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Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

Chris Oddy — Thu, 02 May 2024 14:15:42 +0000

Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

One of the topics that is regularly brought up surrounding IoT devices and technology is the issue of security. A range of different standards have been brought in to control and improve this, and one of these which is getting a lot of attention at the moment is the Matter protocol.

Matter is a standard for smart home technology that has been framed as a potentially transformative development for both customers and manufacturers. It stands to act as a way of integrating a wide range of devices no matter their brand, allowing total control and synchronisation of technology that uses the Internet of Things in our homes.

Whilst Matter is still in its relatively early stages, it has been adopted by some huge brands in the smart home technology industry and made a very positive impact with what it can do. If you’re an engineer or developer working with IoT technology for consumers then you may likely have already heard of Matter, or even have started to integrate it into your work already.

In this article, we explain what Matter is, what the advantages of this protocol are, what kinds of devices it is compatible with, and what engineers need to know about Matter.

What is the Matter Standard?

Matter is a standard for smart home technology that aims to simplify and standardise the different devices so that they can all communicate, no matter their brand or model. It was developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) which is an organisation that aims to support the development of IoT technologies through standardisation.

This isn’t a new system for smart house technology, but a protocol that runs over existing protocols like Threads and Wifi, using Bluetooth Low Energy when you’re setting a new device up. Matter is also an open-source, royalty-free standard, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Matter began development around 2020 and the first version of the protocol was launched at the end of 2022 for devices like smart plugs, lightbulbs and sensors. In May 2023, Matter 1.1 was released to mainly fix bugs in the standard, and in October 2023 the release of Matter 1.2 added nine new device types to the standard, including robot vacuums, fridges and smoke alarms.

What makes Matter different from previous standards and initiatives is that it was developed by many of the big names in IoT home devices, including Apple, Google and Amazon. This means that the standard has been very successful in being rolled out because it has been integrated into products like Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home, which were already widely used.

By using Matter, home automation becomes a lot easier for users because their devices can all communicate and work more efficiently together, regardless of their brand. You also don’t need an internet connection for your devices to work together, as they can all be controlled locally instead once they are connected.

The Advantages of Matter

One of the main advantages of the Matter protocol is that it has been widely adopted by over 550 tech companies, including some of the biggest names in the industry. This means that many of the most popular smart home devices have adopted the standard, which not only increases its usage but also acts as greater encouragement for other brands to get on board.

The versatility of Matter links to this advantage, but is an advantage in itself because it applies to a range of different devices, regardless of their manufacturer. This makes it easy for consumers to set up and use their own group of smart home devices without having to buy products which are all from the same brand, allowing for greater customisation and ensuring high safety and quality no matter the product.

One of the key features and purposes of Matter is that it improves the overall security of IoT home devices, which is an advantage for everyone. Customers have less to worry about regarding the security of their devices, and developers will have fewer security-related issues to solve during and after the development process.

Having a standardised safety protocol for a lot of common smart home devices means that customer support can be centralised, which benefits all of the brands involved. Not only does the Matter protocol reduce issues with set-up, connectivity and compatibility, causing fewer issues for customers, but it also means that it’s easier for customer support employees to solve issues because of the common, underlying protocol.

From a consumer perspective, an advantage of the standard is that it makes the setup process of Matter enable devices much more straightforward. As long as devices are all connected to a home network and you have an app as an admin point, all products can be viewed and controlled through a simplified system.

From a design and manufacturing point of view, the Matter protocol makes it much faster and easier to ensure compatibility with other devices. This process would previously have been very long and costly, requiring a range of certifications. With Matter, engineers just need to make sure that their devices are aligned with this standard and they’ll be able to work in parallel with all others that are also set up for Matter home automation.

Another benefit of the Matter for smart home standard is that using it can help to lower development costs for products, which is a significant advantage for manufacturers. This is because having a shared security and connectivity standard makes it possible for infrastructure components like open-source drivers and libraries to also be shared between companies and developers, reducing the need for some engineering tasks. App development can also be reduced because of common service discovery and device-setup mechanisms, which again lowers development costs and in turn, leads to more affordable products for consumers.

What are Matter Compatible Devices?

The release of Matter 1.2 expanded the number of compatible smart home devices that the standard applied to. The current categories of devices supported by the Matter standard are:

Plugs and outlets
Light bulbs
Light switches
Sensors
Locks
Garage door controllers
Thermostats
Blinds
Media devices
HVAC controllers
Smoke and CO2 detectors
Robot vacuum cleaners
Fans
Fridges
Air purifiers and quality sensors
Dishwashers
Washing machines

The CSA plans to release two new updates to the standard each year, with categories like EV charging, security cameras and energy management devices next in line as devices to be integrated with the protocol.

As an engineer, understanding the types of devices that are compatible with Matter is important, as this is a widespread security standard that will likely inform your work. Whilst a lot of the news and content surrounding Matter and its release focuses on how well-known brands like Apple, Google and Amazon are creating Matter-compatible devices, plenty of smaller companies are following suit. If you’re involved in the production of IoT home devices, this is likely a protocol you will need to get to grips with.

What Engineers Should Know About Matter

Whether you’re already developing devices that are compliant with the Matter protocol or you’re considering how you can get your work to integrate with it, there are a range of technical details and ideas that can be valuable for engineers to understand.

Firstly, as an engineer you will need to know the basics of Matter’s data model. The main components involved are Nodes, Endpoints, Clusters, Attributes, Commands and Events. The majority of interactions in Matter happen between Nodes, and the Endpoints that these contain are what give Matter its built-in DFU/OTA.

From a security perspective, Matter encrypts and decrypts device communication using a range of different methods. When the controller and device are going through the commissioning process they share a set of key pairs called a Fabric to facilitate secure communication. Whenever a new device is commissioned by a controller it is added to the fabric and made secure.

Moving on to more practical considerations for engineers working with Matter, a range of different hardware from a variety of brands runs Matter, which is great if you have a particular chip or development kit you like to work with. As Matter’s popularity grows, more manufacturers are likely to create hardware that is compatible with the Matter protocol, so from a design perspective you have plenty of options when choosing where to get your hardware from.

If you work with technologies like Zigbee, BLE, Bluetooth Mesh, and Z-Wave it’s possible to operate these devices like they were a Matter device. You can do this by using a specific bridge device or by simultaneously running your current device and Matter stack. This means that, even if you’re not producing devices that run on Matter, you can adapt the code by integrating the protocol and bridge the two networks together.

When you create a matter-supported device, you need to integrate open-source protocol code into the code that makes the device run. If you’re new to open-source software development then this may be challenging, so you’ll need to be prepared to deal with this specific feature of Matter devices.

Finally, be aware that your device must support one of either Bluetooth, Wifi, Ethernet or a radio running Thread through IEEE 802.11.15.4. Devices which can only support Bluetooth and not also run the Thread stack will not work with Matter.

