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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Embedded Software Engineer

💰 $95,000 - $160,000

EngineeringSoftware DevelopmentHardwareInternet of Things (IoT)

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about building software that interacts with the physical world? As our Embedded Software Engineer, you will be a pivotal member of our product development team, responsible for the entire firmware lifecycle of our cutting-edge devices. You will architect and write high-quality, reliable code for microcontrollers and embedded systems, working closely with hardware engineers to bring up new boards and debug complex issues at the intersection of hardware and software. This role requires a deep understanding of embedded C/C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level communication protocols. You are the ideal candidate if you thrive on solving challenging technical problems and are driven to create efficient, robust, and scalable embedded solutions.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior Embedded Software Engineer
  • Software Engineer (with a passion for hardware)
  • Electrical Engineer (with strong programming skills)

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Staff Embedded Software Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Architect
  • Firmware Engineering Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Engineer
  • Hardware Design Engineer
  • Technical Product Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Architect, design, and implement high-quality, reusable, and testable firmware for various microcontrollers (MCU) and System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms.
  • Develop, modify, and maintain embedded software in C and modern C++ (C++11/14/17) for resource-constrained environments, ensuring optimal performance and memory usage.
  • Lead the bring-up of new custom circuit boards (PCBs) and hardware platforms, collaborating closely with the hardware team to diagnose and resolve issues.
  • Write and maintain low-level device drivers for peripherals and communication interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, USB, and Ethernet.
  • Implement and customize Board Support Packages (BSPs) and device drivers for embedded Linux or other real-time operating systems (RTOS) like FreeRTOS.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive unit, integration, and system-level testing strategies to ensure software reliability and robustness.
  • Debug complex, system-level hardware and software integration problems using tools like JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
  • Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including software design specifications, API guides, and user manuals.
  • Optimize system performance by profiling code, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing efficient algorithms and power management schemes.
  • Implement robust wireless communication stacks and protocols (e.g., Bluetooth/BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, Zigbee) for IoT connectivity.
  • Develop and maintain build systems, continuous integration (CI/CD) pipelines, and automated testing frameworks for embedded projects.
  • Participate in formal code reviews to ensure code quality, consistency, and adherence to company-wide coding standards.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware, quality assurance, and product management, to define requirements and deliver integrated solutions.
  • Implement secure bootloaders, over-the-air (OTA) update mechanisms, and other security features to protect devices from vulnerabilities.
  • Evaluate and select microcontrollers, peripherals, and third-party software components based on project requirements and trade-offs.
  • Develop factory test firmware and diagnostic tools to support manufacturing and production processes.
  • Port and adapt existing firmware to new hardware platforms, ensuring functionality and performance are maintained.
  • Manage software and firmware releases using version control systems like Git, including branching, merging, and tagging strategies.
  • Interface directly with hardware components, read datasheets and schematics, and understand the low-level workings of the system.
  • Contribute to the full product lifecycle from initial conception and prototyping through to mass production and post-launch support.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical expertise and support to manufacturing and field application teams during product deployment and troubleshooting.
  • Contribute to the organization's technology strategy and help define the embedded systems roadmap.
  • Collaborate with hardware and systems engineering teams to translate high-level product requirements into detailed technical and software specifications.
  • Participate actively in an Agile/Scrum environment, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Programming Languages: Expert-level proficiency in C and modern C++ (C++11/14/17) for embedded systems. Scripting skills in Python for automation and testing are a major plus.
  • Embedded Operating Systems: Deep experience with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or ThreadX, and/or experience with Embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot).
  • Microcontroller Architecture: Strong knowledge of 32-bit microcontroller architectures, particularly ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-A series.
  • Communication Protocols: Hands-on experience with serial communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
  • Debugging & Tools: Proficiency with hardware debugging tools like JTAG/SWD debuggers (e.g., SEGGER J-Link, OpenOCD), logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
  • Version Control: Mastery of Git for version control, including branching strategies and collaborative workflows (e.g., GitHub, GitLab).
  • Hardware Interaction: Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, and technical reference manuals to configure peripherals and debug hardware issues.
  • Wireless Technologies: Experience implementing and debugging wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or other mesh networks.
  • System Design: Experience in designing software for bare-metal systems and understanding of low-level concepts like interrupts, DMA, and memory management.
  • Software Development Lifecycle: Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and tools like JIRA.
  • Testing & CI/CD: Experience writing unit tests (e.g., CppUTest, Google Test) and familiarity with Continuous Integration concepts for embedded systems.

Soft Skills

  • Complex Problem-Solving: A natural ability to analyze and break down complex technical problems and methodically resolve them.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Strong Communication: Ability to clearly and concisely communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to coding, testing, and documentation to ensure high-quality, reliable products.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and quickly learn new technologies and tools as required.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science degree in a relevant technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of professional experience in embedded software or firmware development.

Preferred:

  • Proven experience shipping a commercial hardware product from concept to production.
  • Experience in developing software for industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, or industrial IoT.
  • A portfolio of personal or professional projects (e.g., GitHub profile) that demonstrates a passion for embedded systems.
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