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What is a senior embedded software engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Frank McCown Ph.D.,
Christian Hansen Ph.D.
introduction image

Senior embedded software engineers are generally responsible for developing and implementing software of embedded devices and systems. Besides, they may be responsible for analyzing and monitoring the efficiency and stability of the system. Typically, embedded software engineers with years of experience and training are considered senior embedded software engineers.

Fluency in the programming languages used to write an operating system and an ability to straddle software and hardware with ease are some of the core skills that are required to become a successful embedded software engineer and acquire a senior role quite early.

Applicants must have seven or more years of experience in the programming field, a rock-solid understanding of theory, and excellent debugging skills to be called a senior embedded software engineer.

The average senior embedded software engineer salary in the United States is $112,268 as of December 28, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $102,590 and $122,535.

What general advice would you give to a senior embedded software engineer?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

The market is stable for software developers, despite the economic challenges created by the pandemic. Before accepting a job offer, talk to the company's employees through online meetings or email, and see what they think of the company. Do they enjoy their work? Are there opportunities to learn new technologies? How does the company treat their employees? There's a good chance you will be working remotely in your first job, so you will need to exercise a lot of self-discipline, be punctual for online meetings, do the work you've been assigned, and know when to ask questions when you get stuck. Expect a steeper-than-normal learning curve if you are working remotely instead of in an office.
ScoreSenior Embedded Software EngineerUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $113,699

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.7

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 30.51%

Black or African American 4.58%

Hispanic or Latino 8.34%

Unknown 4.84%

White 51.56%

Gender

female 9.50%

male 90.50%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Senior embedded software engineer career paths

Key steps to become a senior embedded software engineer

  1. Explore senior embedded software engineer education requirements

    Most common senior embedded software engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.2 %

    Master's

    21.9 %

    Associate

    5.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior embedded software engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Software Development8.21%
    Python7.40%
    Linux6.91%
    C5.90%
    C++5.90%
  3. Complete relevant senior embedded software engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior embedded software engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior embedded software engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior embedded software engineer resumes.
  4. Research senior embedded software engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Develop scons (python) build environment to automate nightly debug and release builds.
    • Manage all DSP software revision control activity
    • Coordinate creation of database that manage test requests and function as results repository, accessible company-wide handling 5K+ requests.
    • Develop GUI using C/C++ for windows platform to control the board.
  5. Get senior embedded software engineer experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior embedded software engineer. The most common roles before becoming a senior embedded software engineer include senior software engineer, software engineer team lead and embedded software engineer.
  6. Prepare your senior embedded software engineer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior embedded software engineer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior embedded software engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable senior embedded software engineer resume templates

    Build a professional senior embedded software engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior embedded software engineer resume.
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
    Senior Embedded Software Engineer Resume
  7. Apply for senior embedded software engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior embedded software engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior embedded software engineer job

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Average senior embedded software engineer salary

The average senior embedded software engineer salary in the United States is $113,699 per year or $55 per hour. Senior embedded software engineer salaries range between $88,000 and $146,000 per year.

Average senior embedded software engineer salary
$113,699 Yearly
$54.66 hourly

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Senior embedded software engineer reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023
Pros

Developing new technologies and working with both hardware and software

Cons

Unrealistic demands from management and the job markets ups and downs


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


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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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