Summary

The current discussion around Matter and Matter-enabled devices is overwhelmingly positive. Many developers, manufacturers and consumers view it as the future of smart home technology, and its potential to connect all kinds of devices regardless of their brand and improve customer experience is certainly promising.

The protocol is still in its relatively early stages however, and whilst many categories of smart home technology are now supported by Matter, more complex devices are yet to be aligned. It’s certainly an exciting prospect for engineers working in consumer IoT technology and will impact various areas of work, so it’s worth keeping up to date with the latest Matter developments in order to stay informed.

If you’re an engineer looking for job opportunities to work with protocols like Matter, we’re a specialist electronic embedded systems recruitment agency that can help. Take a look at our current IoT job opportunities or get in touch to speak to the team about the kind of role you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

Chris Oddy — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:25:39 +0000

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

C is one of the most popular and widely used programming languages by developers across a wide range of industries, with applications in all kinds of projects from operating system development to embedded software. But whilst C is sometimes used by programmers working with embedded systems, an extension of the language has been specifically designed to provide optimised efficiency and function, called embedded C.

Embedded C is essentially an extension of the C programming language, so it’s understandable why the two often get confused. In this article, we’re going to be exploring the difference between C and embedded C to better understand what makes each unique, and then discuss which language is better suited for different kinds of projects.

What is C Programming?

C is a classic general-purpose programming language that was created in the 1970s at Bell Labs. It’s a low-level, procedural coding language that is used in a wide range of projects, including game development, creating system or application software and designing desktop programs.

C programming is considered to be quite straightforward due to the language’s simple syntax, and its structured nature also means that modifying and maintaining code is simple. It’s been used for developing embedded software for a while thanks to being low-level and very efficient.

Advantages of C

Here are some of the key advantages of programming in C.

Simple keywords and an easy-to-understand syntax
C is a portable language, so can be used across different operating systems
Testing and debugging in C is generally considered to be quite straightforward
C is well-suited to handling complex graphics and sound
Execution speed and memory usage are both very efficient
The low-level features of C make it a very flexible language
C is an established programming language, so the community of support is good

Disadvantages of C

On the flip side, here are some disadvantages of using C as a programming language.

Object-oriented programming is not possible in C, which is why C++ was developed
C isn’t that beginner-friendly, as it requires a complex understanding of memory management and hardware
There’s no strict type checking
Some important high-level features are missing, such as garbage collection
The direct manipulation of memory through pointers means that C software can be more vulnerable to security issues

What is Embedded C Programming?

Embedded C is an extension of the C programming language that was created specifically for software that is used in embedded systems. Its syntax and semantics are typical of C programming languages but it uses several additional features that cater specifically towards embedded systems functionality.

Embedded C programming is often used by developers who are familiar with C as a coding language but need to create a program or application that is tailored to the needs of an embedded system. It’s one of the best languages for embedded systems because it has been designed specifically for this kind of technology.

Advantages of Embedded C

Here are some of the key advantages of using embedded C.

Embedded C is a very efficient language, which is essential for embedded software where resources are limited
Code can be reused, which makes programming a quicker process
Like with C, code written in embedded C is portable across different operating systems
Being low-level means that embedded C code offers very precise control over hardware
Features of embedded C code make it ideal for real-time applications

Disadvantages of Embedded C

Whilst embedded C is tailored to embedded software it does have some disadvantages for programmers.

You have to already be familiar with C as a programming language to understand how to write software in embedded C
There’s no standardisation of embedded C
Common high-level features you’ll find in other programming languages are not present in embedded C
Vulnerabilities related to memory management are more likely
Scaling code in embedded C is difficult and time-consuming

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C?

Perhaps the biggest and most defining difference between C and embedded C is that the former was designed as a general programming language, whilst the latter was specifically created to be used for developing embedded software. But there is also a range of other defining differences on the topic of C vs embedded C, which we’ll explain below.

Hardware Dependency

Hardware dependency refers to whether a piece of software has been designed for a specific type of hardware, and is one of the key ways in which C and embedded C differ from each other. Embedded C is a fully hardware-dependent programming language, whilst C is hardware-independent and doesn’t need a specific compiler or operating system to run on.

Scalability

Scalability is a key consideration when it comes to choosing a programming language, as being able to easily expand and develop an existing piece of software can be a massive time-saver for developers. Whilst C is a programming language that is quite easily scalable, making it easy to add new lines of code without impacting the performance, embedded C is not very scalable because it has limited memory and processing power.

Programming Style

C’s programming style is based on general-purpose software development, whilst embedded C programming is much more focused on embedded software. This means that additional keywords and features are part of the programming style for embedded C that you won’t see in general C code.

Another aspect of programming style that is a difference between C and embedded C is the formatting style. Programs written in C can have a free format where the developer has more choice in how they want the code to be formatted. But because embedded C software is hardware-dependent, it has to be written in a more structured style depending on the microprocessor that is being used in the embedded device.

Memory Usage

In comparison to the computers that most software runs on, embedded systems have quite limited memory available. Therefore, another difference in embedded C vs C programming is that software written in embedded C has to use memory very efficiently so as not to overwhelm the device or impact its performance. C software on the other hand is designed with large amounts of processing power in mind.

Processing Power

Leading on from that last point, another important difference between C and embedded C programming is that the processing power of embedded devices is always much more limited than that of larger computers that general software runs on. Therefore, embedded C code differs from code written in C because it is designed to be more efficient whilst using less power.

Standard Libraries

As we’ve already covered, there’s a much wider range of applications for C programming than there is for embedded C. Therefore, the size of the standard libraries available for C software is much larger, giving you a lot more options that can complete a wide range of tasks. In comparison, the standard library for embedded C is quite limited and only gives you essential functions.

Interrupt Handling

Interrupt handling is a function of real-time software, which embedded systems often use as part of their function. Embedded C programming includes features that are designed for interrupt handling, whereas if you are trying to do embedded programming in C, you’ll have to manually write custom code to handle interrupts.

Compilers

When you’re looking at compilers for C vs embedded C, there are a lot more compatible compilers to use for software written in C. Embedded C software compilers are only available for particular platforms which limits the number of platforms that embedded C programs can be run on, relating to the fact that this kind of embedded software is device-specific. The files generated by embedded C compilers are hardware-specific, whilst the output of a general C compiler is much more versatile.

Bug Fixing

The difference between C and embedded C is related to the programmer’s experience rather than the code itself, but it’s generally considered to be much harder to fix bugs in embedded C code than it is for code written in C. This is potentially because embedded C is a much more specific and therefore more complex programming language, so editing it and highlighting the causes of error requires more knowledge and familiarity with the language.

