Embedded Systems Engineer Job Description Template
Design, develop, and maintain firmware and low-level software that runs on microcontrollers, IoT devices, and hardware platforms. You own the bridge between hardware and software, ensuring reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power your product.
No signup, no card. The tool fills the rest in for you.
Why hire a Embedded Systems Engineer?
SMBs building hardware products or IoT solutions need someone who can write production-grade embedded code, optimize for constrained resources, and troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues without relying on external contractors.
Embedded Systems Engineer salary ranges
Approximate annual gross salary bands (Q2 2026). Always adjust for your city, seniority, and the candidate’s experience.
United States
$110,000 – $160,000
United Kingdom
£85,000 – £125,000
Eurozone
€95,000 – €140,000
Embedded Systems Engineer responsibilities
- Write and optimize C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers and embedded Linux systems that meets real-time and power constraints
- Debug hardware-software integration issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to resolve product failures in the field
- Design and implement bootloaders, device drivers, and HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) code to support new hardware platforms and sensors
- Conduct code reviews and establish embedded coding standards that reduce memory leaks, stack overflows, and security vulnerabilities
- Collaborate with hardware engineers to validate PCB designs and provide firmware requirements before manufacturing runs
- Maintain and version-control firmware repositories, implement OTA (over-the-air) update mechanisms, and document system architecture for future maintainability
Skills & requirements
Required
- 5+ years writing production C/C++ code for ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontroller families
- Hands-on experience with FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or equivalent RTOS; understanding of task scheduling and interrupt handling
- Proficiency with embedded debugging tools: JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and serial protocol analysis
- Experience with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot) or real-time OS configuration for SoM or single-board computers
- Knowledge of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet) and ability to write or integrate protocol stacks
- Familiarity with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks for embedded code
Nice to have
- Experience with wireless protocols (Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRaWAN, Matter) or cellular IoT (LTE-M, NB-IoT)
- Knowledge of power-optimization techniques and battery-powered device design
- Background in security practices for embedded systems (secure boot, encryption, secure updates)
Copy-ready Embedded Systems Engineer job description
Embedded Systems Engineer [Company name] · [City], [Country] · [On-site / Hybrid / Remote] $110,000 – $160,000 (US) · £85,000 – £125,000 (UK) · €95,000 – €140,000 (EU) — gross/year
Design, develop, and maintain firmware and low-level software that runs on microcontrollers, IoT devices, and hardware platforms. You own the bridge between hardware and software, ensuring reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power your product.
Why this role exists SMBs building hardware products or IoT solutions need someone who can write production-grade embedded code, optimize for constrained resources, and troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues without relying on external contractors.
What you'll do
- Write and optimize C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers and embedded Linux systems that meets real-time and power constraints
- Debug hardware-software integration issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG debuggers to resolve product failures in the field
- Design and implement bootloaders, device drivers, and HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) code to support new hardware platforms and sensors
- Conduct code reviews and establish embedded coding standards that reduce memory leaks, stack overflows, and security vulnerabilities
- Collaborate with hardware engineers to validate PCB designs and provide firmware requirements before manufacturing runs
- Maintain and version-control firmware repositories, implement OTA (over-the-air) update mechanisms, and document system architecture for future maintainability
What you'll need
- 5+ years writing production C/C++ code for ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontroller families
- Hands-on experience with FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or equivalent RTOS; understanding of task scheduling and interrupt handling
- Proficiency with embedded debugging tools: JTAG/SWD debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and serial protocol analysis
- Experience with embedded Linux (Yocto, Buildroot) or real-time OS configuration for SoM or single-board computers
- Knowledge of communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, Ethernet) and ability to write or integrate protocol stacks
- Familiarity with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks for embedded code
Nice to have
- Experience with wireless protocols (Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRaWAN, Matter) or cellular IoT (LTE-M, NB-IoT)
- Knowledge of power-optimization techniques and battery-powered device design
- Background in security practices for embedded systems (secure boot, encryption, secure updates)
What we offer
- Salary: [range, gross, with currency and time unit]
- [Equity / bonus / commission if applicable]
- [Health, PTO, learning budget, equipment — only what's real]
- [Work mode + flexibility]
About [Company] [2–3 sentences: stage, customers, traction. Keep it specific.]
Want it tailored to your company and country?
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Frequently asked
What does a Embedded Systems Engineer do?
Design, develop, and maintain firmware and low-level software that runs on microcontrollers, IoT devices, and hardware platforms. You own the bridge between hardware and software, ensuring reliable, efficient embedded solutions that power your product. SMBs building hardware products or IoT solutions need someone who can write production-grade embedded code, optimize for constrained resources, and troubleshoot hardware-software integration issues without relying on external contractors.
What should a Embedded Systems Engineer job description include?
A strong Embedded Systems Engineer job post has a one-line hook, why the role exists, 6 outcome-led responsibilities, a clear list of required skills, the salary range, and a country-specific compliance line. Use the copy-ready template above as a starting point.
How much does a Embedded Systems Engineer earn?
Approximate annual gross bands (Q2 2026): $110,000 – $160,000 in the US, £85,000 – £125,000 in the UK, and €95,000 – €140,000 in the Eurozone. Adjust for city, seniority, and experience.
How do I write a Embedded Systems Engineer job description fast?
Use Penroll's free job description generator — enter the title and country and it produces a complete, inclusive, salary-formatted Embedded Systems Engineer post in about 30 seconds, no signup required.
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