The embedded electronics engineer’s job entails working in diverse fields as intelligent systems are increasingly utilized in various industries such as aeronautics, defense, automotive, energy, railways, multimedia, health, IoT, space, semiconductors & telecoms. To gain a deeper understanding of their responsibilities, educational qualifications, required skills, and salary, further exploration of their profession is necessary.
It’s worth noting that an “embedded system” encompasses both hardware and software components. However, in this description, we’ll exclusively focus on an aspect of ” hardware” with the software component addressed in an article.
Who is Embedded Electronics Engineer?
An embedded (integrated )system is a combination of hardware & software that is created to perform a specific predetermined task. These systems are typically autonomous and operate in real time with limited resources. Besides, this limitation necessitates optimization at software & hardware levels to ensure efficient performance.
Difference between job of an embedded electronics engineer and electronics engineer
As the name implies, the former focuses on embedded(integrated) systems. For instance, an electronic engineer tasked with creating a board for a hydroelectric power(energy) station, which is stationary and has no significant space constraints, does not face the same limitations as an embedded(integrated) engineer who designs components for 5G smartphones.
Responsibilities of Embedded Electronics Engineer
Consider an embedded (integrated) electronics engineer specializing in electronic board design. Initially, they examine the specifications that may have been provided by the customer or prepared by the engineer.
Besides, The engineer defines the hardware architecture, outlining the names and characteristics of the key electronic components. After validating the architecture, they move to an electronic design(layout) phase. Utilizing the specifications and considering the limitations, they make a schematic.
Afterward, the circuit board placement and layout stage commences, which can either be executed by himself or outsourced to the service giver. He ensures that a router meets the specification’s criteria. Simultaneously, simulations are conducted.
Once testing & validation are complete, the product is ready for industrialization.
This task demands a substantial amount of vigilance in tracking information to identify the most suitable technological methods and protocols. Since technologies undergo constant evolution, it is also crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.
In a broader sense, the embedded (integrated) electronics engineer offers technical resolutions to his challenges. Besides, He may be requested to guide clients and assist them in fulfilling the unique requirements of their innovative industries.
What are embedded systems?
Embedded(integrated) systems are specialized computer systems that perform specific functions. They are called “embedded” because they are integrated within the larger electronic or mechanical system. There exist four categories of embedded (integrated) systems:
- Standalone embedded systems.
While working within the larger system is a significant feature of embedded systems, some can operate independently as standalone units. Besides, Standalone embedded (integrated) systems can generate outputs without relying on the host computer.
2. Network embedded systems.
The Networked embedded (integrated )systems, also known as network integrated systems, depend on wired or wireless network communication with website servers.
3. Mobile embedded systems.
Mobile integrated systems are compact and portable devices. While all mobile embedded (integrated) systems are standalone systems, the converse is not always true – not all standalone integrated systems are mobile integrated ( embedded )systems.
4. Real-time embedded systems.
The real-time integrated (embedded) systems prioritize output generation speed as their critical component. In simpler terms, their main work is to give instantaneous results.
Characteristics of embedded systems
Embedded systems exhibit a wide range of complexity levels, but they all share the attribute of being designed for specific tasks. The following list outlines some additional common features of embedded (integrated) systems:
· Microprocessor based
Integrated circuits, both microprocessors & microcontrollers, are utilized to give embedded(integrated) systems some computational power.
· Internet of things (IoT) devices.
IoT (Internet of Things) denotes a group of equipment capable of communication without human intervention, such as a house security system. Besides, These systems facilitate real-time computing & IoT sensing.
· Time-sensitive function execution
To maintain the proper functioning of the large system, embedded systems frequently need to perform their designated tasks within a special timeframe.
3 components of embedded systems
The three main components of embedded systems are:
1. Application-specific software
2. Hardware
3. RTOS
Working with embedded systems
If your interest lies in pursuing a profession in the development of embedded architecture & engineering systems, you can opt for a career as an embedded systems engineer. The field of engineering professions falls under the larger umbrella. Besides, The US BLS forecasts a 4 percent increase in employment opportunities in this sector from 2021-2031, creating around 91,300 fresh positions.
Embedded systems engineer job description
The role of an embedded(integrated) systems engineer involves designing, developing, and overseeing embedded systems within products. They work in conjunction with developers & offer technical support to clients & other departments. Additionally, embedded (integrated) systems engineers are responsible for producing and maintaining documentation of procedures and projects.
Embedded hardware engineering
Embedded (integrated) hardware engineers oversee all aspects of electrical engineering design, encompassing high-speed circuits, PCB layouts, power management & thermal management. They collaborate with software & algorithm teams to create and construct high-performance platforms. Testing the hardware is also a crucial component of embedded(integrated) hardware development.
Hardware test engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and regularly testing embedded (integrated)hardware systems. They utilize various testing techniques and monitor hardware modifications and issues. Besides, Their regular testing activities aim to eliminate potential faults, and they work with cross-functional groups, including mechanical, hardware, and software, to provide system-level support.
