Why Embedded Systems is an Amazing Career: A Professional's Take

[@gameofyou1]

I worked in embedded systems for 30 years. It was always interesting work, and it pays well. However, it can be stressful at times. It helps to work with skilled co-workers, that you can bounce ideas off. Now, I only do it as a hobby.

[@YeetYeetYe]

Can you explain why it is stressful? Thank you!

[@classyjohn1923]

@@YeetYeetYe debugging is difficult because it can be either in software, firmware, or hardware. Also, you need to be able to translate high level requirements to design and implementation.

[@rebornsmith7542]

You've made the Iron Man suite, haven't you.

[@nangelo0]

@@classyjohn1923 try to debug linux issues. 100500 layers of abstractions from top to hw. 10005000 tools involved in printf and no one can tell you how it exactly works.

[@SpongeBlaster]

@@nangelo0 that is a fair point. In embedded you have a lot more control over what you are doing. However, I would say in "Linux" the bugs are less complex and easier to spot

[@johnjay6370]

I am a microcontroller engineer. It is awesome and I love it. I design circuits, and write firmware. I write in c and assembly for the microcontrollers. At the company I work at, we use pic and Zilog microcontrollers. You are correct the fundamentals of electronics are so important! I couldn't tell you how many times I have to make a voltage divider! One of the easiest concepts in engineering is one of the most useful!!

[@trf4311]

Which state are you working in?

[@cck0728]

Thanks....I am a mechanical engineer....I want to learn embedded systems.... Can you kindly direct me to any You tube channel, that can improve my concepts? Thanks.

[@cesarbaratas5612]

Is it still rewarding career for 2024

[@jaheervlogerja5626]

Hi bro I am Indian can u suggest to me I have some questions

[@KungKras]

I got my masters in embedded systems partly because when growing up, reading about video game console hardware facinated me.

[@dipto100]

It's really nice and motivating to see a professional talking about their experiences in embedded systems.

[@ZygalStudios]

Happy to hear that! :) Thanks for stopping by!

[@gennarorusso9959]

I feel like this video sparked once again my interest in Embedded! Thank you I got lost in the university lectures, getting good grades and studying all the while forgetting what I really wanted to do.

[@lanceharvie]

Embedded Systems development is sooooo cool - solving holstic problems in the physical world

[@Atom1794]

Stumbled into an embedded job as a CS student for the last year and a half. Took a while to realize this isn’t a typical “software engineering” role and the lack of hardware knowledge is a real hindrance. My C++ and linux skills are the only thing keeping me afloat lol

[@SriRam-wu5yz]

I am in kinda same situation...is there anyway to connect you..i need some help?!

[@karthikyadav298]

Hi bro I am also in same suitation am mechanical engineer but now placed in embedded software role but dont know anything about it

[@therealg4197]

@@SriRam-wu5yz learn how to read schematics, use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and basic electronics(diodes, capacitors, inductors, transistors(mosfets especially), logic gates, resistors(pull up ,pull down))

[@Scriabin_fan]

I'm a BioChem major with a C.S. minor and I'm graduating this year. I'm currently enrolled in a class called "Digital Systems and Architecture" for my minor and I've really enjoyed it thus far. We are currently learning logic gates and are working towards building our own controllers and processors. This has sparked an excitement in me that I haven't really felt throughout my degree. This has even made me consider applying to an MSCS program since I have the recommended prerequisites for it. I don't know if I'll be admitted to such a program and I'm not even sure my background is good enough to be successful in a MSCS program. I guess I won't know if I don't try. I just wish I had discovered my interest in embedded systems before I started college.

[@muhammedenescelik9968]

Embedded systems is an elegant dicpline especially when you start to use control theory on it such as Kalman Filters, PID, LQR, Optimal Control . It is like magic. And the cool thing is you can develop usefull machines very fast because it is a firmware development as well.

[@neslearns4912]

This is excellent content! I’m an electronics engineer graduate working in the field for some years (13). I want to become an embedded systems engineer now since it’s always been a major interest of mine and I really took a liking to C, C++, PCB design and Robotics.