When to Use C and Embedded C

Now that we’ve discussed the main differences between C and embedded C, the final topic of this blog post is about when to use C for programming and when to use embedded C instead. The good thing about choosing between these two programming languages is that the tasks they were each designed for make it easier to assess the projects they are better suited for.

The embedded C programming language was designed specifically with embedded systems software in mind. Therefore, if the project or task you’re working on involves an embedded system, embedded C is an excellent choice that will make the whole development process much better.

Of course, other programming languages are also tailored for embedded software development. If you’re unfamiliar with C as a language then trying to learn embedded C for a project might be a time-consuming challenge, so bear this in mind if you’re trying to choose the best programming language for an embedded software project.

If you’re programming systems or applications that require complex software, C is a much better choice. As a general-purpose language, C has a much broader set of potential applications and so is better suited to operating systems, database management systems and 3D film development. If you’re developing an application for a general-purpose computer or any device or machine that requires a large amount of processing power, then C is much better equipped to handle this.

To summarise, embedded C is best suited to developing low-level firmware and applications that are optimised to run on limited memory and processing power, which is why it’s so perfect for embedded systems. C is the better programming to use when you’re working on larger projects involving more complex software, although it can also be used to create embedded software.

Summary

Using C programming for embedded systems is an approach that is successful for many developers, but with the creation of embedded C came a specific programming language option that was designed to help create the best possible embedded software and firmware. If you’re a software developer or engineer who works with embedded systems and devices, understanding the difference between the two languages and what they can both be used for can help to make sure that you’re using the right approach in embedded software projects.

If you’re an embedded software developer or embedded systems engineer looking for your next job opportunity, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help. Take a look at our current embedded software engineering roles or get in touch to speak to the team about what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

Chris Oddy — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:15:55 +0000

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

Technology is advancing at an incredible rate, and with it so is the demand for products and devices that are more efficient, more reliable and more cost-effective. The creation of embedded system technologies was a direct result of this demand, offering incredible functionality on a compact and cost-effective scale with high levels of reliability and limited maintenance.

These characteristics of embedded systems are what make it such a popular and interesting kind of technology, which we’re definitely seeing through the ever-growing range of applications for embedded software and devices. If you’re an engineer working in or aspiring to be part of the embedded systems or IoT sector, understanding the purpose of an embedded system and how its features relate to this is an essential part of your role.

In this article, we explore the key characteristics of an embedded system, how these characteristics are utilised in the main types of embedded systems, and why these features are so advantageous.

What Is an Embedded System?

An embedded system is a system of components and software that perform a specific function with high levels of efficiency and reliability. It can be part of a wider system of other devices or may operate as a standalone system, both of which require minimal intervention to function properly.

Embedded systems are made up of a small range of components and integrated software, usually with a microcontroller or a microprocessor as the main component. Embedded hardware will be used to help the device carry out its designated function and input and output interfaces will interact with the environment around the system. Some types of embedded systems may also include communication interfaces, a power management system and an operating system which facilitates a user interface.

Despite being relatively small with specific functionality, embedded systems are present in a wide variety of technology that ranges from wearable devices to military machinery. The unique characteristics are advantages of embedded systems which make them a popular feature of many products and devices, and they’re also closely linked to the Internet of Things which is a popular and rapidly developing technology.

In its purest form, an embedded system will be a chip with a microprocessor or microcontroller that runs embedded software to perform a singular function. There are many different types of embedded systems and applications of this technology, but the majority share the same key characteristics.

The Key Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Knowing the characteristics of an embedded system is a key part of being able to successfully design and work with them. The characteristics we discuss below are all linked to some of the unique features of embedded systems which make them so useful and popular in engineering projects across a wide range of industries. As an engineer or developer working with embedded systems, knowing these characteristics and what they offer the systems and devices is essential to successful work.

Specific Functions

Perhaps the defining characteristic of embedded systems is that they have a specific function. Instead of running software that allows the system to perform multiple functions, an embedded device serves a particular purpose and has been programmed to carry out one particular task.

This specificity is what makes embedded systems so good at fulfilling their purpose. With only the capabilities to complete the function they have been designed for, they are incredibly efficient, reliable and fast.

Efficient Design

Having only one function means that embedded systems are all designed uniquely. A resulting characteristic of these devices with embedded systems is that their design is incredibly efficient, without any room for extensions and additions.

Limited space, as well as specific functionality, leads to embedded systems being incredibly efficient at using energy, managing memory and processing information. Every aspect of their design is tailored to ensure this efficiency, making them exceptional at serving their intended purpose.

Real-Time Operation

The majority of embedded systems are real-time, which means that they are programmed to respond to external events within a constrained frame of time. It’s this characteristic that means embedded systems are a key feature of critical applications in the medical and aviation industries, which is another reason why they’re designed to be so reliable.

Reliable

Leading on from that point, another of the important characteristics of an embedded system is that it’s notoriously reliable. This is because of its efficiency and specific functionality, both of which mean that embedded systems are very good at consistently performing their intended function over a long period of time.

Small Size

Another, more practical characteristic of embedded systems is that the devices themselves tend to be quite compact. In most cases, all aspects of the design need to be placed on a chip, so the resulting embedded system and the device that it’s part of are usually pretty small, even if the wider system they are part of is large.

Low Cost

Thanks to the compact and efficient design of most types of embedded systems, another key characteristic is that they’re quite a low-cost piece of technology. This makes them an attractive feature for designers and engineers, as you benefit from impressive functionality for a very reasonable price.

Minimal User Interface

A general characteristic of products and devices that use embedded systems is that they have quite minimal user interfaces. This is because their single functionality means that there’s not a lot that a user needs control over, so other than a few simple buttons or information, the user interface requirements are pretty simple.

Types of Embedded Systems

The above characteristics of embedded systems are all common across the majority of examples of this kind of technology. However, some of these characteristics are not present in certain types of embedded systems, whilst others are more important because of the purpose and function of the technology.

Here are some examples of types of embedded systems and what they are used for.

Networked Embedded Systems

Networked embedded systems are connected to a wider network of other devices which they communicate with. Information is shared and received through a network interface and the devices rely on this information to perform their designated functions.

Embedded systems that are part of a network tend to be general-purpose processors and can be wired or wireless. They’re usually used in the industrial control or building sectors, are used for automation and control systems, or are part of monitoring systems that make use of small devices collecting data from different sources. Common examples include weather monitoring systems, security systems or ATMs.

Real-Time Embedded Systems

Real-time embedded systems perform their function in real-time in response to an input signal or external event. Reliability is a really important characteristic here, as these types of embedded systems are often used in safety-critical sectors or as part of large machinery and transport to measure the environment and trigger alerts or actions to ensure safety or performance.

There are two main types of real-time embedded systems; hard and soft. Hard real-time embedded systems are totally time-bound, whilst soft real-time embedded systems operate within time frames but are more flexible with what this time frame can be. If the former fails to function within its designated time then the whole system will fail. If the latter fails, the system will continue to function, just with a slight decrease in output quality.