Embedded software engineering
Distinguishing between an integrated software engineer & firmware engineer can be challenging due to the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding their roles. With the emergence of new kinds of integrated devices in recent years, which are more complex than traditional embedded systems yet less complicated than our personal computers, the distinction has become blurred. These devices leverage systems on the flash memory to load programs for execution and operate on large operating systems such as Linux & UNIX.
Occasionally, programmers working on embedded software also work on old-style firmware. Their work involves products such as tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and routers. Embedded (integrated) software is designed for a particular purpose and has a restricted user interface. Despite its high complexity, it is rarely general-purpose.
Top Embedded Electronics Engineer companies
Creating high-quality embedded systems is a complicated task that demands expertise in the relevant domain and sturdy development methods. Besides, To ensure your project’s triumph, it’s essential to collaborate with a dependable embedded development firm capable of satisfying your distinct business requirements.
Selecting a trustworthy technology partner from the multitude of available companies can be a daunting undertaking. To identify an embedded (integrated) development firm that can guide your task from the discovery phase to market release, it’s necessary to employ various search criteria to reduce the potential vendors:
- Ten years on the market or more
- 4.7 score or greater on Clutch
- At least ten licensed client reviews
- a talent pool of two hundred and fifty people & more
In a highly saturated market where everyone pledges exceptional services, it’s essential to scrutinize your options and make a well-informed decision. We’ve assembled a roster of embedded (integrated) development givers that meet these criteria. So these firms have cut by delivering consistent, superior services, exhibiting verified expertise in the industry, and possessing extensive talent resources.
1. N-iX
For more than 20 years, N-iX has been a European-based firm specializing in embedded development. It develops and designs software for embedded systems, as well as provides hardware manufacturing & validation support. N-iX extends full-cycle production services to customers across diverse industries such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing & supply chain, automotive, and others.
The N-iX team of dedicated embedded systems developers can offer an array of services, including firmware development, product SDK production, product maintenance, software & hardware testing, and also integration with other technologies. The company serves as the one-stop destination for any project, and it has already produced successful embedded products for renowned companies such as Cardo Systems, Anoto, Weinmann, and others.
2. Softeq
Softeq is a software production company based in the US which provides services in embedded and IoT systems development. Their primary emphasis in this area is developing wearable devices. However, they also specialize in creating smart home and healthcare apps, along with industrial solutions. The group caters to several industries, including media, e-learning, consumer electronics & entertainment, healthcare, and retail.
3. Yalantis
Yalantis is a software production firm with development centers in Ukraine & Cyprus that serves businesses globally. It provides services in Cloud, DevOps, IoT, Cybersecurity & embedded domains. This firm is among the embedded production organizations that have witnessed rapid expansion over the past few years and have been recognized multiple times by the industry. Yalantis prioritizes business value & sustainable growth while operating in sectors such as fintech, real estate, telecom, healthcare & logistics.
4. ITRex Group
ITRex Group specializes in developing embedded ( integrated) IoT solutions, such as middleware, firmware, embedded machine interfaces & other related services. Its team of embedded software engineers devises tailored operating systems. These systems are based on the Android Open Source Project and Linux kernel to integrate embedded systems with clients’ IT infrastructure. Additionally, the company utilizes several technologies such as machine learning & AI, Cloud & DevOps.
5. Solw’IT SA
It is a software & embedded production company based in Poland that gives full-cycle software production services to customers across various industry verticals. Their embedded (integrated ) systems developers can manage clients’ products from product design to market launch with their comprehensive approach to projects. This approach has earned them many industry accolades and a high rating on Clutch.
6. DataArt
DataArt is a worldwide software engineering firm that provides services in various domains, including integrated systems engineering and IoT. The embedded development company in the market, DataArt, concentrates on delivering prototypes for home and industrial gateway software & hardware products.
7. iTechArt
iTechArt is among the integrated development companies based in New York on our list, working with emerging & innovative technologies such as mobiles, cloud, web, DevOps, and IoT. The company boasts a robust talent pool of professionals and has displayed consistent growth rates over the years. Like other integrated development companies, this group of skilled engineers provides diverse services encompassing the entire development lifecycle.
8. Kellton Tech Solutions
Kellton Tech Solutions is a consulting & development firm that offers a broad spectrum of tech stacks & services. The company strongly emphasizes technology as a major catalyst for success in the contemporary business landscape. Drawing on extensive expertise in fintech, insurance, non-profit, and real estate, the integrated development company strives to deliver tangible outcomes for its customers.
9. CHI Software
This company serves clients across various industries by providing various services. As an embedded development and IoT company, CHI focuses on improving business operations by leveraging automation, enhancing interconnectivity between devices, & simplifying access to information. The company’s team of experts uses relevant embedded & IoT stacks to make solutions for smart houses, industrial facilities, & smart cities.
10. Vates
With three decades of experience providing software solutions to clients across multiple industries, Vates is one of the best development providers. They offer dedicated groups of experts proficient in a wide range of tech stacks, including embedded software engineering for IoT solutions. Vates prioritizes long relationships with its clients, and its client satisfaction rates reflect its success.
