Embedded Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineers are specialized engineers who design, develop, and maintain systems embedded within hardware devices. These often include microcontrollers and programmable logic.
Top Articles for Embedded Systems Engineer
Sample Job Descriptions for Embedded Systems Engineer
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
This role entails the development and debugging of software for embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment. The Embedded Systems Engineer will design, develop, code, test, and debug system software in a supportive team environment.
Required Skills
- C/C++ programming language proficiency
- Experience with systems programming
- Understanding of embedded systems' hardware and software constraints
- Knowledge of different IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Keen attention to detail
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field
- Knowledge of embedded systems and microcontroller technologies
- Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting on embedded targets
- Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review
- Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems
- Adequate knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components
- Strong documentation and writing skills
Responsibilities
- Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems
- Review code and design from peers
- Analyze and enhance efficiency, stability, and scalability of system resources
- Integrate and validate new product designs
- Support software QA and optimize I/O performance
- Provide post-production support
- Interface with hardware design and development
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As an Embedded Systems Engineer, you will work on designing, developing, and implementing software for embedded devices and systems. You will be involved with the full life cycle of projects, including requirements gathering, system design, coding, testing, and debugging. You will interface with hardware design and development teams and must be familiar with various microcontrollers and programming languages suitable for embedded applications.
Required Skills
- Programming skills in C/C++ and/or assembly language.
- Experience with systems programming.
- Strong documentation and writing skills.
- Experience with embedded systems hardware and microcontrollers.
- Familiarity with software engineering practices and methodologies.
- Working knowledge of embedded software systems, RTOS, and hardware-software integration.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems.
- Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review.
- Knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces, and hardware subsystems.
- Adequate knowledge of reading schematics and data sheets for components.
- Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting on embedded targets.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement software of embedded devices and systems from requirements to production and commercial deployment.
- Design, develop, code, test, and debug system software.
- Review code and design analyses.
- Analyze and enhance efficiency, stability, and scalability of system resources.
- Integrate and validate new product designs.
- Support software QA and optimize I/O performance.
- Interface with hardware design and development.
- Assess third-party and open-source software.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer to design, develop, and optimize embedded software for real-time control of advanced hardware systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field, with a significant track record in embedded systems development.
Required Skills
- Proficient in embedded C/C++ programming and assembly language.
- Knowledge of RTOS and various microcontroller architectures.
- Ability to read schematics and datasheets for hardware integration.
- Experience with communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN).
- Strong debugging and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in full lifecycle embedded software development.
- Familiar with software version control systems like Git.
- Adept at working in a cross-functional team environment.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
- Leadership qualities with a track record in mentoring team members.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in embedded systems engineering.
- In-depth knowledge of embedded C/C++ and assembly language.
- Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS) and microcontroller architectures.
- Familiarity with hardware design and understanding of schematics and data sheets.
- Proven track record of developing embedded software solutions from concept to production.
- Experience with communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, etc.
- Solid understanding of electronics principles and embedded systems integration.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
- Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of embedded software for new hardware products.
- Optimize and maintain existing embedded systems for enhanced performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define system requirements and design specifications.
- Implement coding standards and best practices to ensure software quality and efficiency.
- Analyze and debug complex embedded system issues.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.
- Stay abreast of the latest advancements in embedded system technologies and integrate them into product development as applicable.
- Conduct and participate in code reviews to ensure system reliability and maintainability.
- Prepare technical documentation for system designs, development processes, and maintenance procedures.
See other roles in Science and Technology and Technology