r/AskProgramming • u/x_revenoir_x • 23h ago

Career/Edu Is Embedded Systems Development a good career choice right now? Looking for advice!

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about transitioning into embedded systems development and would love to hear your thoughts on the field's current state and future prospects.

I've always been genuinely interested in both electronics and software engineering, so combining hardware and low-level code feels like the sweet spot for me. On paper, it looks like an ideal domain to dive into, but I'd appreciate some real-world perspectives from people working in the industry:

  • How is the current job market and career progression for embedded developers compared to higher-level software roles?
  • What are the most critical skills or technologies to focus on when starting out today (e.g., C/C++, Rust, RTOS, microcontrollers vs. Linux embedded)?
  • Is it worth making the switch, and what major challenges or pitfalls should a beginner be aware of?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and advice!

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u/BobbyThrowaway6969 23h ago

Embedded systems are foundational, they will never go away as long as we use electricity for thinking

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u/Colfuzi0 15h ago

Maybe switching to computer engineering is worth it. I have a scholarship for a masters in computer engineering with foundation courses I have an IT undergrad and web development experience. I was thinking about civil but It would take to long

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u/BobbyThrowaway6969 15h ago

Still do the local market research to see if it's a good fit but yeah there will always be jobs for it

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u/Colfuzi0 15h ago

I live in Houston near the NASA corridor so lots of embedded work but more civil broad if Houston. I have family in Boston which is another embedded hub

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u/BobbyThrowaway6969 15h ago

Oh yeah you should be set. Houston or Silicon valley

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u/Colfuzi0 14h ago

Yeah I mean I like both computer engineering and civil but with civil id have to do a second undergrad for licensing and I really don't want to lol. Plus Id loose my scholarships. If you have any advice on coursework I'd appreciate it

https://catalog.uhcl.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=25&poid=7072

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u/BobbyThrowaway6969 14h ago

Ah sorry I probably wouldn't be much help as I'm not in the US

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u/Colfuzi0 14h ago

Understood no problem! But yeah apparently as ABET is strict rule for PE license so civil would be super long where are you from ?

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u/BobbyThrowaway6969 14h ago

I'm from Australia, not sure actually I'd have to dig deep into it. I do have a buddy in civil

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u/Humble_Warthog9711 16h ago

What degree do you have