[@Bravo_L]

i graduated with ee just a few days ago. I definitely want to do embedded. fell in love with an stm32 in my last semester elective.

[@lostcellphone]

Really nice and experience sharing! Feeling the same way. As an EE student not really appealing to IC design but enjoy using C to stack the SOC system.

[@YeetYeetYe]

I think having a EE degree would be best. I did CS in my undergrad, but to be honest a lot of CS you can learn yourself. The EE topics are harder to self teach and are more complex.

[@ZygalStudios]

In my experience I've found that to be true as well. Some folks get quite angry at that statement though lol

[@andreicapi3535]

Im lucky the school im attending this september has a EE and CS double major

[@classyjohn1923]

I did a math undergrad so i am sef-teaching both ee and cs LOL. I work professionally as an embedded software engineer

[@ZygalStudios]

@@classyjohn1923 That's awesome! Really cool you're interested in the embedded field 😀

[@classyjohn1923]

@@ZygalStudios yes , its a very interesting field! I really enjoy programming mcu's and writing device drivers.

[@Murderbot2000]

I agree. I always wanted to be an embedded hardware and software systems developer.

[@luigitosti7599]

Nice to see the genuine interest you have for your work. Thanks for sharing

[@TonyDaExpert]

About to finish my 3rd year of Computer Engineering and honestly I found my first embedded class to be super fun so I am gonna take 3 more embedded classes and a IOT classes by the end of next semester

[@Dulge]

Really nice to hear from someone in the field, i started to realize that i might want to get into the field since my interest on normal application software development isnt as big as before and ive really been loving the low level parts to computers and C++ in general, would love to know the best path to get into Embedded systems

[@mohammedhamadalachhab1661]

Thaaat's was verry encouraging!!!! love from Morocco !!! Can u please do a learning path for beginners 😊😊😊

[@ZygalStudios]

Thank you!!! Stay tuned :) Already in the works!

[@mohammedhamadalachhab1661]

@@ZygalStudios ❤️🤜🤛

[@mohammedhamadalachhab1661]

@Søren P thank you so much 🤝this is exactly what i was looking for !!

[@oussamachahboune873]

In which university in Morocco are you studying embedded systems?

[@CiaranMakesMusic]

Starting my degree course in electronic and embedded systems engineering next week. Little nervous cause I am going into it from working in construction. Hoping I can make it through!

[@arkybeagle6159]

A word of caution: IoT might be a bubble. Embedded seems deskilled compared to what it was 30 years ago. That's both good and bad. There's more expectation of certification , which works out to be a mixed blessing as well. What the Barr Group offers is better than nothing ( and they were "elected" to set the standard ) . In my ( rather advanced ) age cohort overqualification is a real possibility. So plan accordingly. But if you have a good enough resume and can make contacts within certain pools of government employment, it's a good way to finish out a career.

[@fluiditynz]

It suits aspies and creatives. I have the creative side nailed, I'm a typical jack of all trades modern inventor. But microprocessor systems alone is not enough for me personally. I've had my own hardware and SW design firm in the past and enjoy coded 3D design and many other types of technical challenges though my life to date. But right now, having a renaissance with microcontrollers with the ESP32 series and it's derivatives and similar from other manufacturers. However as a day job field tech/commissioning and as-builts, I'm stronger in designing for field usability than design of modules in a team. It's very nice to develop hardware and software both and have full control over all. There are still people working with embedded systems today who don't really understand code hardening strategies. Brownout detection LVI, COP, empty code space reset codes, regular working register value overwriting, stack creep monitoring. And designing for a chip that you are going to program yourself and even on occasions test and install also, you have the power to match IO types to pheripherals in PCB design and to develop test programs to assure full operability of each of your products rolled out. at 56 my designs and ideas never stop flowing and I am always in a creative drive to get the next idea proven and working.

[@Vsont]

Thanks for making the video, i feel like embedded systems gets left behind in both the EE and CS degrees!

[@Performak_YT]

Wow!! Hope you upload more about the subject soon!!

