An embedded software developer role often covers a large area of different technologies, and job listings in this area usually need to be very specific. Since every embedded environment is different—often significantly so—finding the right person for the job can be a lengthy and involved process.
An embedded software developer role often covers a large area of different technologies, and job listings in this area usually need to be very specific. Since every embedded environment is different—often significantly so—finding the right person for the job can be a lengthy and involved process.
The popularization of hobbyist platforms such as the Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, and even Raspberry Pi has resulted in an increase of software developers who have at least some familiarity with embedded development. But industrial platforms tend to be completely unlike the open, hobbyist ones.
This example job listing is for an embedded software (firmware) engineer for an IoT platform based on the popular ATmega32U4 microcontroller used in Arduino products. By changing the relevant specifics where indicated, it can be used as a template to help you write the perfect job ad and hire the person that matches specific project criteria.
Embedded Software Engineer - Job Description and Ad Template
Copy this template, and modify it as your own:
Company Introduction
{{ Write a short and catchy paragraph about your company. Make sure to provide information about the company’s culture, perks, and benefits. Mention office hours, remote working possibilities, and everything else that you think makes your company interesting. }}
Job Description
We are looking for a firmware developer whose primary responsibility will be to create {{ the complete firmware for an IoT sensor device }}. You will be working with other engineers—{{ some of which are creating the hardware platform, and others who are writing server-side and mobile app interfaces for the device }}—who will cooperate with you in determining the architecture and constraints of the project. Ideal candidates will have excellent skills in collaborative problem solving, the willingness to overcome hardware constraints, and the internal drive to create quality products.
Responsibilities
Analyze the project and participate in multi-way discussions with {{ hardware designers and server-side and mobile app developers }} to familiarize yourself with the product.
Design, build, and test efficient, high-quality embedded code.
Ensure the robustness of the code in the face of heavy-duty hardware use.
Ensure the robustness and security of {{ wireless communication with other devices }}.
Ensure that the {{ firmware }} is as protected and tamper-proof as the hardware platform can provide.
Collaborate on the design of future revisions of the product.
{{ Add any other relevant responsibilities here. }}
Skills
Strong experience with {{ ATmega32U4 or other microcontrollers from the ATmega family }}
Strong knowledge of the C programming language in an embedded software context
Experience interfacing with {{ Bluetooth 4.2 modules, especially Texas Instruments’ modules }}
Experience with USB communication
Experience with low-power design and advanced sleep modes
Experience interfacing with {{ small OLED devices, especially with SSD1306 controllers }}
{{ Familiarity with using additional sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes }}
Understanding of underlying electronics to the point where it influences firmware development and debugging
A knack for benchmarking and optimization
Familiarity with source control tools such as Git
{{ Make sure to mention any other frameworks, libraries, or other technologies relevant to your project. }}
{{ List any education level or certification you may require. }}
Toptal is a marketplace for top Embedded software engineers. Top companies and start-ups choose Toptal Embedded software freelancers for their mission critical software projects.
Erlend has a large range of experience in software development, having worked on projects from kernel driver development to web apps. He is most proficient on the back-end side of things and knows how important the behind-the-scenes foundation is for a good product. He has industry experience with C, C++, Haskell, and Erlang and is not at all afraid of learning new technologies or languages that may be well-suited for a problem domain.
Byron has 22 years of experience in highly technical algorithm development. He has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video/image processing. Toptal has credited Byron with specializations in AI and data science. In addition to his scientific and engineering expertise, Byron is an iOS app developer with experience in Core/Create/ComputeML and Metal APIs.
With a bachelor's degree in computer science and math and a master's in computer engineering, Guri possesses a solid academic background along with several years of experience, working on complex projects on embedded devices. Moreover, he has a strong understanding of the fundamentals of AI and image processing. Guri joined Toptal because he's passionate about working on substantial projects that affect real life.
Federico is a developer and data scientist who has worked at Facebook, where he made machine learning model predictions. He is a Python expert and a university lecturer. His Ph.D. research pertains to machine learning. He can continuously learn and implement state-of-the-art algorithms during this process and become a better data scientist each day.
Ondrej is a software architect, senior software engineer, and IT consultant with over 15 years of experience in shipping numerous and varied projects—ranging from low-level kernel drivers and GPU computations to high-speed peer-to-peer networks and enterprise banking and gaming apps. Currently, Ondrej is focusing on high-level architecture and design and thrives on projects where he takes ownership and delivers the project from start to finish.
Szabolcs is an experienced Python, C, and C++ developer, who uses the Python C API to build Python extensions, and to embed Python into other applications. His spare time project is a high-performance rendering library built for Python. Szabolcs has won several competitions with his elegant and successful coding skills, and finds simplicity, maintainability, and performance important when making design decisions.
Jakiša has over 15 years of experience developing various types of apps for a range of operating systems. Most of his technical expertise is in C++ development, but he’s also comfortable working with JavaScript, C#, and Java. As for environments, he knows the ins and outs of working with the Windows API, embedded programming, and distributed systems and has a working knowledge of Linux/Unix systems, macOS, and mobile platforms (Android and iOS).
Mateusz is a software engineer who specializes in creating and maintaining testing solutions. Recently the bulk of his work consists of test development along with building our custom testing solutions for embedded systems and network solutions. Mateusz joined Total to work on projects with real-life applications and meaning and anything that is embedded or to do with networking.
Tomislav is a seasoned developer with more than a decade of industry experience. He has a diverse range of experience, having worked on projects such as developing algorithms for autonomous hypercar motion planning and building robots for non-destructive testing of nuclear power plant components. Tomislav's primary areas of focus and passion are software and algorithm development, but he also has experience in electronics and mechanical design.
Fredrik is a developer with over twenty years of contracting and entrepreneurial experience. He specializes in back-end product development, lifecycle maintenance, and secure data handling and operations in everything, from cluster implementations in charging systems to full-stack product development for one-person startups.
David is an open-source and open-data enthusiast with more than 23 years of experience as a professional developer. He has acquired various skills, including web programming (PHP and JavaScript), C, C++ (under Linux and Windows), and systems management. Of these skills, David specializes in web programming and has full-stack experience with Symfony PHP-based back ends, jQuery front ends, and WordPress/WooCommerce-based sites.