Examples of hard real-time embedded systems include military machinery, air traffic control systems and medical equipment, where a failure in system function would lead to serious harm. Examples of soft real-time embedded systems include electronic gaming devices, media players and microwaves or other small household appliances, where a failure in function would be annoying but not life-threatening.

Mobile Embedded Systems

Mobile embedded systems are specifically designed to be used in mobile devices. Phones are the most common example, but you’ll also find them in some digital cameras, calculators and tablets.

Key embedded system characteristics that are particularly important for mobile devices are the compact size and low power consumption. As discussed above, these systems need to take up as small a space as possible whilst still delivering optimal functionality, so are specifically designed to be as efficient as possible with memory and power.

Stand-Alone Systems

Stand-alone embedded systems operate independently without the need for a computer or processor as a host. Input signals are processed into a digital output without needing any kind of supporting system or network, and this output is usually displayed on a connected device.

This type of embedded system differs from the others as it is not part of a wider system that shares data and works collaboratively to serve a purpose. Examples of stand-alone embedded systems are often devices that many of us use day-to-day, such as wearable devices, music players, larger household appliances and some digital cameras.

The Advantages of Embedded Systems

We’ve already discussed how many embedded system characteristics are what make them such a popular kind of technology. Below, we dive deeper into some of the advantages of them.

Energy Efficient

The small size of an embedded system means that it cannot require very much power to run. This helps to reduce the overall energy costs for the entire system it is part of, as well as meaning that devices running on embedded systems have a longer battery life.

Cost Effective

The limited number of components in an embedded system also means that it is relatively cheap to manufacture, which is great news for companies that are mass-producing embedded devices and products. It’s also a benefit to engineers and employers wanting to test different versions of embedded systems without having to worry about the cost of producing multiple prototypes which have only had minor changes made to them.

Mass-Produced

The simplicity of embedded systems is an advantage for industries and companies that require large numbers of the same components and devices. This links to the above point about embedded technology being generally cost-effective and accessible, which is why it is being used in more and more products.

Compact

Embedded systems are notoriously compact, and this is an advantage because it is very easy to integrate them into other devices and technology. They’re also generally quite lightweight, so won’t often impact the functionality of the machine or product that they are attached to at all.

Reliable

Finally, one of the most desirable advantages of embedded systems is that they are incredibly reliable. With a specific function and unique software designed to carry this out, minimal components and efficient power and memory usage, it’s much less likely that an embedded system will malfunction than other kinds of technology with multiple functions. This is ideal for safety-critical systems and equipment, which are key areas where embedded software and systems are used.

Summary

There are limitations to devices with embedded systems, but the stand-out features and advantages that these bring make it a really popular technology in the engineering industry at the moment. Engineers and developers working with embedded systems should ensure that they’re familiar with these characteristics and how best to utilise them in designs, making the most of the specific functionality and reliability that embedded systems are best known for.

If you’re an engineer or developer seeking a job in the embedded systems industry, KO2 is a specialist recruiter that can help you find the right opportunities. Take a look at our current embedded software engineering roles or get in touch to speak to the team about what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

Moving From Contract to Permanent Engineering Roles – A Guide

Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

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The Best Skills for Embedded Software Engineers

Chris Oddy — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:12:51 +0000

The Best Skills for Embedded Software Engineers

The role of embedded software engineer is a niche position in the industry sector that requires a specific set of skills. Many candidates begin their careers as general software developers and then specialise in embedded systems, granting access to a really interesting area of software engineering that has plenty of potential for innovation.

If you’re thinking of becoming an embedded software engineer or are a software developer wanting to specialise, there are plenty of skills that will benefit you in this role. In this article, we share some of the best skills for embedded software engineers, covering technical abilities and soft skills.

Embedded Systems Design

Undoubtedly one of the most important skills required for embedded software engineers is embedded systems design. If you’re going to succeed in this industry sector you must understand the principles and patterns that are used to design embedded systems, as this will inform the programs you develop and the efficiency of these.

Elements of embedded systems design that you’ll need to be skilled in include selecting suitable and compatible hardware, scaling software, embedded programming languages and their advantages and disadvantages, and designing the software that the systems run on.

Programming Languages

Every software engineer needs to have programming language proficiency, and embedded software development is no different. Low-level languages are most popular for embedded software engineering, but certain languages are better suited to certain projects, so experience with multiple languages is ideal.

Some of the best programming languages for embedded software development include C, C++, Assembly language and Python. C++ proficiency is one of the most desirable skills of a software engineer in the embedded systems sector, but Rust is an up-and-coming contender that is also popular amongst employers.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly developing system of connected devices that are used in a wide range of applications and devices in our everyday lives. Embedded systems and devices are an integral part of the Internet of Things, so one of the important skills needed for embedded software engineers is IoT knowledge and experience.

If you’re working on an IoT project, you’ll need to be confident in understanding how your embedded software and the device that it is for are connected to a wider network of devices and what is required to make your software compatible. Other internet-based technologies may play a part in this, so familiarity with these is also very useful.

Microcontroller Knowledge

Microcontrollers are the components that your embedded software will run on. An important part of embedded software engineering is being familiar with this electronic technology and knowing how to choose the best microcontroller for certain applications.

Having a good understanding of microcontroller architectures, power and memory management, programming and peripherals will put you in a great position to create software for specific devices that works perfectly with the firmware. This knowledge is one of the key skills for embedded software engineers, particularly when you’re doing low-level programming.

Understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems

A real-time operating system (RTOS) has become a popular alternative to single main loop programming in embedded systems thanks to its multitasking abilities. One of the embedded systems-specific skills needed for software engineering is familiarity with the elements involved in RTOS, including resource management and the different platforms. You also need general knowledge of operating systems and how they impact embedded software development, as most devices have limited memory and therefore need very efficient operating systems to function.

Electrical Engineering Experience

In order to properly understand what is required of the embedded software they develop, another of the key embedded software engineer skills required is experience in electrical engineering. When you’re working on a development project you’ll need to be familiar with the capabilities and features of the specific device, and you’ll find this much easier when you’re also familiar with how the device has been made.

Embedded software is reliant on the device that it controls, so you need to understand how things like components, resistors, circuits and signals work to ensure that your software will be compatible with the design. It will also benefit you to be familiar with electronic circuit schematics and PCB layouts, which is easiest if you’ve had experience drawing and assembling these yourself.

Testing And Debugging

A big part of any software development role is testing and debugging, and you’ll need good skills in both of these disciplines to succeed in embedded software engineering.

Embedded software needs to be tested throughout the development process to identify potential issues and ensure that the finished program is reliable and efficient. As part of this, you may need to write unit, integration and system tests or know how to use automated testing tools, selecting the best processes to confirm the safety and functionality of your code.