[@ZygalStudios]

More coming soon! Stay tuned! :)

[@davidnewman4678]

See, I'm an ECET major and I've been sweating because I've seen just so much "Can't get a real engineer job or it will be hard to" floating around and I looked at my courses, along with my Computer Science minor I'm realizing I've kinda put myself in an almost optimum position to do embedded systems. I've got a bunch of things like microcontroller applications, and assembler, c++, c, hdl/vdhl, etc. Classes in my last two years of college and I think it's what I'll go for. I could just go do regular software, or controls engineering or be a technician in some factory, or climbing up a telephone pole or antennae and there is nothing wrong with those professions but I think it's the fit for me...assuming I pass my classes.

[@ninjaoftherift1620]

Im doing a post bacc in CE im really excited to learn the hardware software i enjoy doing programming web software engineering in the front end because its visual and interactive same applies to embbeded and robotics i hate programming databases for example

[@memoryxleak]

Great video, thank you for the information!

[@sankarsha.m2792]

wondefull, zygal, thanks for making such a cool video. i have a query, all things avalable for exploring and verifying our interest in Embedded systems are vast, But that vastness has become a bit difficult for me. Some develop intrest in it looking at their own personal projects, and some look into IOT and things like that.. So i wanted to ask if you could frame any few questions for beginers to understand if its their true intrest or just some infactuation😁?? Thank you once more for making such an informative video.

[@panagiotishaidos1989]

Hello, am an undergraduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering and have taken a big interest in the microprocessors courses(the embedded systems course is a couple of semesters away and I find it to be very exciting). I have been working a bit with arduino and esp8266. Other than that what else would you think to be useful in the stage i am today, for occupation with microprocessors, microcontrollers and embedded systems? Very nice vids by the way!

[@ZygalStudios]

Thank you so much!! I have a video coming out soon on how to get started with the basics, but start taking a look at STM32 Discovery kits! Also start taking a look at the basics of a RTOS and how to use them.

[@panagiotishaidos1989]

@@ZygalStudios Thanks a lot!

[@TonyDaExpert]

I kinda noticed in my mandatory microcontroller/embedded systems 1 class for CPE majors (optional for EE majors) everyone seemed to hate it while the class seemed easy and didn’t feel like much work for me. Now I am taking advanced and the class size is so small

[@mamellomodise8700]

Hi I am done with my diploma in Computer Engineering and I'm currently doing my Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering. I'm obsessed with working with microcontrollers. My dream is working in embedded systems engineering industry. Do yo know any online courses where I do multiple projects so I can add to my resume.

[@ZoeWang-d8c]

It's sounds so cool!I love it

[@gulianjungu5756]

hi, I'm an embedded software engineer, but I don't speak English, If you add English Subtitles, it will be great! The auto-generated is good enough! Thank you!

[@ivanhbxyz]

recent cs graduate. want to break into embedded systems!

[@sdfsdfsd-f6c]

hey do you think i could work on both hardware and software (embedded systems) by having a computer science and telecommunications degree with a computer engineering specialization? btw our primary languages are C/C++ and i'd say we do more low level courses compared to an average computer science degree

[@shakirsalam555]

Hi I Just graduated from B.Mechanical Engineer (Hons) and I just realized my passion was Electronic and microcontroller stuff. I do have some PCB Design knowledge as I attended PCB design course and do tons of self study. Is it okay to transition from Mechanical Engineer to Electronic Engineer or is too late? Right now I was working as Electronic Repair Technician but not for too long just 1 year experience then I was thinking trying to enter embedded electronic system career path. Whats your opinion or what should I focus more on? Cheers :)

[@SimicChameleon]

It never too late to switch majors. A stem majors is still practical

[@lookthesky9632]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing the information about this cool stuff. As you said, embedded systems is combined both software and hardware. As a CS student who interests embedded systems. The software part might okay with it, but hardware part might not good as electrical engineers. May I ask what electronics and electrical knowledge need to learn to fill the hardware gap? I am CS & math double major and learned first year university physics courses(university offers three year bachelor degree). I have special interests in DSP as well. This area is such a wonderful place to be!

