How To Become An Embedded Systems Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is an embedded systems engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted Expert

Maryam Farahani

We all know computers run on a system composed of tiny processing chips. These processing chips make up the processing unit that enables computers to perform their function. Sometimes, it is awe-inspiring to realize how much these small chips can accomplish in seconds. They compose a system so efficient that it can even think faster than humans at times. Did you know that these systems are often called embedded systems? And one person who handles that is the embedded systems engineer. Embedded systems engineers design these systems.

They develop the software involved in the systems and ensure that the desired results are produced. Aside from that, embedded systems engineers also carry out product testing to check if the system is working. Once it is up and running, embedded systems engineers stand by to do routine maintenance checks and fix any problems that may occur.

If you are an engineer who loves technology and building things, this is a good specialization for you. You need to have computing skills and analytical skills, as well as the patience to create in order to succeed.

What general advice would you give to an Embedded Systems Engineer?

Maryam Farahani

Engineering Instructor, Bakersfield College

Thinking about the fields they want to experience or try. And to be intentional about their job search. The best advice is learning as much as they can about what company offers. Visualizing themselves in the next 5 years as a starting point. Do they want to travel a lot, or be in management positions? Do they want to be subject matter expert, or a hands-on engineer or technologist? Their goal may change as they progress in their career but having one makes a big difference in their career choices and keeping them on track.

ScoreEmbedded Systems EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.2

Avg. Salary $91,959

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

4.7

Growth Rate 21%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 30.60%

Black or African American 4.61%

Hispanic or Latino 8.37%

Unknown 4.85%

White 51.40%

Gender

female 9.28%

male 90.72%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress Level

4.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

6.8

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an embedded systems engineer

Explore embedded systems engineer education requirements

Most common embedded systems engineer degrees

Bachelor's

67.7 %

Master's

26.1 %

Associate

3.1 %

Start to develop specific embedded systems engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Embedded Systems	11.63%
Python	7.54%
Software Development	5.38%
C	4.69%
C++	4.69%

Complete relevant embedded systems engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New embedded systems engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an embedded systems engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real embedded systems engineer resumes.

Research embedded systems engineer duties and responsibilities

Lead the firmware part of the project, which includes firmware design, development and testing.
Used standard bus interfaces like UART, SPI, I2C, USB for interfacing sensors and other devices.
Used various programming protocols like RS232, SPI and I2C.
Develop ADC drivers base on I2C, SPI and UART protocol.

Prepare your embedded systems engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your embedded systems engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an embedded systems engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Embedded Systems Engineer Resume templates

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Apply for embedded systems engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an embedded systems engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do embedded systems engineers rate their job?

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Embedded Systems Engineer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023

Pros

Developing new technologies and working with both hardware and software

Cons

Unrealistic demands from management and the job markets ups and downs