Debugging is often the result of testing, requiring a range of techniques that can vary depending on the programming language you use. Knowledge of classic debugging approaches is necessary here, as well as more general problem-solving skills to help you work through problems you encounter.

Hardware Experience

In line with having general electronic engineering skills, a successful embedded software engineer needs to have experience working with hardware. You’ll need to know how to use hardware test equipment like an oscilloscope and logic analyzer, as well as be confident in interpreting data sheets or reading schematics.

Signal Processing

As an embedded software engineer, you’ll need to know how signal processing works so that you can ensure the device you’re helping develop can communicate with others. Whether digital or analogue signals are involved, you’ll need to make sure that your software handles the information from input signals correctly and generates appropriate signals in response. You must have strong mathematics skills to understand signal processing, as well as an understanding of dynamic systems and control tasks.

Communication Protocols

Embedded systems exchange information using communication protocols, and as a software developer you’ll need to understand these to ensure that your device can work together with others. In embedded systems engineering, several different interfaces are used for communication, each of which has its own protocol.

Communication protocol skills involve being able to use the right protocols for the device and software that you’re developing. Some of the most frequently used in embedded systems software include USB, Zigbee, GPIOs, Bluetooth, CAN bus, Wi-Fi and EtherCAT.

Control Systems

Some embedded systems are also control systems, combining two engineering disciplines in a single design. This isn’t one of the most essential skills needed for embedded software engineers, but understanding control systems engineering principles can help elevate your design knowledge and lead to greater career opportunities.

Software Development Methodologies

Software development projects usually follow an established process based on a methodology that provides structure and direction for everyone involved. As an embedded software engineer, being familiar with these methodologies will ensure that you’re aligned with your colleagues whilst working on a project and understand what is required of you at each stage of development.

Agile methodologies, usually Scrum, are most common in the software development industry. You’ll need to be familiar with the fundamentals, principles and key roles involved in this methodology, along with the development and testing procedures required.

Cybersecurity

Whilst embedded software itself is quite secure and reliable because it is specific to the device that it runs on, embedded systems that use networks can be vulnerable to issues of cybersecurity. Some of the important skills needed for software engineering are secure coding, authentication mechanisms and cryptography, all of which will help to keep your embedded software as secure as possible.

Machine Learning

Finally, an embedded software developer skill that is becoming more valuable as time goes on is experience with machine learning and artificial intelligence. Embedded systems can be used with machine learning to gather data and then learn from this information to make predictions, using data more effectively and ultimately saving time and providing more valuable insight. As a software developer, you may be required to help develop programs which incorporate machine learning to achieve these outcomes.

Soft Skills Needed for Software Engineering

There are plenty of technical essential embedded software skills, but that’s not all that is required for the role. The soft skills needed for software engineering play just as important a part, and are something that interviewers will be looking for evidence of when you’re applying for new roles.

Here are some of the key soft skills required for embedded software engineers.

Teamwork

Whilst embedded software developers will spend a lot of their time working independently, this work will be done as part of a team development project. Teamwork is an essential soft skill, requiring the ability to collaborate and support others as well as emotional intelligence to judge situations and adjust your behaviour accordingly.

Time Management

As an embedded software developer, you’ll be tasked with completing your assigned sections of a project and aligning this work with deadlines and other members of your team. Good time management skills are crucial, as delays in your progress could hold up an entire project, so you’ll need to be good at sticking to deadlines, holding yourself accountable and motivating yourself whilst working alone.

Continuous Development

One of the most desirable skills in an embedded software developer is a commitment to continuous development. Whether you pursue this in your free time or make the most of the training and resources that are provided to you at work, making the effort to keep learning about new techniques and developments in your industry gives you a competitive advantage over other developers.

Communication

In line with teamwork, communication is another essential soft skill for embedded software developers that ensures you can work cohesively on a project with your colleagues. Not only do you need good interpersonal skills, but you’ll also need strong written communication skills so that you can record the progress of your software and the procedures you’ve followed, making it easy for someone else to understand what you’ve been doing.

Problem-Solving

We’ve already talked about the need for testing and debugging skills as a software developer, and problem-solving plays a big part in that. Not only do you need a resilient attitude, but also the ability to look at problems from different perspectives and think of creative ways to overcome challenges, based on your knowledge of classic software development and debugging techniques.

Summary

When you’re applying for an embedded software developer role, the interviewer will be looking for evidence and examples of all of the skills we have discussed in this article. Different roles will have more need for certain skills, but if you’re looking for a way to improve your success in job interviews, proficiency in all of the embedded software skills we’ve discussed will be very beneficial.

If you’re an embedded software developer looking for your next role, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help you find the perfect job opportunity. Take a look at our current embedded software development positions, or get in touch to discuss exactly what it is you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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What is the Best Language for Embedded Systems?

Chris Oddy — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 13:12:51 +0000

What is the Best Language for Embedded Systems?

If you asked a group of software developers which language is used for embedded systems, the majority of them might say C or C++. But you’d also get answers ranging from the popular Java programming language to the specialised Ada, as well as specific embedded languages like MicroPython.

There’s no single answer to what programming language is used for embedded systems because a range of different languages are suitable for designing and developing embedded software. If you’re a software engineer working with embedded systems you might have a favourite option, or you might be curious about other compatible programming languages and the types of projects they’re best suited for.

In this article, we discuss eight of the most popular embedded systems programming languages and share their key features, uses and how to choose between them.

What is Embedded Software?

Embedded software is any type of software that is built into a specific device. It has fixed hardware requirements, which means that it cannot be installed on different computer systems and instead is designed for a particular type of device.

The hardware components that run embedded software on a device are known as the embedded system. Embedded software is developed to run on the specific hardware in a device, which means that it is created from scratch to suit the unique device every time.

The specialised nature of embedded software means that developers need to have a comprehensive understanding of programming and device hardware. Whilst popular coding languages can be used for embedded programming, the approach needed for this kind of software is niche, which makes embedded software engineers an in-demand role.

What Is the Best Programming Language for Embedded Systems?

There are a range of different options when it comes to deciding which programming language is best for embedded systems. Some options are popular coding languages compatible with embedded devices, whilst others have been specifically designed to suit embedded software engineering and are more niche in the industry.

When you’re choosing the best language for programming embedded systems, you should consider factors such as:

Whether the tasks the software is completing are low-level or high-level
The memory of the embedded device and the size of the program it will be able to run
Any hardware constraints that might make a particular language unsuitable
Whether the program needs to be portable and suitable for other processors
The level of security the code needs to have
Your familiarity with other coding languages and the learning curve required to get to grips with something new.

Here are eight of the most popular programming languages for embedded systems and some of the key features of each.