[@AmirKhan-fw2ue]

Hey Zygal, It's Amir, I am really thinking of pursuing my career in embedded systems based on that one module I studied in the university, which was embedded programming for real-time applications, I enjoyed this course... So the question is that how can I move forward, means what should be my learning steps to get a job and stable career in this field, Please guide me on this or make a separate video about it. Thank you.

[@hancigul5533]

Don't be under any illusion that you can easily get into a field like this. Especially without knowledge of hardware/electrical engineering. It is not like a lateral entry to a programming language. I'm a mechatronics engineer myself, and I've also done a lot with electronics and programming languages in my private life. But this is a very special field. Above all, what do you want to achieve, what is the goal when you enter this field? Finding a job, designing something completely new, IOT's, what is the purpose? Finding a well-paid job here in Europe, for example, for this is difficult. No university background, no experience, etc. It could rather be a hobby project.

[@ZygalStudios]

Totally agree. I think you're first point is super important to outline. You can't just pretend the hardware doesn't exist (like with a more CS-minded approach), you actually have to help design the hardware it runs on in most cases! That's awesome you're a Mechatronics engineer! At one point in my career I did some motor control and motor systems myself, it's very challenging, and frustrating, but fun! The jobs in the US for embedded are plentiful, but you need to have solid fundamental skills in it to get a job.

[@muhamedhashim6694]

I did a little bit of web development and i recently touched on C and i think i like it more than these boring web frameworks, but what's stopping me from investing into it is that ppl told me its jobs require you to be present on site, so this is my question, can embedded be done remote? Maybe some fields can be and others can't be? Thank you.

[@ZygalStudios]

Typically, yes. I'm sure some embedded positions you could do remote, but typically you need to be on site. With custom and sometimes complex hardware being made from scratch, it's hard to be remote to work through bugs and integrate across system lines being apart. Not saying it can't be done, it's just usually better done in person.

[@thomasmartres2963]

Hello and thank you for the informative video ! Any book recommendations for a software engineer that doesn't know much about the EE and hardware fundamentals you speak of ?

[@tanjiro3285]

I'm trying to learn about writing firmware to cheap apple clone smartwatches and smartbands but I don't know where to look for tutorials on firmware development for mediatek chips and nrf chips.please guide 🙏

[@cpK054L]

always wanted to get into embedded system design... but working in Med Dev industry has HEAVILY demoralized me. All I know is.. if I ever got sick enough to need one... I'd rather die.

[@cesarbaratas5612]

Amazing, i want to dive in embedded

[@dominman]

Definitely will be taking a look at that

[@ZygalStudios]

Let me know if you have any questions about it!

[@dominman]

@@ZygalStudios will do currently. Currently enrolled in a community college to start my CS classes in september.

[@SergeySuper_Silver]

This job is definitely for me. I like electronics and coding)

[@KickYouKT]

I study electrical engineering (a.k.a power engineering). However, I want to go with an embedded systems career. Would you recommend having a master's degree in embedded systems or electronics?

[@AlexESR71]

i'm just starting to realis eit's harder to find the actual topic you need to study, rather than understanding it.

[@ptptp7826]

I love embedded system very much, I started playing with microcontroller since i was in Junior HS. I also get the top 2 in embedded system course in university. And, I always maintaining my interest by joining a robotic organization . Unfortunately, it's really hard to find such job in my country. If there is a vacancy, the requirements are for experienced level only. Do you guys have any idea how to pursue my embedded system carrer in this such situation? 😂😂

[@media-scene9050]

what country is that

[@ptptp7826]

@@media-scene9050 indonesia

[@jacklawrence2221]

Will a company use only one type of chips in long term? Would there be common parts in emb-dev with different chips?

[@sindujakrishnan3958]

I am hiring for Embedded Engineers in USA , any idea which sites would be a great pool for sourcing embedded engineers? I am trying DICE, its not helping much.

