What does a senior embedded software engineer do?
A senior embedded software engineer is in charge of designing and developing software for embedded systems and equipment. In a company setting, their responsibilities include coordinating with different teams, identifying and meeting the company's needs, establishing guidelines for new systems, and implementing solutions in vulnerable areas for a smooth and efficient workflow. Furthermore, as a senior embedded software engineer, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to junior engineers, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Senior embedded software engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior embedded software engineer resumes:
- 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.
- Develop, test, and maintain software for 10Gb/s Ethernet routing switches.
- Design and develop a general purpose web base diagnostic U/I base on HTTP.
- Research, select and integrate the first commercial RTOS into Timex's embed platform.
- Develop git repository for vim development suite and train new employees in vim development.
- Involve in writing application level code to interact with APIs using AJAX, JSON.
- Develop an embed cellular network evaluation system, which execute MQX RTOS on a MPC860 PowerPC.
- Facilitate scrum ceremonies (grooming, sprint planning, retrospectives, daily stand-ups, etc . )
- Design and implement GEM/SECS UI control and integrate its serial communication control software into the system.
- Used JTAG, scopes, and logic analyzers to do low -level signal debugging and design verification.
- Work with Simulink coder to generate and execute C/C++ code for rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the -loop testing.
- Utilize XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and XML in transforming remote presence features into new products.
Senior embedded software engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Senior Embedded Software Engineers are proficient in Software Development, Python, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Senior Embedded Software Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Software Development, 8%
Completed Software Development Status Reports and presented all data produced in quarterly Management Status Reviews.
- Python, 7%
Developed several utilities in Python and C to run on a PC to aid in testing and parsing of test logs.
- Linux, 7%
Implemented interrupt driver, doorbell function for security communication, and whole Flash memory programming ability in embedded Linux kernel.
- C, 6%
Developed C code for testing board level product at manufacturer utilizing existing hardware internal features and external stimuli and monitoring.
- C++, 6%
Designed and developed User Interface screens in Visual c++ and Packages in Oracle required for the customers in Hospitality Suite application.
- Multi, 5%
Redesigned a modem for industrial controls adding CAN (SAE-J1939) communications hardware along with multi drop communications software.
Most senior embedded software engineers use their skills in "software development," "python," and "linux" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential senior embedded software engineer responsibilities here:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior embedded software engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what senior embedded software engineers do because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." Additionally, a senior embedded software engineer resume shows how senior embedded software engineers use analytical skills: "developed windows host and device drivers in the mcci usb hsic protocol analyzer and verification system. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior embedded software 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 a senior embedded software engineer resume, here's how senior embedded software engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "developed powerpc and vxworks based embedded software for air-born communication systems. "
Creativity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of senior embedded software engineers is creativity. This skill is critical to many everyday senior embedded software engineer duties, as "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "designed and coded a firmware structure database using c to record complete system hardware inventory and configuration on power-up. "
Detail oriented. For certain senior embedded software engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a senior embedded software engineer rely on this skill, as "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." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what senior embedded software engineers do: "followed uml 2.0 to develop command processing software model in rhapsody for primary design and detail design. "
Interpersonal skills. A commonly-found skill in senior embedded software engineer job descriptions, "interpersonal skills" is essential to what senior embedded software engineers do. Senior embedded software engineer responsibilities rely on this skill because "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." You can also see how senior embedded software engineer duties rely on interpersonal skills in this resume example: "used interpersonal skills within drs culture to identify and raise attention to flaws in the firmware"
Problem-solving skills. Another skill commonly found on senior embedded software engineer job descriptions is "problem-solving skills." It can come up quite often in senior embedded software engineer duties, since "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's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day senior embedded software engineer responsibilities: "analyzed and coded software solution to celeron based embedded computer system in assembly language. "
See the full list of senior embedded software engineer skills
The three companies that hire the most senior embedded software engineers are:
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Compare different senior embedded software engineers
Senior embedded software engineer vs. Architect and developer
An Architect And Developer is focused on the technical design, architecture, and development of products. They generally work as a part of the development team.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior embedded software engineer are more likely to require skills like "software development," "python," "c," and "multi." On the other hand, a job as an architect and developer requires skills like "javascript," "azure," "amazon web services," and "web services." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Architects and developer tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $125,314. In contrast, senior embedded software engineers make the biggest average salary, $115,602, in the retail industry.architects and developer tend to reach similar levels of education than senior embedded software engineers. In fact, architects and developer are 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Senior 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.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior embedded software engineer resumes. While senior embedded software engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "software development," "c," "multi," and "firmware," engineers use skills like "cloud," "aws," "troubleshoot," and "javascript."
Engineers may earn a lower salary than senior embedded software engineers, but engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. On the other hand, senior embedded software engineers receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $115,602.engineers earn lower levels of education than senior embedded software engineers in general. They're 9.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior embedded software engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Frank McCown Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Harding University
Senior embedded software engineer vs. Senior java developer
A senior java developer's responsibilities will vary upon the industry or preference of a client. Aside from developing programs and applications, the tasks will also revolve around leading a team and overseeing the project's progress, coordinating with every workforce member, conducting extensive research, testing, and analysis, troubleshooting, and designing. It is also essential to detect and resolve issues as soon as possible, implement guidelines, keep detailed documentation about the project, and devise strategies to improve the workforce and workflow.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior embedded software engineers are more likely to have skills like "c #," "software development," "python," and "c." But a senior java developer is more likely to have skills like "spring boot," "database," "web application," and "mvc."
Senior java developers make a very good living in the retail industry with an average annual salary of $118,398. On the other hand, senior embedded software engineers are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $115,602.Most senior java developers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior embedded software engineers. For example, they're 5.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior embedded software engineer vs. Principal engineer
A principal engineer is responsible for monitoring the overall design phase of the construction process, including coordinating with the client for progress and updates, as well as performing adjustments as needed based on clients' specifications and requirements. Principal engineers also inspect the materials and resources used to ensure that the project stays within the budget goals and set timeframe. They should have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in preparing reports and training new staff.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior embedded software engineers and principal engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior embedded software engineer might have more use for skills like "multi," "git," "firmware," and "configuration management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of principal engineers require skills like "architecture," "azure," "project management," and "product development. "
In general, principal engineers earn the most working in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $125,415. The highest-paying industry for a senior embedded software engineer is the retail industry.principal engineers reach similar levels of education compared to senior embedded software engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 4.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of senior embedded software engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
