Planning a Career in Embedded Engineering
Embedded systems are tiny computers that are present almost every electronic devices you can think of. Anything electronic such as smart card readers, mobile phones, digital cameras, ATMs, TV, traffic signals, micro oven, automobiles and various other gadgets that we come across everyday make use of embedded systems. The system is a unique combination of software, computer hardware and other mechanical parts.
Embedded system is designed to perform a specific function within a given period of time. As the embedded system is used in almost every type of smart electronic devices there are many career possibilities in this field. Let us explore the career opportunities in embedded industry:
How is the market?
The UK semiconductor design industry is witnessing a high growth with increasing sales of electronics and rising telecom sector. The chip design industry comprises of integration design, board design and software development. This growth also created the demand for a large number of skilled professionals who can meet the requirements of the industry. Among the professionals, embedded software developers registered the highest demand. The demand for key electronic equipment such as computers, laptops, mobile phones and others are likely to sustain in the coming years. Therefore, consumption of professionals in the semiconductor sector is expected to grow at a rapid pace.
What are the roles present in the industry?
There are three different key roles in embedded system teamwork that include software engineers, hardware engineers and application domain experts. It is possible to secure a job in any of the position. Those working in the hardware domain are assigned responsibilities for module prototyping, hardware platform, debugging and testing. They have to comply with the product specifications and standards and work on design changes, if necessary.
A software engineer, on the other hand, can begin their career as an embedded systems programmer. They study and optimise target operating system. The activities that the software engineers have to perform are creation of device drivers, embedded applications and modifications of kernel.
You can also start the career as a wireless protocol engineer, if you are interested to know and stay in the application domain.
How to avail the entry pass?
Engineering graduates, post graduates and even doctorate in computer science, electrical or electronics can enter this field. The entry level positions also demand for different skill-sets. It is essential to have assembly language programming and basic ‘C’ knowledge. In-depth knowledge of electronics, specially digital and analogue techniques, microprocessors and microcontrollers are crucial.
System knowledge in connection with communication protocol and real time system can be effective for prospering in this field. Embedded system is one of the fastest growing sectors of electronics, but there are quite lesser numbers of professionals with knowledge of designing embedded systems. The fundamental requirements of this field are basic knowledge designing and electronics. Therefore, it is a challenge for the fresher to find a semiconductor job.
Some useful tips
In order to grab an opportunity in the embedded industry, it is also important to understand what the industry expects from you. Most of the industry’s top players are of the opinion that prior experience is indispensable. As the field is experiencing a rapid technological revolution only bookish knowledge cannot be relevant to catch up with the speed. It will depend on the industry what types of experience will be ideal.
Embedded systems field has evolved as a major discipline and is expected to grow rapidly with proliferation of new tools both at hardware and software level. If you are searching for semiconductor jobs in the UK, consult with specialist recruitment agency. The agency will provide job leads and valuable career information that will be worthy for your future endeavours.
