What does an embedded engineer do?
Embedded engineers are skilled professionals who are responsible for conducting all activities that are related to embedded systems. These engineers are required to design and configure hardware components of embedded systems such as processor, controller, memory, and serial communication port. They must participate in reviewing the requirements, design, and source code of embedded systems as well as identify opportunities for software process and development cycle time improvements. Embedded engineers must troubleshoot malfunctioning embedded systems while providing written updates to managers and their clients.
Embedded engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real embedded engineer resumes:
- Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
- Experience implementing and debugging low-level drivers and communication protocols for hardware serial interfaces like SPI, I2C and RS232.
- Design and develop real time applications on QNX RTOS.
- Make use of Bluetooth to communicate with app in IOS.
- Used Unix file sockets to communicate client library with usb daemon.
- Integrate the function block with DSP system & test the product.
- Develop software for the Ethernet and the wireless chips on the DVR.
- Implement the change orders for the Bluetooth application according to the project requirements.
- Experience designing software with networking protocols - Ethernet, IP, and TCP/UDP.
- Customize the Linux kernel to identify and trace processes causing bottlenecks in hard drive performance.
- Reduce debug time significantly by allowing the DSP algorithm to be enabled/disable via the TFT LCD
- Implement these methods using GMP library and Java BigInteger class to handle large number calculation.
- Develop the software in C++ and compile / link the code on UNIX system hosts.
- Perform custom VHDL modules for: user keypad, LCD display, timers, programmable IOs and UART.
- Design and code a UART base bridge module linking the two microcontrollers used in the fixed access point devices.
Embedded engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Embedded Engineers are proficient in Python, C, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Embedded Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 11%
Developed automated test scripts using Python for sanity, functionality, build acceptance, and regression testing on the Client module.
- C, 7%
Develop embedded C applications and drivers, supporting Wireless activities in our Connectivity market segment.
- C++, 7%
Used C++ language to program and develop network applications for communication between different offices and for everyday office documentation maintenance.
- Firmware, 7%
Developed the firmware which includes a serial link for communication with SmartFusion, the display drivers, and a font pack.
- Software Development, 6%
Control System Software Development for Electronic Controlled carburetor ECU- Proto-II.
- Embedded Systems, 5%
Developed embedded systems software for a host of Airborne Surveillance products for DOD and Homeland security utilizing C++ running Linux OS.
Most embedded engineers use their skills in "python," "c," and "c++" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential embedded engineer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an embedded engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Embedded engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "embedded java) developed the guide data creation and delivery system used by the 50-developer buckeye team. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling embedded engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." According to an embedded engineer resume, here's how embedded engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "use libusb library for usb communication. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for embedded engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how embedded engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an embedded engineer: "developed modular object oriented architectures in c for microchip pic devices. ".
Interpersonal skills. For certain embedded engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "interpersonal skills." The day-to-day duties of an embedded engineer rely on this skill, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what embedded engineers do: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware. "
Creativity. A commonly-found skill in embedded engineer job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what embedded engineers do. Embedded engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." You can also see how embedded engineer duties rely on creativity in this resume example: "designed and built a web tool for internal use to support the inventory management system using python, django, css. "
Problem-solving skills. Lastly, "problem-solving skills" is an important element of what an embedded engineer does. Embedded engineer responsibilities require this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." This resume example highlights how embedded engineer duties rely on this skill: "developed embedded software solutions for satellite equipment using embedded c/c++, mqx and rtos on windows platform. "
The three companies that hire the most embedded engineers are:
- Honeywell10 embedded engineers jobs
- MITRE7 embedded engineers jobs
- Cipher6 embedded engineers jobs
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Compare different embedded engineers
Embedded engineer vs. Software programmer
A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between embedded engineers and software programmer. For instance, embedded engineer responsibilities require skills such as "firmware," "embedded systems," "rtos," and "bluetooth." Whereas a software programmer is skilled in "javascript," "html," "sql server," and "css." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Software programmers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,047. Comparatively, embedded engineers tend to make the most money in the professional industry with an average salary of $95,604.software programmers tend to reach similar levels of education than embedded engineers. In fact, software programmers are 3.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Embedded engineer vs. Programmer
Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real embedded engineer resumes. While embedded engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "firmware," "software development," "embedded c," and "rtos," programmers use skills like "javascript," "css," "object oriented programming," and "data entry."
Programmers may earn a lower salary than embedded engineers, but programmers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $86,815. On the other hand, embedded engineers receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,604.programmers earn similar levels of education than embedded engineers in general. They're 4.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for embedded engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Galen Duree
Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Embedded engineer vs. Software developer
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from embedded engineer resumes include skills like "c," "firmware," "rtos," and "bluetooth," whereas a software developer is more likely to list skills in "javascript," "database," "git," and "linux. "
Software developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $96,138. Comparatively, embedded engineers have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $95,604.Most software developers achieve a similar degree level compared to embedded engineers. For example, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Embedded engineer vs. Systems engineering internship
In a systems engineering internship, an intern is primarily responsible for following a supervising officer or manager's directives. Most of an intern's tasks revolve around assisting engineers in installing and maintaining systems, troubleshooting, and even providing corrective measures. There are also instances when an intern must process documentation, disseminate letters, manage schedules and inventory, attend meetings, and participate in creating new updates and systems for a company. Furthermore, should there be any problems, an intern must report to the supervising officer.
Types of embedded engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
