, and chaos of a board redesign. When hardware truly falls short, I step in to replicate its functionality in firmware, keeping development on schedule and often yielding more flexible, upgradable solutions. Of course, this isn’t a cure-all: some features simply demand a hardware revision. 5️⃣When required, I code “close to the metal” in low-level C or even Assembly. I’ve worked on legacy chips (e.g., Intel 8051 and 6502 derivatives) where assembly-only firmware was essential. 6️⃣Circuit and PCB design Although my primary focus is firmware, I hold an electronics engineering degree and am proficient at reading schematics. I collaborate smoothly with hardware designers and can propose elementary hardware solutions when needed. 7️⃣I’m a thorough researcher who always studies documentation carefully before drawing conclusions. While this can slow initial progress, it pays off with faster, more reliable development later on. 8️⃣Other skills and interests Windows desktop app development (WinForms) Web scraping (I’ve built sports-results scrapers) Retro game development (I’ve completed a SNES game) You can find many of my projects—console utilities, ASCII-art games, web scrapers, and more—on my GitHub page. Thanks for visiting my profile!

  • Microcontroller Programming
  • Microcontroller
  • Firmware
  • Embedded System
  • Firmware Programming
  • STM32
  • ESP32
  • Internet of Things
  • Internet of Things Software
  • Embedded C
  • PIC Programming
  • C
  • Arduino
  • GUI Design
  • Assembly Language
Efrain Manuel L.

Barquisimeto, Venezuela

$15/hr
4.6
105 jobs

Hi! This is Efrain Manuel L. I have been working as a Professional PCB Designer and an Embedded System Expert for more than 6 years. I have been working in the field of Designing & Implementing : ☑️ Circuit, PCBs for both Commercial and Industrial purposes. ☑️ Microcontroller Based Projects. ☑️ IOT-based automation Projects. ☑️ Projects Related to Robotics. ⚡I have graduated in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE). ⚡I have been collaborating on high-complexity long-term projects with various clients worldwide. ☑️ Through this profile, I Provide the Following Services: ✔ Schematic Design ✔ PCB Design (1/2/4/6/8 Layers) ✔ Gerber Export ✔ BOM Validation & Sourcing ✔ 3D CAD Design of PCB (.obj /.step) ✔ Reverse Engineering (PCB to New Schematic) ✔ Custom Symbol & Footprint from Datasheet ✔ Microcontroller Based PCB Design ✔ Writing code for the specific microcontrollers ☑️ I have implemented lots of microcontroller-based projects using Arduino, ATMEGA Series, STM32, NODEMCU, ESP8266, and ESP32 series. Why You Should Hire Me: ☑️ On-time delivery with the Best quality for every project at a reasonable rate ($). ☑️ Assist With PCB Fabrication. ☑️ 100% Guarantee on Customer Satisfaction. ☑️ 24/7 Support After Project Completion (Free of Charge) So, what are you waiting for? If you have any Ideas and PCB Design related projects or any Microcontroller based projects give me a knock as soon as possible. I assure you.

  • Python
  • KiCad
  • ESP8266
  • Altium Designer
  • Arduino
  • C#
  • C++
  • Project Engineering
  • Eagle
  • Microchip
  • ESP32
  • Microsoft Excel
  • JavaScript
  • PCB Design
  • Firmware
Chirantan K.

Nashik, India

$10/hr
4.9
37 jobs

I am an electronics engineer with a decade of experience in schematic design, PCB layout, and firmware development. After founding a successful tech startup in 2010, I am now seeking to expand my reach through online platforms. My company specializes in the design and development of customized consumer and industrial electronics projects, offering state-of-the-art solutions and dedicated computer systems. Over the years, we have successfully designed various systems, including data loggers, data monitors, data acquisition systems, data processors, process controllers, and IoT solutions tailored to our clients' specific needs. Our expertise spans microcontrollers, microprocessors, FPGAs, SoCs, and System-on-Modules (SoMs). We are also proficient in wireless technologies such as XBee, BLE 4.0, BLE 5.0, GSM, and LoRa. Services we offer: 1. Component Engineering 2. Schematics and PCB design 3. Firmware development 4. Prototypes and Mass production 5. Vendor Co-ordination Deliverables we provide include: 1. PDF Documentation: Schematics, PCB artwork, and 3D views of the PCB. 2. Source Files: Schematics and PCB files in Altium format. 3. 3D STEP File: A detailed representation of the PCB. 4. Gerber Files: For manufacturing. 5. NC Drill Files: For precise drilling specifications. 6. Bill of Materials (BOM): Compiled from verified vendors and suppliers such as Mouser, Digi-Key, and JLC, ensuring reliability and consistency over time. 7. Firmware/Software: Including codes and sketches tailored to your specifications. 8. Prototypes and Mass Production: Comprehensive support from concept to production. We prioritize compatibility with leading vendors like Mouser, Digi-Key, LCSC, and JLCPCB in our BOMs, facilitating a comparative analysis of available components and expediting the prototyping and mass production processes. Additionally, we ensure that selected components are stable and widely available, mitigating concerns about obsolescence or stock shortages. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and contribute to your project’s success.