[@karnez05]

I’m almost done with college, what skills do I need to be an embedded systems engineer? Do I need to take the FE exam or get my masters degree

[@boogeyman2868]

is this a viable option for someone who wants to work remotely, freelance or fixed employer i dont care - while living in the philippines? they can dump me on salary to make me more interesting - at the moment i am to make a choice into which field i want to go in hard. i can afford to practice alot and do all kinds of courses. i do not have a degree. is this a viable section? embedded remotely? i appreciate any info very much! i have to add: in my opinion, AI is a pile of steaming horse doo doo. im that type of guy.

[@chibuezendiokwelu63]

How much of ee do you need to know to get into embedded systems

[@SpongeBlaster]

I'm a CS grad that really likes embedded. I have studied EE textbooks like "Fundamentals of Eletric Circuits" (great book by the way) and am looking for further studies. Do you recommend learning about something else? Any books you think I should read?

[@therealg4197]

That's usually enough. Learn how to read schematics and use debugging tools(oscilloscopes and logic analyzers)

[@RamaKrishna-cb3yd]

Regular software engineer and embaded engineer what is the best and what is the scope of this two feilds

[@arisbylka1586]

I graduated this year as an embedded systems engineer and Soon I will do a master in Ai and robotics 😁

[@mr.k8660]

53k views with no dislikes ! Props to you

[@AsauruRex.]

I will choose embedded system for my elective subject. I am looking for jobs value for embedded system can someone expalin to me

[@wastedkafir9134]

will AI replace 20yrs exp c++ programmers in the near future?

[@samarthasn8637]

VLSI or Embedded Systems which is better?? Which has more growth in future??

[@Paul-wp3wm]

Did you found the answer?

[@alexanderbambionaah3899]

Do I need to be electrical engineer to make career in embedded systems

[@azimazizul]

If i got diploma in embedded system can i pursue my degree in cyber security?

[@tobaadesanya32]

Hi, awesome content! I'm working in embedded systems and typically I develop on Linux (Ubuntu right now) but I'm considering getting a mac. Any thoughts/experience on the operating system and compatibility with embedded development tools?

[@aarjanbudathoki2085]

It has been one year now if you are currently using mac then what is your setup

[@asararahmed7892]

What are your thoughts on people who want to have career in embedded system but don't have relevant college degree or no degree at all ?!

[@ZygalStudios]

You can still get an embedded job if you have the skills! Although, I will caution you on this, some places of employment may want a college degree of a related field. But even if it's physics, mechanical engineering, mathematics, etc that is all valid!

[@thienlo]

What is difference between embedded systems and embedded hardware? I know embedded C, Assembly and Verilog. I’m confused by the job titles.

[@ZygalStudios]

Embedded Systems could mean any of those lol. Embedded Software, hardware, or systems design around the software and hardware, or all three. 🤣 I think Embedded systems is used interchangeably.

[@thienlo]

@@ZygalStudios lol thanks even though you don't know. And I agree with you on the video that this job is booming right now due to EV.

[@renukaambati9997]

For Freshers, is this good career option?

[@proxxima038]

Embedded stuff is fun! I've been designing products for 12 years, and now I work at a university for 7 years. Thinking about teaching, after 20 years of building projects it is getting somewhat a standard approach... I really love low level hardware, that is why I have some old computers without CPU like a PDP8 or PDP11. These were build just with plain TTL chips. Those were the days 😊 Now you take a FPGA and put that whole computer in one chip... But now I'm at a point thinking: what's next...

[@janmiedza6607]

Is it possible to work remotely as an embedded engineer?

[@ZygalStudios]

@@janmiedza6607 It depends. Generally, no. You have to be in person with teams on a pretty frequent basis when new boards come in and need to be brought up. But I'm sure you could find some remote embedded jobs.

[@tchitchouan]

Seems like a great career choice

[@ZygalStudios]

It's challenging and ever evolving! Always something new to learn!

[@Murderbot2000]

How can I get into it?

