Embedded Systems Engineer
Write software that runs directly on hardware — from chips to cars.
What does a Embedded Systems Engineer do?
Embedded systems engineers write the software that lives inside hardware — microcontrollers, medical devices, vehicles, and industrial equipment. The code is low-level, performance is critical, and debugging requires different tools from web development. This path takes time to get into but pays off significantly. Good fit if you enjoy deep technical problems and want to specialise in something most people never attempt.
Who it fits
People who like understanding how things work at the hardware level and enjoy the discipline of writing tight, correct code with no room for error.
Suits methodical learners who enjoy working close to the metal and reading datasheets and technical specs.
Skills you need
Tools you will use
Starter projects
Good projects to practise and add to a portfolio.
- Blink an LED on an Arduino or STM32 board
- Build a temperature logger with a sensor and serial output
- Implement a basic UART communication protocol
- Write a simple task scheduler using FreeRTOS
// ROADMAP
Embedded Systems Engineer career roadmap
Estimated time: 12–18 months
Badges show what each resource is. Only items marked certification lead to a professional credential — everything else is learning material.
C Programming
8–10 weeksEmbedded systems are almost exclusively written in C. Learn it properly — pointers, memory management, bit manipulation, and understanding what the compiler actually generates.
Electronics Basics
3–4 weeksYou do not need an electronics degree, but you need to read a circuit, understand voltage and current, and not destroy hardware. SparkFun and Adafruit tutorials are excellent for self-taught engineers.
Microcontrollers (Arduino → STM32)
6–8 weeksStart with Arduino to get comfortable with the development cycle. Then move to STM32 or similar bare-metal MCUs for production-grade work. Blink an LED, then build from there.
RTOS & Communication Protocols
6–8 weeksLearn FreeRTOS for task scheduling in real-time systems. Study the common communication protocols: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN. These are used on every serious embedded project.
Build Real Projects
OngoingBuild a temperature data logger, a motor controller, or a simple communication bus. Real hardware projects are your portfolio — document them thoroughly with schematics and code.
// START LEARNING
Embedded Systems Engineer learning resources
Videos first — they're the fastest way to get moving — then reading, hands-on practice and courses. Only resources badged professional certification award a formal credential.
Git & GitHub Crash Course 2025
Traversy Media · 1 hour
A current, practical introduction to version control and collaborative GitHub workflows.
Learning resource. This does not award a professional certification.
Modern Embedded Systems Programming: Getting Started
Quantum Leaps
The starting lesson for a practical series on microcontrollers, low-level C and hardware-aware programming.
Learning resource. This does not award a professional certification.
Arduino Learn
Arduino
Official practical introductions to electronics, microcontrollers, sensors, communication and embedded programming.
Learning resource. This does not award a professional certification.
FreeRTOS Documentation
FreeRTOS
Official books and documentation for tasks, scheduling, queues, interrupts and real-time embedded design.
Learning resource. This does not award a professional certification.
Rustlings
Rust Project
Small exercises for learning Rust ownership, types, error handling, concurrency and systems programming.
Learning resource. This does not award a professional certification.
// PRACTISE
Gain Embedded Systems Engineer work experience
Build practical evidence before your first role. Provider terms and eligibility can change.
GitHub · Good first issues
open-source · REMOTE
Find newcomer-labelled issues and build evidence of collaboration in public repositories.
Devpost · Hackathons and build challenges
hackathon · MIXED
Join time-boxed challenges, form teams and ship portfolio-ready prototypes.
// FIND WORK
Find Embedded Systems Engineer jobs
Start with “Embedded Systems Engineer”. Platforms without stable public search URLs open with this suggested phrase.
LinkedIn Jobs
Broad professional job search with keyword, location, experience-level and remote filters.
Wellfound
Startup and technology roles with company and compensation context.
Dice
Specialist technology roles across engineering, data, security and infrastructure.
Built In
Technology and startup job discovery, including remote and city-focused listings.
UK visa and international opportunities
Sponsorship depends on the employer, vacancy and current immigration rules. Use the linked official guidance and verify every role before applying.
Going independent
Embedded consulting is well-established in automotive, IoT, and industrial sectors. Hardware product development is the highest-potential entrepreneurial path.
Embedded Systems Consulting
Low barrierProvide firmware development and embedded systems design for product companies.
Examples
- Firmware development for IoT product startups
- Embedded driver development for hardware companies
- RTOS porting and integration projects
- Embedded security assessments for connected devices
Getting started
- 1. Build a portfolio of embedded projects with hardware photos and code on GitHub
- 2. Target hardware startups on Crowdfunding platforms who need firmware help
- 3. List on Toptal and Upwork as embedded C/C++ specialist
- 4. Join hardware-focused startup communities and maker forums
IoT Hardware Product Development
High effortDesign and build your own IoT hardware products to sell commercially.
Examples
- Specialised IoT sensors for niche industrial applications
- Smart home devices for specific use cases
- Agricultural monitoring systems
- Educational electronics kits for schools
Getting started
- 1. Start with a software-defined product to reduce hardware risk
- 2. Partner with a hardware manufacturer or use PCBWay for prototyping
- 3. Launch on Kickstarter or Crowd Supply to validate demand with pre-orders
- 4. Sell initially through Tindie or Adafruit marketplaces
Communities & tools
// EARNING POTENTIAL
Earning potential
2025Stable, specialist role with strong demand in automotive, aerospace, and medical devices. The skill set is rare and salaries reflect genuine scarcity.
Freelance rates
Day rate
£300–£700
Hourly rate
£38–£88
What affects salary
- Automotive (AUTOSAR, functional safety) embedded experience pays a strong premium
- Aerospace and defence embedded roles typically require security clearance
- Medical device firmware (IEC 62304 compliance) is a specialist, high-value niche
- RTOS expertise (FreeRTOS, Zephyr) adds value across all sectors
- C++ embedded experience earns more than C-only profiles at senior level
🌍 US embedded engineers at automotive OEMs and defence contractors earn $100k–$160k. UK automotive and aerospace sectors are particularly strong employers.
Based on: ITJobsWatch · LinkedIn Salary · Glassdoor UK · EETimes Salary Survey. All figures approximate.
// RESOURCES
Free resources to get started
Recommended starting points — no payment required.
- Community
- Tutorial
- Reading
- Course
- Tutorial
Paid courses worth considering
These are not required — free resources above can get you far.
- Course
- Course
Browse all resources
Resource directory.
Free and paid resources across every tech career path — searchable and filterable.
Not sure this fits?
Take the assessment.
Answer a few short questions and get your top matches — with reasons why they fit you.
Wondering if you are ready for this path? Analyse your CV →
Related careers
Compare paths that share skills, tools or ways of working.