What does an embedded software engineer do?

An embedded software engineer is an individual who develops and implements software of embedded devices and systems as well as monitor the efficiency and stability of the system. Embedded software engineers should write programming codes and conduct testing of system software to optimize the input/output (I/O) performance. They must support the software QA and provide post-production support if necessary. Embedded software engineers should interface with hardware design and development and assess third-party and open-source software.
Embedded software engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real embedded software engineer resumes:
- Review and manage defects using Jira and SVN.
- Create script files to automate compilation and linking of source files using compilers commands and Perl on a regular basis.
- Manage firmware of automate bench top devices that utilize a microprocessor.
- Create custom domain specific UI controls with JavaScript and CSS.
- Implement and debug using L2-L7 protocols TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, SNMP, ICMP etc.
- Migrate legacy malform table-based HTML to W3C compliant XHTML with CSS styling.
- Work on I2C, SMBUS, SPI protocols for temperature and voltage sensors.
- Develop module for UART to I2C communication between the controller and physical device.
- Implement TCP/IP protocol stack to provide internet access to the embedded IoT products.
- Develop application contain several canned reports that are presented to the user as HTML and generate using XML and XSLT.
- Configure new CISCO network switches.
- Work with Atmel and Renesas Microcontrollers.
- Design and develop windows base GUI using LabVIEW.
- Optimize for small embed low power IOT device.
- Understand the existing platforms and products on OS level.
Embedded software engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Embedded Software Engineers are proficient in Python, Software Development, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Detail oriented, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Embedded Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 8%
Design and implement scripts for system automation and management utilizing Visual Basic, Python and other proprietary languages.
- Software Development, 8%
Involved in multiple aspects of the software development process including requirements specification, implementation and integration, and testing and validation.
- Linux, 7%
Designed and Developed timer library on Linux platform to handle different user defined events at desired time intervals.
- C, 6%
Automated the generation of application specific C code and configuration files to simplify the integration of reusable modular code components.
- C++, 6%
Modified a parser program written in MFC using c++ Lithium ion Battery life monitor using PIC18.
- Embedded Systems, 4%
Performed requirements analysis and wrote formal qualification test procedures for real-time embedded systems.
Most embedded software engineers use their skills in "python," "software development," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential embedded software engineer responsibilities here:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for an embedded software engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what embedded software engineers do because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." Additionally, an embedded software engineer resume shows how embedded software engineers use creativity: "invented tcp/ip based messaging protocol for remote desktop to communicate with the ib switch. "
Detail oriented. Many embedded software engineer duties rely on detail oriented. "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.," so an embedded software engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways embedded software engineer responsibilities rely on detail oriented: "used object oriented design methodology for programming using tornado with vxworks. "
Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of embedded software engineers is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday embedded software engineer duties, as "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware"
Analytical skills. A big part of what embedded software engineers do relies on "analytical skills." You can see how essential it is to embedded software engineer responsibilities because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical embedded software engineer tasks: "use java and perl, xml to render and store the milstar satellite mission data in a relational database environment. "
Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in embedded software engineer job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what embedded software engineers do. Embedded software engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." You can also see how embedded software engineer duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "created xml driven translators in java to allow tasking and commanding of the cnd systems via several new communication protocols. "
Problem-solving skills. While "problem-solving skills" is last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to embedded software engineer responsibilities. Much of what an embedded software engineer 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 engineers: "created embedded control algorithms, api's, and firmware for programmable high-resolution led (billboard) signs. "
The three companies that hire the most embedded software engineers are:
- Honeywell64 embedded software engineers jobs
- Apple46 embedded software engineers jobs
- Northrop Grumman46 embedded software engineers jobs
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Embedded software 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.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an embedded software engineer are more likely to require skills like "software development," "c," "firmware," and "git." On the other hand, a job as a systems engineering internship requires skills like "data analysis," "system design," "cad," and "troubleshoot." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
On average, systems engineering interns reach similar levels of education than embedded software engineers. Systems engineering interns are 4.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Embedded software engineer vs. Systems engineer staff
A systems engineer staff is responsible for designing and developing systems and software that optimize business operations, ensuring smooth workflow and client satisfaction. They primarily conduct research and analysis to identify the needs of the company and its clients, examine existing systems to identify areas needing improvements, install applications, and perform regular maintenance checks, providing corrective measures as required. Furthermore, as a systems engineer staff, it is essential to provide technical support within the company, all while implementing its policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that embedded software engineer responsibilities requires skills like "c #," "python," "embedded systems," and "firmware." But a systems engineer staff might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "architecture," "dod," "system design," and "functional analysis."
Systems engineers staff may earn a higher salary than embedded software engineers, but systems engineers staff earn the most pay in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $131,602. On the other hand, embedded software engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $99,836.systems engineers staff earn similar levels of education than embedded software engineers in general. They're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for embedded software engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Embedded software engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an embedded software engineer is likely to be skilled in "software development," "c," "firmware," and "rtos," while a typical engineer is skilled in "cloud," "aws," "troubleshoot," and "javascript."
Engineers earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $97,672. Comparatively, embedded software engineers have the highest earning potential in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $99,836.Most engineers achieve a lower degree level compared to embedded software engineers. For example, they're 8.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Embedded software engineer vs. Systems engineer
Systems engineers are responsible for creating and overseeing systems related to the overall operations of the organization. They are in charge of assessing the organization's needs in terms of systems and creating plans to address these needs. These systems are usually related to the production or manufacturing of company products. Systems engineers create end-to-end processes that ensure efficiency and effectiveness. They make sure that the processes they put in place adhere to safety and security policies and guidelines. They also do routine checks and continuously find ways to further improve production and other systems.
Types of embedded software engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