C++

One of the most popular programming languages for embedded systems is C++, which was designed as an extension of the C programming language in the 1980s. It’s an object-oriented coding language with a lot of different capabilities that build on its predecessor, including inheritance and polymorphism which help to improve the development process by allowing you to reuse code.

A feature that makes C++ so good for embedded software development is that it’s a low-level programming language, allowing control over elements of hardware resources. Another benefit is that it’s also mainly compatible with code written in C, allowing for existing software to be reused and adapted without starting from scratch.

C++ is known for being a flexible language which makes it suitable for a range of different embedded software projects. It’s often chosen for IoT projects and applications that can be used on a range of different devices, thanks to its portability.

Python

One of the most common programming languages used by developers across engineering sectors is Python. Developed in the 1990s and known for being an accessible programming language for all abilities, its simple syntax makes developing code very straightforward which is ideal for quick implementation.

Python isn’t a standard choice for embedded systems programming, but it’s become more popular in recent years because of its advantages for rapid prototyping and scripting tasks. The development of MicroPython, an implementation of the language designed especially for embedded programming, has contributed to this, taking all the key features of Python and making it tailored to embedded software development.

It’s best to use Python if you’re working on rapid embedded software development, but bear in mind that other languages offer fast run times and memory management when it comes to actually running an application on a device. If you’re using MicroPython for programming, it’s designed for hardware tasks and is only compatible with certain hardware, which helps to narrow down the kinds of tasks this embedded systems programming language is best for.

C

C is another classic programming language that was originally developed in the 1970s. A compiled programming language with relatively simple syntax, it allows for direct hardware access and control which is ideal for developing firmware.

Embedded software developers have been using C for programming for a long time, which means that there’s a great bank of resources and instructional guides out there for other developers to follow. The portability of the language also means that programs can run on different operating systems and devices, making it a really versatile choice to learn and use.

Common embedded software projects that developers use C for include consumer electronics, automotive systems and industrial control systems. It can be harder to get to grips with if you’re unfamiliar with low-level programming or more technical coding techniques, but is a very efficient embedded systems programming language.

Assembly

Assembly languages are low-level programming languages that are specific to the hardware they are being written for. Programs and applications communicate directly with the device hardware when they’re written in assembly language, making it incredibly fast and memory efficient.

When you code in assembly language you get the option to utilise hardware-specific features, but your software won’t be portable and can be harder to read and maintain. It’s really useful if you’re dealing with hardware resources like firmware or bootloaders, as you get much more control over these to help deliver the desired functionality.

There aren’t a huge amount of projects where assembly language would be the superior choice over popular embedded systems coding languages like C++ and Rust. But if you’re writing code for a specific hardware platform and the code needs to be high-performing and highly optimised, assembly is the best option and is still worth knowing as an embedded software engineer.

Java

Java is a popular high-level programming language that is most often used for coding web applications. Developed in 1995, it’s multi-platform, object-oriented and very secure, and is used by plenty of developers because it is straightforward to code in.

A lot of well-known programs and applications are built on Java, but it is also starting to be used for more complex embedded systems programming, especially since it’s a very portable language and is great for networking. If you’re trying to develop and deploy software that will be run on multiple devices, Java can adapt to the majority of architecture without issue.

Ada

Ada is a programming language initially developed in the 1980s and then revised in the 1990s, when it became the first internationally standardised (ISO) object-oriented language. Named after the famous programmer and mathematician Augusta Ada Lovelace, it was designed for embedded systems and long-lived applications where code needs to be reliable and efficient as well as secure.

There are strict design rules for Ada programming which means the code is always reliable and quite easy to maintain. However, it’s not as popular a language as many of the others on the list and can be difficult to learn, which is challenging if you’re seeking support or looking to develop a program quickly as a beginner.

If you’re developing software for safety-critical embedded systems then Ada is an ideal choice because of its security features.

Rust

Rust is a relatively new language used for programming embedded systems, developed in 2010 by the software company Mozilla. It’s a high-level coding language that was created to allow for safer and better-performing code without compromising on low-level control, which makes it a popular choice for embedded devices.

Applications for embedded systems need to be reliable and resilient, which Rust provides by encouraging more secure code. It’s quite a similar language to C and C++ in terms of its features and the projects it’s most suited for, but offers better code safety and performance, although it can integrate with code written in C and help to improve this.

The newness of Rust means that there’s plenty of interest in it as the potential best language for embedded systems, but its young age also means that there are not the same kinds of resources or knowledge banks for developers to rely on when they’re coding. It’s a superior choice for embedded software that needs to be secure and robust, once you’ve got to grips with the syntax.

Embedded C

In the same way that MicroPython is a specific extension of Python, Embedded C is an extension of the C programming language designed specifically for microcontrollers. It shares the same syntax and semantics with extra features that make it ideal for developing embedded software.

Embedded C doesn’t use as many resources as C and has optimised memory, which means the code executes much faster and is better for small devices. Low-level programming and direct hardware interaction give developers a lot of control over the device hardware, making it easy to create programs which lead to ideal device operation.

If you’re already familiar with C as a programming language then embedded C is a great choice for an embedded systems project, as you won’t have to get your head around too many different features or an entirely new syntax. You should also be careful when using embedded C if a device needs to be secure, as the manual memory management means that errors are sometimes harder to spot.

Summary

Other programming languages are suitable for embedded software development, but the selection listed above covers the most popular choices which are particularly good for different types of embedded systems. When it comes to making a decision, consider your familiarity with certain programming languages and then consider the requirements of the embedded software development project. This should help you choose a language that won’t be too complicated to use and which will also allow for maximum efficiency.

If you’re an embedded software developer looking for your next role, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help land you your perfect job. Take a look at our current embedded software engineer opportunities, or get in touch to speak to our team about what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

Moving From Contract to Permanent Engineering Roles – A Guide

Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

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MicroPython vs Python – What’s the Difference?

Chris Oddy — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:57:52 +0000

MicroPython vs Python – What’s the Difference?

Writing software for electronic embedded systems presents a specific set of challenges that general software development does not. Memory is limited because of the size and operating speeds of the devices, and limited battery life can impact how the code performs.

Using a programming language that is specifically designed for embedded systems is a great way to navigate these challenges, and MicroPython is a brilliant option in this instance. A refined implementation of the Python programming language designed specifically for micro compressors, MicroPython is ideal for programming embedded devices and systems and is particularly useful for those less familiar with other programming languages like C++.

In this article, we compare MicroPython vs Python, discuss what makes Python unique and what sets MicroPython apart from other programming languages, and advise on the best scenarios to use each of them in.

What is Python?

Python is one of the most commonly used programming languages by software developers. It began its life as the holiday project of Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum, but was then developed and launched in 1991 as a better version of the ABC programming language with improved readability and developer productivity.

