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Embedded software engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted experts
Rania Hussein Ph.D.,
Rania Hussein Ph.D.
Embedded software engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical embedded software engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for embedded software engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.4% of embedded software engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an embedded software engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 embedded software engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how embedded software engineers use python:
  • Design and implement scripts for system automation and management utilizing Visual Basic, Python and other proprietary languages.
  • Developed Python interfaces for the sensor data visualization.

2. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how embedded software engineers use software development:
  • Involved in multiple aspects of the software development process including requirements specification, implementation and integration, and testing and validation.
  • Monitored software development activities for adherence to current processes and recommended changes in work activities or processes as necessary.

3. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how embedded software engineers use linux:
  • Designed and Developed timer library on Linux platform to handle different user defined events at desired time intervals.
  • Embedded Linux Controller - Assisted in software implementation for a proprietary embedded Linux controller.

4. C

Here's how embedded software engineers use c:
  • Automated the generation of application specific C code and configuration files to simplify the integration of reusable modular code components.
  • Demonstrated capability to design and enhance embedded proprietary environmental monitoring software using C programming.

5. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how embedded software engineers use c++:
  • Modified a parser program written in MFC using c++ Lithium ion Battery life monitor using PIC18.
  • Develop fast features to handle auto link configurations for GPRS and UMTS networks (c++, geoDatabase).

6. Embedded Systems

Here's how embedded software engineers use embedded systems:
  • Performed requirements analysis and wrote formal qualification test procedures for real-time embedded systems.
  • Developed complex Ada 95 software for deployment in a VxWorks embedded systems.

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7. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how embedded software engineers use java:
  • Developed the prototype agent database and web update scripts using HTML and Java Script to build the SQL.
  • Designed and developed an eclipse plugin using Java for measurement and tuning of resources in an embedded system.

8. Firmware

Firmware is a software, tangible electronic component, which contains necessary instructions for the hardware to work with the operating system. Firmware is embedded software instructions that are used to tell an electronic device on how to operate.

Here's how embedded software engineers use firmware:
  • Planned and developed firmware for OnTrak Conventional Directional Node, providing directional survey services and generating drilling dynamics information.
  • Developed firmware specifications from the product requirements documents that helped the hardware engineers to debug the initial prototypes.

9. GIT

Here's how embedded software engineers use git:
  • Developed in a distributed Cloud environment using GIT, GERRIT, CMAKE, Jenkins, and TeamForge Collaborator for software management.
  • Implement Configuration Management plan for development projects using ClearCase, PVCS, PCMS, Git, and other configuration management tools.

10. MATLAB

Here's how embedded software engineers use matlab:
  • Developed signal acquisition processing and anomaly detection program in MATLAB.
  • Coordinated unit, system, functional and user acceptance testing of LPRS image processing modules on MatLab along with beta release.

11. Debugging

Here's how embedded software engineers use debugging:
  • Experienced with SMD components and implementing electronic component and trace changes for instrumentation during development and debugging.
  • Fixed numerous bugs in an environment with extremely limited debugging capability.

12. RTOS

Here's how embedded software engineers use rtos:
  • Implemented in CORAL 66 and Assembly languages on real-time executive (without RTOS) for Intel 8085 and 8086 microprocessors.
  • Analyzed the BSP drivers of QNX RTOS for feasibility and ported the drives into TIAM3517EVM for board bring up.

13. Embedded C

Here's how embedded software engineers use embedded c:
  • Designed and delivered various requisition, reliability and productivity based embedded control system software projects.
  • Develop and maintain software for embedded controller modules used in various optical and Ethernet network switching products.

14. Software Design

Here's how embedded software engineers use software design:
  • Implemented a software design verification/validation documentation system.
  • Analyzed and corrected software/firmware operational problems and developed Software design documents and test procedures to conform with functional and testing requirements.

15. SPI

SPI stands for "serial peripheral interface," which is a communication interface that transfers data between two electronic devices. This allows data to be transferred in both directions between the devices simultaneously, known as "full duplex mode." This mode differs from a "parallel" interface, which requires more complex and longer wiring.

Here's how embedded software engineers use spi:
  • Work involved transfer of data between the card reader and a block in the control module through the SPI interface.
  • Developed and maintained code for data acquisition through peripheral protocols such as RS-232, SPI, and I2C.
top-skills

What skills help Embedded Software Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on embedded software engineer resumes?

Rania Hussein Ph.D.

Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington

Familiarity with embedded systems design and firmware programming. IoT came to the spotlight because of COVID-19 and the need to work on projects remotely. This will likely tend to grow post-pandemic.

What hard/technical skills are most important for embedded software engineers?

Rania Hussein Ph.D.

Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington

C language and hardware description language, such as Verilog, microcontrollers and FPGA programming, computer organization, and low-level programming in assembly.

What soft skills should all embedded software engineers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.

What embedded software engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Junping Sun Ph.D.

Professor, Nova Southeastern University

Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.

What type of skills will young embedded software engineers need?

Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D.Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Chair, Professor of Software Engineering, Gannon University

New computing graduates, more and more, need to understand the delivered value. Software is becoming ubiquitous: the breadth of industries and the depth of industry needs continue to expand. More than ever, the skills and competencies to reliably design, implement, and deploy software solutions are becoming paramount; it is not enough to be good with IT solutions or programming.

The need for computing graduates to be themselves adaptive, to work creatively to see and capitalize on opportunities, not just solve tech problems, is expanding. What is wanted are students who want to be computing professionals, women and men prepared to work together to deliver value to their organization, customers, and the world.

List of embedded software engineer skills to add to your resume

Embedded software engineer skills

The most important skills for an embedded software engineer resume and required skills for an embedded software engineer to have include:

  • Python
  • Software Development
  • Linux
  • C
  • C++
  • Embedded Systems
  • Java
  • Firmware
  • GIT
  • MATLAB
  • Debugging
  • RTOS
  • Embedded C
  • Software Design
  • SPI
  • Configuration Management
  • Windows
  • Simulink
  • I2C
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Microcontrollers
  • Kernel
  • Ethernet
  • Bluetooth
  • USB
  • Version Control
  • UART
  • Software Components
  • VxWorks
  • Code Reviews
  • Debuggers
  • Android
  • DSP
  • FPGA
  • TCP/IP
  • RF
  • SOC
  • Unix
  • Perl
  • UML
  • Source Code
  • API
  • Application Software
  • Prototyping
  • QT
  • User Interface
  • SVN

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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