As a non-technical person that just made embedded software engineers sound so cool and so vital in our tech industry. As a consumer, it is all about gadgets and what they can do for you and how they change the way we live work and play. Seeing mobile phones evolve over the past 20-25 years has amazed me. The challenge is, I am told, that embedded software engineering is hard, way harder than writing application software. So many a skilled engineer has steered away from this role. The truth also is that there are fewer jobs for embedded software engineers and with the growth of other fast expanding sectors such as Fintech, Big Data and AI there is obvious choice.

To me the embedded software engineers are just that bit cooler and more rewarding to find and place. The teams I place them into often perceive them as vital to what they are doing, and they tell me that a good, Embedded SW Engineer can make a significant difference to their team, project and products. I have placed embedded software engineers into multi-billion-dollar global companies and into 8 person start-ups and each time it is a challenge that is highly rewarding to complete. The candidates tend to be highly selective about where they will move to, and the clients clearly focussed on acquiring someone who will have an impact. One other element that is often overlooked in this is the personality. Given the role requires more than just technical expertise, it requires the ability to work with hardware and other engineers on the projects at a system level. Collaborative integrated working is required. Maybe that is the key that makes working with such people so interesting. They are highly technical, highly intelligent and need to be highly communicative and collaborative to be good at the role.

Tips for Employers

When hiring embedded software engineers, it’s essential to understand the complexity and technical prowess required for the role. It’s not just about having someone who can write code; it’s about finding someone who understands the systems at a deep level and is able to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

1. Emphasize the Impact of the Role: Just as a gadget can transform daily life, an embedded software engineer can significantly enhance your product and the overall user experience. Make sure to communicate how their contributions will directly impact the project, whether it’s through the development of cutting-edge features, optimizing performance, or ensuring reliability and security. This can help attract candidates who are motivated by making a tangible difference.
2. Look Beyond Technical Skills: While technical expertise is important, soft skills play a crucial role in embedded systems development. The ability to communicate effectively with hardware engineers and other software teams is vital. Seek candidates who can demonstrate their collaborative nature and who thrive in multidisciplinary environments. Ensure that your hiring process includes assessments of teamwork and communication abilities.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Embedded software engineers often want to work on challenging and innovative projects. Offering opportunities for continuous learning and development can help you attract top-tier talent. Whether it’s through access to new technologies or a clear career progression path, demonstrate how your company supports ongoing skill development.
4. Understand the Challenges and Set Realistic Expectations: Embedded software engineering is tough, requiring problem-solving at both the hardware and software levels. It’s essential to set clear expectations regarding the challenges the role involves. Transparency about the complexity of the work can prevent disillusionment and ensure that you attract candidates who are excited by such challenges.
5. Be Patient and Thorough in the Hiring Process: Due to the specialised nature of embedded software engineering, candidates may be selective about where they want to work. Take the time to thoroughly vet candidates, not just on their technical skills but also on their cultural fit with the team. Ensuring a good match will lead to better retention and more productive outcomes.

Tips for Candidates

As an embedded software engineer, the role you play in the development of complex systems is incredibly important.

1. Embrace the Complexity and Learn Continuously: Embedded software development is challenging, but it’s also one of the most rewarding fields in tech. Keep honing your skills, whether it’s through working on side projects, attending conferences, or taking specialised courses. The more you understand hardware, the better you’ll be at writing software that interacts with it.
2. Develop Your Communication Skills: As an embedded software engineer, you’re not working in isolation. Collaborating with hardware engineers, other software developers, and even product managers is crucial. Practice explaining complex concepts in a simple, understandable way. Being able to translate technical requirements into actionable insights will make you a more effective member of any team.
3. Work on Problem-Solving and Debugging: Embedded systems often involve dealing with low-level code and intricate system-level issues. Becoming an expert at troubleshooting and debugging will set you apart from other engineers. Strengthen your ability to think critically and work through complex issues that arise in production environments.
4. Seek Out Challenging Projects: Whether it’s designing firmware for an innovative gadget or contributing to a ground breaking IoT application, aim for projects that push the boundaries of your expertise. By working on challenging projects, you’ll not only improve your technical abilities but also gain the kind of experience that will make you an attractive candidate for future opportunities.
5. Align Your Values with the Company: When looking for new opportunities, take the time to understand the company’s culture, mission, and how their products align with your interests. This alignment can make all the difference in terms of job satisfaction and career growth. Look for roles where you feel passionate about the product and can see how your work contributes to a larger goal.

The embedded software engineering field may be challenging, but it’s also one of the most vital and exciting areas within the tech industry. For employers, it’s about finding candidates who not only have the technical know-how but also possess the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. For candidates, it’s about embracing the complexity of the work, continually improving your skills, and finding opportunities that challenge you while aligning with your personal and professional values.

In the end, both parties need to understand the unique nature of the embedded systems space. The right candidate can have a profound impact on a product, and the right work environment can nurture an engineer’s growth. When both employers and candidates focus on these elements, the outcome is bound to be both successful and rewarding.

Enigma People Solutions is an award-winning technology recruitment consultancy. We find technical leaders for the emerging and enabling technology industries. Visit our services page for more information. Visit our job search page for the latest vacancies in photonics, electronics, semiconductor, software and IoT in Scotland and the UK. Check out our blog page for the latest in the technology industry. You can get in touch with us hello@enigmapeople.com or call us on + 44 131 510 8150