Developers generally use Python as a language for scripting and automation tasks. It is also often used by engineers who want to rapidly develop applications, thanks to its dynamic typing and dynamic binding features.

Other key features of Python include that it is a high-level, object-oriented programming language which is interactive, has dynamic semantics and works across different platforms. The syntax is considered to be quite easy to read, so Python is often one of the first programming languages that engineers and developers learn, as it’s easier to debug and maintain.

The versatility and accessibility of Python make it one of the most popular programming languages for a wide range of tasks across all industries.

Advantages of Python

Python was designed to be easy to learn and understand, which means that it’s a great programming language for developers at any level of experience
Python is a portable programming language, so it can be run on a range of different platforms and programs
Productivity is maximised whilst you’re coding in Python thanks to the language’s design, making it ideal for quick tasks
Python has a huge standard library, so it’s easy to find a wide range of coding functions without having to install an external library
Code written in Python is executed line by line, so if an error is found the code stops running immediately and the error is found, which can save a lot of time
Python is dynamically typed, meaning that you don’t need to worry about declaring variables or data types as these are automatically assigned during execution

Disadvantages of Python

Python uses a lot of memory to store code, which can affect its efficiency
Runtime errors in Python or quite common so programs need to be thoroughly tested before they run properly
The line-by-line execution of Python code means that it’s not the fastest programming language
Some developers feel that Python’s database is underdeveloped in comparison to other languages
Python is not the most efficient language for applications running on mobile and browsers because of its slow run time
Data types of variables can change at any time in Python code, which means it requires more testing to remove unintentional errors

What is MicroPython?

MicroPython is an implementation of the Python programming language. It was developed in 2013 by Damien George and originally launched on Kickstarter to create a language for microcontrollers and small embedded systems that had the same simplicity and accessibility as Python.

The name ‘MicroPython’ comes from the fact that this subset of the programming language is designed to be used with microcontrollers. It includes a Python compiler, a runtime interpreter of the bytecode that this compiler produces, and a subset of the Python standard library.

Many people think of MicroPython as a more compact version of Python that makes hardware planning quicker and more straightforward. It’s often used in conjunction with a Pyboard which allows the language to run on the bare metal.

Advantages of MicroPython

Perhaps the main advantage of MicroPython is that it has been optimised for processing constrained hardware so it works really well with microcontrollers
MicroPython is an easy-to-read programming language, making it easier and faster to work with than other languages used for microcontrollers
There’s good documentation for a number of different boards that you can use MicroPython with
Since MicroPython is open-source, it has a very helpful community behind it that can be useful if you’re looking for help and support during projects
Error handling in MicroPython is similar to Python, so the program will stop running if an error is identified

Disadvantages of MicroPython

MicroPython isn’t as fast as other low-level programming languages that are used for microcontrollers, so performance doesn’t compare in the same way
Similar to Python, the programming language also isn’t as memory-efficient
The entire Python standard library cannot implement MicroPython
MicroPython isn’t very portable between devices
Debugging can be lengthy and time-consuming, so it’s not an ideal language for time-sensitive projects

The Difference Between MicroPython and Python

There aren’t a great deal of differences when it comes to MicroPython vs Python, as the former is a more compact version of the latter designed for a specific purpose. However, when it comes to properly understanding the purpose and uses of each programming language, being able to describe their differences is important.

The key difference between Python and MicroPython comes from the fact that they are designed for different purposes. Python is used to write code that runs on powerful processors, whilst MicroPython was designed to be compatible and power microcontrollers and microprocessors.

One of the biggest differences between Micro Python and Python is how the two programming languages manage memory. One of Python’s main advantages over other languages is that it uses a garbage collector for memory management, but MicroPython requires the user to manually manage memory and allocate it themselves.

Another difference is that MicroPython can integrate with circuits, sensors, buttons, displays and other aspects of electronics seamlessly; this is one of the main things it was designed to do. Python on the other hand cannot, as it’s not a compatible programming language.

The syntax of Python and MicroPython is quite similar, but differs because of the limited features that MicroPython has due to its compact size. Python’s syntax uses whitespace to indicate blocks of code, whereas forgetting to use a space to form an acceptable expression in MicroPython would cause syntax errors.

One feature of MicroPython that is unique is that you can write code, ‘freeze’ this as a module and then reuse it as a library. Unlike with Python, you can use this to avoid having to repeatedly download the same error-free code.

Speaking of libraries, a significant factor in the MicroPython vs Python debate is that Python has a lot more core libraries available. You use MicroPython to do a smaller range of programming tasks, but you also have more limited access to a subset range of standard libraries.

On the flip side of this point however, MicroPython doesn’t require as many resources as Python to run. It also doesn’t rely on an operating system, as the language itself provides this.

When Should You Use MicroPython and Python?

If you’re a software developer or engineer with experience in both Python and MicroPython, the good news is that it’s quite straightforward to choose between using one of the two programming languages. As with many choices like these, it comes down to the kind of project that you’re working on.

If you’re writing code for a microcontroller, in a constrained environment or an embedded system, MicroPython is an ideal programming language to use. It’s been specifically designed to provide an optimal experience for developers working on firmware or software for embedded development boards, and is particularly useful if you want to develop something quickly.

MicroPython is a particularly good choice for this kind of software development because the syntax of Python is so accessible. C and C++ are other popular languages for embedded software development but are much harder to learn, whereas MicroPython provides a much more beginner-friendly alternative.

If you’re working on a different type of coding project however, Python is the best choice as it is much more versatile. From building applications to web or game development, there are a lot of different projects you can work on. So unless you’re writing code for a microcontroller, Python is the better choice of the two.

Python is also a great choice over other programming languages like C or C++ because of its usability and easy syntax. If you’re new to coding, or you’re trying to develop a project quickly, Python is a great language to use to work efficiently without too many obstacles to overcome.

Summary

MicroPython is a really easy-to-use programming language that is ideal if you’re trying to write embedded systems software. If you’re already familiar with Python then getting to grips with MicroPython isn’t too much of a learning curve, and as an embedded software developer there are plenty of benefits to being proficient in this coding language.

If you’re an embedded software engineer looking for a new job opportunity, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help land you your ideal role. Take a look at our available jobs or get in touch with our team to tell us what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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Hiring IT Skills in the Electronics Industry – What You Need to Know

Chris Oddy — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:07:21 +0000

Hiring IT Skills in the Electronics Industry

What You Need to Know

The electronic embedded systems sector of the engineering industry is a space that is seeing plenty of innovative development at the moment. A key element of this is the increase in cloud technology, which has meant more and more devices are storing and transmitting information to cloud-based systems, and therefore need to be compatible with the software required.

The lines between hardware and software are becoming more blurred as technology advances and electronic devices and components become more integrated with cloud systems. IT skills are required alongside electronic engineering knowledge in order to continue developing new and impactful products in our sector, which means that embedded electronics companies are in need of candidates with a new set of skills.

