Whether we know it or not, like or not, the world we currently live in is built on embedded systems, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. Every side of modern life is currently impacted by the use of embedded systems and we can rely on medical devices, cars, home appliances and interactive kiosks without knowing what’s behind them.
What Are Embedded Systems and What Should You Know About Them?
Embedded systems are designed using a combination of software and the kind of software built to perform a single task over and over again with much success. These systems are also created to operate without the need for too much intervention.
They’re compact, come in small sizes and don’t put a huge dent in the budget. Although they’ve already reached tremendous milestones in terms of innovation, embedded systems still require embedded systems developers to enhance their potential and take them to the next level.
Examples of embedded systems range from the most common to the ones you’d think the least of:
- ATMs
- Automotive Systems
- Factory Robots
- Medical Devices
- GPS Systems
- Central Heating Systems.
The list can really go on and on, as these embedded systems are actually at the very heart of our modern lives.
Why Are Embedded Systems So Important?
While the examples above may speak for themselves, it’s good to note that embedded systems are highly important in our lives for a number of reasons.
First of all, they guarantee the smooth performance of real-time applications. Second of all, they’re small, fast and very powerful, which stands as a factor behind their potent presence all across the globe.
Another great thing about them is that they’re designed and able to carry out a single task, in a limited amount of time, over and over again, with the same impeccable results each time.
What Are the Required Skills of a Great Embedded Systems Developer?
Embedded systems developers are actually in high-demand right now and the industry favors those who have a great set of relevant skills to boast. What’s important to remember is that this list is quite long, accounting for the high-demand, as well as for the generous pay.
Having said this, an embedded systems developer is required to:
- Have knowledge of different types of memory and memory-based software
- Have experience with digital measurement instruments
- Have knowledge of IoT (IBM Watson, Google Cloud Platform)
- Have an understanding of CAD software basics (SolidWorks, AutoCAD etc)
- Have extended experience with microcontrollers and microprocessor systems (Raspberry Pi, Arduino etc)
- Have great skills in technical writing and data analysis.
Apart from these, let’s not also forget the soft skills which such an embedded systems developer should master:
- Problem-solving
- Analytical mind
- Passion for tech
- Find the balance between achieving perfection and having practicality in mind
- Eagerness to continuously improve and learn
- Great communication and writing skills.
Quite a lot of them, aren’t there? These serve to explain why the cost to hire embedded engineer may in some cases be steep, but also definitely worth it – if you hire the right one, it will propel your business forward exponentially.
While a junior embedded systems engineer might need to learn the basics of the system, a more experienced one – typically a principal embedded systems engineer – will have a say in designing and improving the entire system.
What Are the Expectations for the IoT Market?
While IoT devices are by the billions now, surrounding us everywhere we go, their popularity doesn’t shy away from continuous growth still. It’s expected the number of IoT applications will continue to rise, even though we can already benefit from them in industries such as healthcare, automotive, telecom, aerospace and consumer electronics, among others.
Considering all this, it’s safe to say the position of embedded systems developer is still and will continue to be in high-demand for a long time. It’s also expected for the salaries to be high for this position, since they only drop when there’s saturation in supply on the hiring market.
The Takeaway
The tech industry is raving and craving for embedded systems engineers, since embedded systems are at the very core of the technology we use daily in our lives.
The prospects for the hiring market are excellent, both in terms of demand and supply, as more and more employers will look to find qualified engineers, while more and more tech-savvies will turn their attention to deepening their knowledge of this fascinating slice of tech delight.
