Embedded Software Engineer Job Description
Embedded software engineers are responsible for the software controlling the processors such as microcontrollers and digital signal processors built into (or embedded) in various products. Embedded software works behind the scenes running most portable electronics, such as wireless phones and MP3 players, as well as appliances and vehicles.
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Job Description
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Embedded software engineers design, develop, debug and modify embedded software. Engineers design software by analyzing the requirements for an embedded system and determining which requirements have a software component. The software requirements are then translated into software functions which are written by an engineer. Software is written, or coded, by either directly typing or entering the software instructions, or produced by automated software engineering tools that generate software. Embedded software engineers typically work with other engineering disciplines, such as electrical, mechanical and optical, to ensure that the embedded software will accomplish the design goals for a particular product or system.
Educational Requirements
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Embedded software engineering positions typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline such as computer engineering or electrical engineering or in computer science. Some jobs may require a master’s degree. A mix of hardware and software knowledge is helpful for embedded software engineers, so a good blend of courses will include digital electronics courses from an electrical engineering department and software engineering courses from a computer science department.
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Employers
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Aerospace and defense contractors employ many embedded software engineers. In general, any company, government agency or university that designs and builds products with embedded processors is a potential employer for embedded software engineers. Typical commercial employers include wireless phone companies and consumer electronics manufacturers. Government employers include the military branches, intelligence agencies and scientific and medical research organizations.
Salary and Benefits
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According to PayScale, embedded software engineers with a bachelor’s degree in computer science earn $54,916 to $87,911 annually as of 2010, while those with a master’s degree in electrical engineering make $64,944 to $92,547. In addition to salary, PayScale reports that 93 percent of embedded software engineers have medical insurance benefits and 84 percent have dental benefits.
Outlook
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As embedded semiconductor computing devices become cheaper and smaller, they will continue to be incorporated into an expanding array of products. Every product with an embedded processor needs embedded software designed and developed by an embedded software engineer. Thus, the need for embedded software engineers is growing as the market for products having embedded processors continues to grow.
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References
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