Embedded Developers Jobs

1. What is Embedded software?

Embedded software is a type of computer software designed to run on embedded systems, which are electronic devices such as embedded computers, microcontrollers, embedded servers, or other electronic devices. Embedded software is often deeply integrated into the hardware and is written to control specific functions of that device.

Features of embedded software include:

• Hardware control: Embedded software is often written to directly interact with the hardware of the device, including sensors, microprocessors, and communication devices.
• Real-time operation: Many embedded applications require immediate responses and must run in a real-time environment, where tasks need to be performed within defined time frames.
• Low resource consumption: Embedded software often needs to operate in devices with limited resources, so it needs to be optimized to consume as little memory and energy as possible.
• Communication with users or other devices: Embedded software often needs to interact with users through user interfaces or communicate with other devices through protocols like UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet.
• Security: Embedded applications often contain sensitive data or need to interact with networks, so security is an important consideration when developing embedded software.
• Developing embedded software requires deep knowledge of both hardware and software, as well as programming skills and knowledge of industry protocols and standards.

2. Who is Embedded developer?

Embedded developers are experts in developing software deeply integrated into embedded electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, embedded computers, or other embedded systems. Their job involves designing, programming, optimizing, and deploying software to control device functions and interact with hardware.

To become an embedded developer, solid technical skills are required, including:

• C/C++ programming: The primary programming languages commonly used in embedded programming are C or C++, as they provide low-level control and good performance on devices with limited resources.
• Source code optimization: Embedded developers need the ability to optimize source code to make the most of the limited resources of embedded devices.
• Device driver development and hardware/software interface: They need the ability to program device drivers to interact with specific hardware and develop software interfaces for users to interact with the device.
• Software configuration management: Using version control tools such as Perforce, Git, or SVN to manage software versions and configurations.
• Knowledge of embedded technologies: Embedded developers need to understand embedded technologies and standards such as communication protocols, real-time operating systems (RTOS), algorithms, memory, and design patterns.
• Basic electronics knowledge: Basic knowledge of electronics is required to read circuit diagrams and troubleshoot hardware issues.
• Project management skills and software development lifecycle: Embedded developers need project management skills and work in software development processes such as Agile or Scrum.

3. Skills required for an embedded developer

• Programming languages: A deep understanding of the C programming language is most important, as the majority of embedded software is written in C.
• OOP / C++: Knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) and the C++ language can be useful in some cases, especially when developing complex applications.
• Algorithms: Proficient knowledge of basic algorithms such as search, sort, and B-trees is necessary to write efficient code.
• Design Patterns: Using design patterns like factory, observer, singleton to enhance code reusability and maintainability.
• Real-time operating systems: Understanding the basic principles of real-time operating systems such as Semaphore, Mutex, and scheduling techniques.
• Linux: Understanding the basics of Linux, writing drivers, and embedded applications on the Linux platform.
• Microprocessors and microcontrollers: Understanding the basic principles of microprocessors and microcontrollers, including handling interrupts, registers, and programming functions like ADC, DAC, timers, PWM.
• Memory: Understanding embedded memory types such as NOR, NAND, SRAM, DRAM, and efficient memory management.
• Communication protocols: Understanding basic communication protocols like I2C, SPI, UART as well as advanced protocols like SATA, PCIE, USB.
• Concurrent / parallel programming: Understanding concurrent and parallel programming techniques such as MPI for SMP.
• UML: Using class diagrams, component diagrams, state diagrams, sequence diagrams for system design and analysis.
• Software engineering techniques: Understanding software development methods such as SDLC, CMMI, SCRUM, and tools like ClearCase, Git, SVN.
• Building environments: Using tools like makefile, cmake to automate the compilation and build process.
• Basic electronics: Understanding basic electronics concepts and the ability to read circuit diagrams and use measurement devices.

4. Some requirements for the Embedded Developer position that Aniday's client is hiring for:

• Programming experience: At least 6 months of programming experience in C/C++ language.
• Proficient in RTOS programming: Experience working with real-time operating systems (RTOS), automatic control, and skills in using test and debugger tools.
• Good English (or Japanese) proficiency: Good English reading comprehension to be able to reference and use technical documentation.
• Embedded software development experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in embedded software development at both application and kernel levels.
• Experience with ARM: Direct experience working with ARM processor-based boards.
• Ability to understand hardware manuals: Ability to read and understand hardware usage manuals to work with embedded devices.
• Communication and independent work skills: Excellent communication skills in English and ability to work independently.
• Experience with communication protocols: Proficient in communication protocols such as TCP/IP, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and Wifi.
• Experience with embedded protocols: Familiarity with embedded protocols such as SPI, I2C.
• Desire for continuous learning: Willingness and desire to learn to improve skills and knowledge.