Embedded Software Engineers build software that runs on devices with constrained resources — microcontrollers, IoT devices, industrial control systems, automotive ECUs, medical devices. The role spans low-level C/C++ work, RTOS programming, hardware bring-up, and increasingly modern languages (Rust, embedded Linux).
Salary by Experience Level
Junior
$85,000 – $115,000
per year
Mid-Level
$120,000 – $175,000
per year
Senior
$180,000 – $270,000
per year
Required Skills
C / C++ (embedded-style)RTOS (FreeRTOS, Zephyr, ThreadX)ARM Cortex-M architectureEmbedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot)Hardware bring-up + JTAG debuggingEmbedded Rust (growing)I2C / SPI / UART / CAN busPower optimisation
Common Interview Topics
Embedded C pitfalls (volatile, alignment, ISR safety)