Pros and Cons of Embedded Software Engineering

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Hey all! Today I'm talking about the pros and cons of embedded software engineering. I strongly encourage you to write your pros and cons in the comments section below! Feel free to ask me questions in the comments section to clarify things! Cheers!

This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I will receive a small commission.

Equipment that I use:

[GreidiAjalik]

Leave your pros and cons of embedded software Engineering in the comments section! Cheers!

[MEWOVER]

I have zero regrets about going into this field. Something I might add is that there are a lot less young guys going into firmware/embedded software development. This field requires a very low level understanding of hardware that most newcomers never needed to develop. As a result, the average age of an embedded software engineer is somewhere around 40, compared to that of a conventional software engineer; around 30. There are a lot of old guys in this field with dated paradigms that are retiring, leaving a ton of opportunity for young guys to get in.

As for salary, you absolutely can be earning more than a conventional software engy. Just ask for it. There is an ever shrinking supply of firmware guys and demand is still very high. There have been job postings in my town that haven't budged for 6+ months because there is simply no one to fill them. You have a lot more leverage in this field than you might think.

[chrisstjohn]

The most satisfying part of being an embedded software engineer for over 30 years? Seeing something I've worked on for sale in a shop, or even better watching somebody use it. You also get to play with great gadgets: I had a camera phone before they were available on the market because I was working on it and testing it at weekends! I could tell you what my latest gadgets are but that might get me fired/sued ;-)

I sort-of agree with the remote working thing but the upside is you're a lot more likely to get to travel. I spent much of my 20s crossing the Atlantic just because I was the young guy who didn't have any home commitments and could jump on a plane with a few hours' notice.

Downsides: yes, I get the "thinking about it at the weekend" thing. Even whilst asleep at night! Also you're constantly pushing boundaries with the hardware and trying to make the impossible... possible! Sometimes that doesn't work out which is a disappointment.

[arturorochoa]

You had me at having my own lab. Even though it can be expensive. Having a personal lab and actually using the cool tools sounds fun!

[AakashKumar-sypc]

Hi Greidi. As a fellow embedded software engineer, I am enjoying your content a lot 😀. I work in Singapore and the salary difference between software engineers and embedded software engineers is quite high because there are a lot of banks and financial institutions here and they tend to pay a lot. But the embedded work is very exciting. In my previous company, we made a low power device and all our focus was on optimization and prolonging battery life but in my current company, I am working on a train system where the focus is on quick and reliable data transmissions. That is what I love about embedded software. Every job is a new adventure!

[jmean]

It is a very rewarding field in software engineering. I love how you need to understand both the hardware and software concepts in order to solve problems.
Pro: Solving interesting problems
Con: Steep learning curve

[aswinvt]

Great video man 🤩
In my experience working with latest or less known hardware is the most difficult part, we will only have limited resources and most of the time it will consume so much effort in debugging simple issues.
But the most interesting and satisfying part is seeing the device working as expected at the end 😁

[juanpablocubero]

I recently graduated from electronics engineering, and I'm about to start my first job as an embedded software engineer. At first I had my doubts about working in this field, but your videos have helped me to better undestand what this type of engineer does, and now I'm feeling excited for this opportunity!

[rochdimaria]

I agree with all of what you talked about. I'm an embedded software engineer. I finished up leaving my first job because of thinking of solving problems in weekends and holidays. It is so annoying. The biggest pro is learning new things by times. I did some javascript coding when i worked on iot projects, and im keeping to learn new stuff as hardware design...

[faridnubaili]

The most annoyed part is we cant focus on programming, we should ensure that the hardware, jumper etc. Installed properly, beside doing programming.

[nirvik]

I watched you video 7 months ago before starting as embedded software developer.... This field is really great as you suggested. Thank you.

[jp_engineer]

I've been working with both hw and fw, and over time I feel more like doing only firmware and not doing hardware at all. I consider that I will migrate totally to application software; what I mean is that someone else creates the HAL and ensures the hardware is fine. I like to not have to cut tracks and make circuits test for a first released prototype. If it's not for work then I like it hahah...

I love hardware but It suits me well to have it as a hobby.

Surely my list

Cons:
- I still face people very resistant to using git properly and using new tools ( things like writing scripts for automating tasks).
- It is hard to convince people that a good hardware tool is an investment.
-

Pro:
- These days you can work everywhere (the Visa process is fast and renewal is simply easy).
- Well paid ( If ur salary is low, search for another place, because the area is well paid in general at least in the US and Europe)
- we are not going to be unemployed for a long time. If so, be sure the world crashed for real.
- Can be fun too

[shubhamkshirsagar]

I recently graduated from electronics and communications engineering, and I'm about to start my carrier in embedded domain as an embedded software engineer. At first I had my doubts about working in this field, but your videos have helped me to better understand what this type of engineer does, and now I'm feeling excited for this opportunity!

Great work Greidi Ajalik. keep making more and more content on embedded especially software and hardware.

[usmanqasim]

@Geidi Ajalik
I am a Javascript developer.
I did BS in Computer science.
My love is to work with Low level Languages(Some how) like C, C++, RUST or Assembly Languages.

Now i have to choose one of these field
ML, AI or Data Science.
or
Embedded Software Engineering.

Last thing i have some basic (matriculation or Grade 10th) knowledge of Physic.

I am working as a software engineer but there are many of my colleague working as a Embedded Software Engineer.

[Delllatitude]

You are right about non residents not finding jobs in USA as a embedded software engineer, I have 3 years of work experience working for avionics, but can’t get a job due to export control restrictions, now I’m learning AUTOSAR to try and find jobs, still it’s really hard in this market

[viktorsocial]

What about stress in the job, what is your experience with following deadlines, pressure, flexibility in scheduke, etc

[elliekong]

Wow, this helps me so much, thank you so much for making this video! <3

[DKNY]

I have to disagree on the pay. Unless you are working at a silicon manufacture as an embedded software engineer, expect to be 20K to 80K below someone who does back-end server work for example. Cloud computing jobs have really allowed software engineers to make significant salary compared to someone doing embedded or application development.

[divyaprakashbiswas]

I don't know why but those cons seem to be pros for me. Thanks for the video.

[ingenierocristian]

I would like to know what are the differences between an embedded software engineer, and a hardware engineer?