What does an embedded software developer do?

An embedded software developer designs and develops software embedded into systems and devices. They are primarily in charge of writing codes that implement systems and solutions, ensuring the embedded software adheres to project goals and requirements. They also develop test structures to find and improve weaknesses, troubleshoot issues, monitor systems, and perform regular maintenance checks. Most embedded software developers work in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Embedded software developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real embedded software developer resumes:
- Implement a centralize configuration system for managing application settings, consisting of a desktop application with a WCF backend.
- Work with hardware architectures (FPGA and DSPs) and interfaces (USB, SPI, I2C, and UART).
- Work on network, USB, SPI and I2c device drivers.
- Develop driver, OS abstraction layer and application software in QNX RTOS.
- WEB server is developed over USB using TCP/IP stack and USB as a network class device stack.
- Implement I2C communication interface between microcontrollers.
- Design and implement capability to update system firmware via Ethernet packets.
- Code profile upload utility in HTML.
- Design and development of USB device drivers.
- Eclipse and gcc toolchain, Ethernet control.
- use python scripts to start application and terminate.
- Present training class for RTXC RTOS application code development.
- Design and calibrate MATLAB using Motohawk and Monotune tools.
- Assist customers with RTXC RTOS application development on the x86.
- Implement software specifications and new features using C++ for VxWorks programs.
Embedded software developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Embedded Software Developers are proficient in Python, Software Development, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Embedded Software Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 12%
Developed and documented industry standard software using C, C++, and Python programming languages.
- Software Development, 8%
Prepared and delivered presentations on various software development topics such as: System architecture, Development practice and Coding standards.
- Linux, 7%
Design, development and test of an embedded platform in C for the Hard Real-Time Tasks management in a Linux Kernel.
- C, 7%
Involved in writing C code for micro-controllers in resource-limited situations.
- C++, 7%
Developed a voice-over-internet distributed call processing system using a prototype version of C++ in their experimental distributed objects laboratory.
- GIT, 4%
Worked with company software engineer in collaboration with Git source control management.
Most embedded software developers use their skills in "python," "software development," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential embedded software developer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an embedded software developer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what embedded software developers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, an embedded software developer resume shows how embedded software developers use analytical skills: "implemented back-end linux server software for analysis and display of received tracking data. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling embedded software developer 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 software developer resume, here's how embedded software developers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "debugged and modified api s for communication protocols like can, i2c, usb, gmlan, spi, lin. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of embedded software developers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday embedded software developer duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed an access database with backend vba processing logic to track the inventory of a small business. "
Detail oriented. embedded software developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact 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 resume example shows what embedded software developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "object oriented design developed in c++ for linux and solaris based platforms. "
Interpersonal skills. Another common skill required for embedded software developer responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." This skill comes up in the duties of embedded software developers all the time, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." An excerpt from a real embedded software developer resume shows how this skill is central to what an embedded software developer does: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware"
Problem-solving skills. While "problem-solving skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to embedded software developer responsibilities. Much of what an embedded software developer does relies on this skill, seeing as "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Here is a resume example of how this skill is used in the everyday duties of embedded software developers: "trained and assisted team members in linux environment and resolved issues to promote team progress. "
The three companies that hire the most embedded software developers are:
- Booz Allen Hamilton12 embedded software developers jobs
- Accenture Federal Services LLC10 embedded software developers jobs
- L3Harris6 embedded software developers jobs
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Embedded software developer vs. Java programmer
Java programmers design and develop programs with the goal of not taking up too much data and less to almost no latency that can be useful to their users every day. They aim to write testable, well designed, and efficient computer codes. Java developers need a range of skills, from a thorough knowledge of the basics to an understanding of the latest developments. Programmers also need knowledge beyond the java language itself. Their skills should include knowing how the development process works and how the apps function in which the code runs.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an embedded software developer are more likely to require skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "c." On the other hand, a job as a java programmer requires skills like "web application," "jsp," "web services," and "css." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Java programmers really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $94,924. Comparatively, embedded software developers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $103,971.On average, java programmers reach lower levels of education than embedded software developers. Java programmers are 5.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Embedded software developer vs. Applications developer
An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that embedded software developer responsibilities requires skills like "c #," "python," "software development," and "c." But an applications developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "qa," "database," "application development," and "regression."
Applications developers earn a lower average salary than embedded software developers. But applications developers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $103,905. Additionally, embedded software developers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $103,971 annually.applications developers earn lower levels of education than embedded software developers in general. They're 10.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Embedded software developer vs. Developer
Developers are usually system or application developers in a company who work on specific projects related to networks or applications from conception to implementation. They attend planning sessions to ensure that the program is feasible. They are responsible for designing the system through coding and basic user interface design. They also work on troubleshooting any challenges that may be met at the testing stage of the program's development. They solve challenges and ensure that minimal problems will arise upon publishing the system or application. They also manage the evaluation to ensure that the program's goals are accomplished and that the end-users are satisfied with the results.
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 software developer resumes include skills like "c #," "software development," "c," and "firmware," whereas a developer is more likely to list skills in "css," "aws," "jquery," and "html5. "
Developers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $104,286. Comparatively, embedded software developers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $103,971.Most developers achieve a lower degree level compared to embedded software developers. For example, they're 9.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Embedded software developer vs. Software systems engineer
A software systems engineer is responsible for designing and creating software systems applications and programs according to clients' specifications or business' needs. They work to improve the features of existing applications to boost efficiency and optimal performance. Software systems engineers manage systems configuration and structural development to develop high-quality outputs and deliverables. They also run multiple diagnostic tests to ensure smooth navigations and server transitions and identify efficient technical solutions. A software systems engineer assists the end-users with application issues, performing troubleshooting operations, and creating resolution reports for reference.
Types of embedded software developer
Updated January 8, 2025











