What is an embedded software engineer?
In short, an embedded software engineer is a software engineer who specializes in embedded systems. An embedded system, also
called embedded or integrated system, is a computer system that does not look like a computer system. The software and hardware
have been removed. Embedded systems are widely used in machines and tools, such as hospital equipment, but also increasingly in
everyday devices. Think of dishwashers, smart thermostats and alarm systems. Due to the rapid developments in this area, these
systems are becoming cheaper, easier to process and therefore more accessible. It is therefore not surprising that there is
a lot of demand for embedded software engineers.
As an embedded software engineer you design, test and implement software for an embedded system. If your position is a bit
broader and you work as an all-round embedded engineer, you will also be involved with the hardware. Just like any other
software engineer, you are responsible for the entire process of converting a wish, problem or issue into a software solution.
So you have a lot of contact with the client and starts coding or programming based on his wishes. The programming language
varies per project. Think of C, C++ or Java.
As an embedded software engineer, it is important that you work closely with various colleagues. The embedded system you design
must of course fit well with the product it will be used in. You therefore consult a lot with the teams responsible for the
appearance and functionalities of the product you are working on. Another challenge you will face in this role is that you will be
writing software for devices that have very little memory or power consumption. Your options are therefore more limited, which means
you have to be extra creative and innovative.
After you've built the software, it's time to test. When everything looks good and the client and the rest of the project team are
satisfied with the result, you implement the software. Even after implementation, as an embedded software engineer you remain
responsible for the program. You maintain and update it where necessary, and does something go wrong with the system during use?
Then you repair the product, because no one knows the automation system better than you.