[@Bat_OfGotham]

Is it possible to study both embedded systems and artificial intelligence/computer vision? Wanted to work on autonomous systems such as vehicles or drones

[@ZygalStudios]

Of course it's possible to study both! Just know that strong fundamental embedded skills are more applicable to the job market than a specialization in AI/CV. So spend your time effectively and you can focus on both!

[@Bat_OfGotham]

@@ZygalStudios thank you very much :D

[@syahrialrasyid2539]

So, electrical engineering is the right major to study about embedded system, because we'll work with both hardware and software. Isn't it like that sir? I've just finished my high school, and still wondering which major i will take😁

[@ZygalStudios]

I'd say so! It offers you the best background for working with both software and hardware. You should take courses in C if they are available. I know my EE curriculum had me take a C course and a few microprocessor and microcontroller applications classes where I learned assembly too.

[@syahrialrasyid2539]

@@ZygalStudios thank you very much sir! Now i just have to think about how to get into university😁

[@foseydontanri7859]

embedded systems engineers are scarce and there is a good reason for that. expertise on the domain is hard and job could be stressful at times. a lot of my EEE class went down the web development path. it is much easier, a person who could do embedded could do web development single-handedly. also, pay is same if not better. on top of that, remote work opportunities are more in web development field. all in all, it is not an amazing career and it is not for the faint hearted.

[@ZygalStudios]

While I partly agree with you on the fact it's not for the faint of heart and it is difficult, I think the amazing portion of it comes from the hard knocks you get during it. You learn a lot of valuable skills and learn how to adapt and find important information quickly. Launching a product is also a tremendous feeling too. It's also about what you work on too. I just can't see working on a widget being more exciting or as valuable as working on a radio, or a car, or a plane.

[@foseydontanri7859]

@@ZygalStudios don't get me wrong. i am not saying that the field is not satisfying nor people should stay away. I am trying to explain that it is not for everybody. if you are person with a maker mind who loves making things and challenging problems and satisfied by solving them, this career path is for you.

[@alexandrohdez3982]

great video 👏👏👏

[@rubiconcrossing4480]

I wish I could get my embedded systems career started but I keep getting rejected

[@ZygalStudios]

Have you tried embedded projects on the side?

[@rubiconcrossing4480]

@@ZygalStudios I’m currently working on one right now

[@ZygalStudios]

@@rubiconcrossing4480 Keep learning with it and applying to embedded positions!

[@rubiconcrossing4480]

@@ZygalStudios I’ll never give up

[@riflesightsonme2120]

@@rubiconcrossing4480 How is it going?

[@Tuathadana]

This is the same as systems engineering, yeah?

[@nangelo0]

Are you able to work remotely?

[@ZygalStudios]

You certainly can! It can complicate things when you integrate systems and you need to be on site to trouble shoot, but remote embedded work can be done!

[@demonikidoff4613]

Thanks bro

[@eugenefritz6669]

The first 2' of the video isn't related to the title. This can lead the viewer to close your video. What I'm about to do and find information somewhere else. Next time if you want to talk about yourself, add timestamps.

[@danieleccleston7928]

Honestly I'd rather do embedded systems than java

[@HaiderAli-nm1oh]

awsome

[@trevorrol7930]

If you want to do embedded systems is it better to do electrical engineering or computer engineering?????? Also are there any self employment opportunities in embedded systems?????One day I hope to not be someone's bitch...😮😮😮

[@thebeautifulones5436]

Can't see the point of studying this field.

[@ZygalStudios]

What's the point of studying any field? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@sisyphus_strives5463]

Damn, guess we should go back to hunting and gathering then

[@ZygalStudios]

@@sisyphus_strives5463 🤣🤣🤣

[@IamG3X]

Man I love tinkering with electronics and also code. Got me degree with EE as undergrad but can't score a job in that field. 🥲

[@therealg4197]

Did you do any projects or get internships? I didn't do any internship but I listed multiple projects on my resume and I started getting interviews and got my first job. I might be moving int general software dev work now

[@IamG3X]

@@therealg4197 I have like 5 projects. But no internship. It's almost like they don't believe me with these projects.