  • Internet of Things Solutions Design
  • Robotics
  • ESP32
  • Arduino
  • Raspberry Pi
  • PCB Design
  • Embedded C
  • Embedded System
  • Amplifiers & Filters
Andrii N.

Mislata, Spain

$35/hr
4.6
16 jobs

I help companies transform embedded product ideas into reliable, production-ready devices. I'm a Principal Embedded Software Engineer with 20+ years of experience developing commercial embedded systems from concept through manufacturing. I work across the entire product lifecycle—from system architecture and firmware development to hardware bring-up, production testing, and manufacturing support. My background combines deep low-level firmware expertise with practical product development. Earlier in my career, I spent more than 10 years developing RTOS components, networking stacks, USB stacks, bootloaders, device drivers, and low-level embedded software. This foundation allows me to quickly understand complex systems, identify root causes, and design robust solutions. I don't just write firmware—I help build complete embedded products. Core Expertise Embedded C/C++ System & Firmware Architecture Embedded Linux FreeRTOS Zephyr RTOS Bootloaders OTA Firmware Updates Secure Firmware Architecture Low-Power Design Digital Signal Processing Industrial IoT MCU Platforms STM32 ESP32 Nordic nRF52 / STM32WB NXP Renesas TI MSP430 Microchip PIC / dsPIC ARM Cortex-M / Cortex-A Embedded Linux platforms Wireless & Connectivity Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) LoRa & LoRaWAN Wi-Fi NFC GSM / GPRS LTE-M / NB-IoT GPS / GNSS Satellite Communications MQTT HTTP / HTTPS TCP/IP Areas I Can Help With Embedded firmware development Product architecture Hardware/Firmware co-design Communication protocol design Bootloader development OTA update systems BLE applications LoRa & LoRaWAN devices NFC & Secure Elements Embedded Linux Production programming Manufacturing test systems Hardware bring-up Performance optimization Power optimization Technical consulting Hardware Experience I regularly work with electrical schematics, hardware debugging, prototype bring-up, and production validation. I also collaborate with PCB designers to move products efficiently from concept to manufacturing. Engineering Tools Besides firmware development, I build engineering tools that simplify development and production: Python desktop applications Manufacturing software Production programming tools BLE diagnostic applications NFC validation tools Firmware update utilities Automated test frameworks Recent Commercial Projects BLE-enabled IoT devices LoRa & LoRaWAN industrial monitoring systems Secure NFC and authentication systems Satellite communication modem Smart beverage dispensing platform Automotive embedded systems Cellular IoT gateways Industrial controllers Secure OTA firmware update systems If you're looking for someone who can take an embedded product from an initial idea to a reliable production-ready solution, I'd be happy to discuss your project.

  • Microcontroller Programming
  • Bluetooth
  • Sensor
  • Embedded System
  • C
  • Embedded C
  • Electronic Design
  • Analog Electronics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Digital Engineering
  • Electronics
  • Digital Electronics
  • USB Electronics
  • Firmware Programming
Hussam H.

Cairo, Egypt

$60/hr
4.6
6 jobs

I have 7+ years of specialized experience in Electronic Design and Manufacture, PCB layout, Microcontroller Programming, wearables and Automotive electronic applications. Wide knowledge with electronic solutions in consumer product, medical, electrical and mechanical fields Last year, I led a team of electronics designers, testers, and product manufacturing engineers to successfully build advanced medical devices, demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects in high-stakes environments. Working closely with cross-functional teams to streamline manufacturing processes, ensuring cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality. I have been helping my clients raise funds for their top priority products by developing MVP products to showcase to strategic investors, one of my clients sold his product for $2M+, another got $1M+ investment in 2023. Expertise: - Manufacture for prototyping - Electronics mass production and assembly. - PCB Layout Design - Microcontrollers and SoC (STM32, Cypress PSoC, Nordic, AVR, ..) - Power Drive Applications - Medical Sensors - Motion sensors - Battery and charging management system (BMS) - Closed-loop control (e.g. PID) -DC-DC, and AC-DC Conversion My Tools -EDAs like Altium Designer, KiCAD and Eagle -Ansys -STM32CubeIDE -ModusToolbox -PSoC Creator -Nordic Thingy -LTspice -IAR Embedded Workbench -Fusion 360: -Onshape -Git

  • Microcontroller
  • Hardware Design
  • PCB Design
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Electronic Design
  • Power Electronics
  • Electronics
  • Medical Device
  • HVAC System Design
  • Power System
  • Electrical Design
  • Embedded System
  • ARM Microcontroller
  • Microchip
  • Antenna Design

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What does a Microcontroller designer do?

A microcontroller designer builds and validates the hardware and firmware integration for embedded systems. This role bridges physical circuit design with low-level software logic to create functional electronic devices. You select specific interfaces, construct custom circuit boards, and perform initial system diagnostics to verify performance. The work requires precise coordination between schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, and firmware debugging protocols.

  • Create and review system hardware designs by performing schematic capture and planning printed circuit board layouts. You verify net connectivity and layer-stack considerations to ensure electrical signals travel correctly across the board. This process includes internal layout reviews to catch routing errors before manufacturing begins. Your goal is an approved schematic that meets all electrical and mechanical constraints for the target device.
  • Conduct board bring-up and diagnostics to verify user interfaces, general-purpose input/output pins, and overall hardware behavior. You run diagnostic checklists based on industry standards, such as Texas Instruments design recommendations, to validate each component. This step confirms that the physical board powers up correctly and communicates with connected peripherals. You document these results to prove the hardware functions as intended before full-scale production.
  • Define hardware and firmware interfaces to establish clear system architecture relationships for reliable integration. You use tools like Arm Debugger and Platform Configuration Editor to set breakpoints and configure debug targets. This workflow allows you to trace code execution against hardware responses in real time. You iterate on this integration until the system behavior matches the intended architectural design, ensuring stable operation under various conditions.

How to hire a Microcontroller designer on Upwork

Step 1: Post a job

Define your embedded hardware needs clearly to attract qualified designers. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your board requirements in a few sentences, and Uma constructs a tailored post for you. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.

  • Specify required schematic capture tasks and PCB layout planning constraints to filter for candidates with strong hardware design fundamentals.
  • List specific microcontroller families or ARM debug workflows you use so applicants demonstrate relevant board bring-up experience.
  • Include expected deliverables like verified net connectivity reports to set clear expectations for diagnostic accuracy from the start.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

Review portfolios for concrete evidence of hardware validation and interface debugging. Uma runs instant video interviews and builds shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit quickly.

  • Look for approved schematics that show clean signal routing and proper layer-stack considerations for high-speed interfaces.
  • Check for documented board bring-up results that verify GPIO behavior and user interface functionality against design specs.
  • Seek examples of debug configurations where the candidate used Arm Debugger to resolve complex SoC integration issues.

Step 3: Interview your top choices

Discuss their approach to hardware firmware integration and diagnostic troubleshooting. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.

  • Ask how they plan PCB layouts to minimize noise and ensure reliable net trace verification during internal reviews.
  • Request details on their process for defining hardware firmware interfaces to prevent integration conflicts later in development.
  • Probe their experience with Platform Configuration Editor to understand how they set breakpoints and manage device configurations.

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Set clear milestones for schematic approval and board diagnostics. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.

  • Define milestones for submitting approved schematics and completing PCB layout with verified connectivity before fabrication.
  • Require detailed board bring-up reports that validate all interfaces and GPIO pins against the initial architectural plan.
  • Establish a schedule for debug sessions using Arm Debugger to confirm system behavior matches intended architecture goals.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.

How much does hiring a Microcontroller designer cost?

$500-$1,500 per project is a typical range for focused Microcontroller designer work. Final pricing depends on scope, technical complexity, required integrations, source-material quality, revision needs, and the freelancer's experience level.

Schematic capture and review

$500-$1,200/project

Entry-level to mid-level
  • Approved schematics for a microcontroller-based board
  • Component selection rationale and interface definitions
  • Identified risks and recommended corrections

PCB layout planning

$1,200-$2,500/project

Mid-level
  • PCB layout with verified net connectivity
  • Defined layer-stack considerations for signal integrity
  • Net trace verification results and corrections

Board bring-up and diagnostics

$2,500-$4,500/project

Mid-level to senior-level
  • Board bring-up results including interface validation
  • Verified GPIO behavior against hardware specifications
  • Completed bring-up checklist with pass/fail status

Hardware/firmware integration

$4,500-$7,000/project

Senior-level
  • Defined hardware/firmware interfaces for reliable integration
  • System architecture relationships for microcontroller subsystems
  • Recorded iterations resolving hardware/firmware conflicts

Debug configuration and validation

$7,000-$10,000/project

Expert-level
  • Configured Arm Debugger sessions with device targets
  • Defined breakpoints via Platform Configuration Editor
  • Validated debug sessions confirming system behavior

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring a Microcontroller designer worth it?

For most businesses, yes: hiring a Microcontroller designer is worthwhile. This specialist builds custom hardware and firmware integration that off-the-shelf components cannot match. They validate system behavior through board bring-up and debug workflows to prevent costly manufacturing errors.

How do I evaluate Microcontroller designer candidates?

Review their process for schematic capture and PCB layout planning to verify they understand net connectivity and layer-stack considerations. Ask for examples of board bring-up diagnostics where they validated GPIO and interface behavior against the intended system architecture.

What tools does a Microcontroller designer use?

A Microcontroller designer uses Arm Debugger and Platform Configuration Editor to set breakpoints and configure debug targets. They also reference Texas Instruments board design documentation and bring-up checklists during hardware validation.

What deliverables should I expect from a Microcontroller designer?

You receive approved schematics and a PCB layout with verified net connectivity. The designer also submits board bring-up results and debug configurations that confirm the target system matches the defined hardware and firmware interfaces.