In this article, we discuss why electronics employers should hire candidates with an IT background, what to know before you hire, and the best ways to recruit IT candidates in the electronics industry.

The Need for IT Skills in Electronics Businesses

Over the last decade or so, cloud technology for data and system storage has been widely used across many industries. Electronic devices and components need to be compatible with the cloud, which means the majority of companies designing and manufacturing these products are looking for candidates with IT skills and experience for the first time.

Software and DevOps engineers are incredibly valuable employees for electronic embedded systems businesses to have in their teams at the moment, as more and more cloud technology emerges and integrates with all kinds of devices. Knowledge and experience with various cloud services, networking, cloud DevOps and cloud security are essential, meaning that many companies in the electronics sector are looking to hire new IT skills to expand their team’s abilities and keep their product relevant and compatible.

What to Know Before You Hire

One issue that we have seen our clients come up against when it comes to hiring new IT skills is that recruiting software and DevOps engineers is different to finding electronics engineers. If you’re adding these roles to your team for the first time, understanding what specific skills or experience to look out for and knowing what questions to ask in a job interview can be challenging.

Working with a specialist recruiter in your industry sector, like KO2, is a great idea if you’re looking to hire candidates with IT skills for the first time. Our industry experience means that we understand what is required of IT candidates stepping into a role with an electronics employer and can help you through the recruitment process to find a candidate who will be the right fit.

Something else to consider before you hire a candidate with IT skills is that salary expectations can be different to what typical engineering candidates would expect when applying for a role at an electronics company. Make sure to be aware of what your target candidates are being offered for other roles, and if you cannot match this then work on your employment offering and benefits to ensure you’re still a competitive employer.

While there are candidates with an electronics background and relevant IT skills on the market, they’re few and far between. So when it comes to sourcing the right kind of candidate for your business, the recruitment process may take longer and may require a lengthy onboarding process to get a new employee up to speed on what they need to know.

What typically happens in these recruitment scenarios is that candidates and employers meet in the middle when it comes to requirements from both sides. Employers will find a candidate with an interest and/or experience in both IT and electronics engineering and settle on an offer that works for the candidate. This flexible approach is the key to success when it comes to hiring IT skills in the electronics industry, as with limited potential candidates, companies need to be clear on what they need and what they can adapt to.

How to Recruit IT Candidates

If hiring candidates with IT skills is a new step for your electronics company then you should be aware that it will require a different recruitment approach. In this section, we’ll take you through the essential things you need to know when hiring for a software or DevOps role.

Where to Find IT Candidates

When you’re looking for engineering candidates with a niche skill set, traditional sourcing methods might not always yield the candidate pool you were hoping for. A well-crafted job ad shared on relevant engineering websites is a good start, but there are other places to look when it comes to sourcing IT candidates.

Social recruiting is becoming more and more common across a lot of industries, and when you’re looking for a candidate who specialises in something like IT for electronic devices, turning to social media platforms like LinkedIn can be a good way to find what you’re looking for. Sites like Twitter can also be useful when you’re searching for potential candidates talking about electronic IT work.

Alternatively, joining online communities where members talk about or share work relating to what your company does can also be a good place to find skilled IT candidates. Sourcing software developers on sites like GitHub has been common in the engineering industry for a while now, and you can copy this approach to finding candidates with the right IT skills on places like StackOverflow

Potential candidates that you find online should be approached with the intention of making a connection, instead of immediately pushing an offer for an interview. These people might not be actively looking or even considering a job change, so the best thing you can do is present a positive impression of your company and work towards getting them on board.

Along with active sourcing strategies, consider inbound recruitment methods as well which target IT candidates who might have an interest in working for your electronics company. Inbound recruitment involves creating a positive impression of your company as a place of work so that candidates are attracted to you and the work you do, helping you build a following of potential candidates who will be more likely to apply for roles when they open up.

If you’re looking for future employees who are interested in your area of work, make sure that you’re advertising the projects you do (where possible) and the opportunities that these offer employees. Your employer brand should be geared towards highlighting the experience that IT candidates could have as part of your business, which should lead to a reputation developing that attracts these target potential candidates who want to work for you.

How to Interview IT Candidates

Once you’ve established your strategy for sourcing IT candidates, you’ll need to develop an interview process which ensures the right kind of candidates get offered the role. As discussed above, this can be difficult if you lack experience hiring candidates from an IT background, as you may struggle to know what kinds of questions to ask or technical assessments to conduct.

As with any engineering interview, the first thing to clarify is what is required of the role. Decide on the skills and experience that are necessary for the ideal candidate, and be clear on which desirable traits or skills you can be flexible on. As we previously said, adaptability is key to hiring talented candidates who will be the right choice for your business in the long term.

The technical skills you’re hiring for may not currently exist within your team, which can make gauging a candidate’s suitability difficult as you won’t have someone who can determine their proficiency based on personal experience. This is another case where working with a specialist recruiter can be useful in designing the right kind of technical assessment for an IT candidate, although doing industry research yourself about a competitor’s interview processes can also be helpful.

Working for an electronics company as an IT professional presents plenty of new challenges, but some candidates may not be as familiar with the potential for innovation and experimentation that these kinds of roles offer. When you’re interviewing applicants, it’s important to acknowledge how this role will differ from typical IT jobs by highlighting the benefits and exciting projects on offer, which will attract and engage the kinds of candidates who will bring valuable skills and perspective to your business.

Summary

The key takeaway from this article should be that adaptability is the key to successfully recruiting software and DevOps engineers with the right IT skills for your business. Finding a candidate with an interest in both IT and electronics engineering should be the priority, and if you’re new to hiring these kinds of skills, working with a recruitment agency is a great choice to help find skilled IT candidates.

KO2 is a specialist recruitment partner in the electronic embedded systems sector that specialises in helping electronics businesses recruit IT professionals. Take a look at our client services or get in touch to speak directly to the team about what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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IoT Engineer Interview Questions – What You Need to Know

Chris Oddy — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 09:11:12 +0000

IoT Engineer Interview Questions

What you Need to Know

The applications of the Internet of Things are growing across a range of sectors as more and more devices are connected and data is shared across a huge variety of systems. The growth of this phenomenon means that there is an increasing need for engineers, designers and developers who understand IoT technology and its applications.

There are plenty of different elements of IoT technology, from the devices and their components that collect data to the software that processes this and the systems that store it. This means that IoT engineers tend to be multi-talented with a range of skills in different areas of engineering as well as a good understanding of and experience with IoT technology.

If you’re an engineering candidate or software developer looking for an IoT engineering job, preparing for job interviews is an important part of ensuring your success in this element of your career. Researching common IoT interview questions and answers is one of the best ways to make sure you feel confident in your interview and give the best impression.

In this article, we share some of the key IoT interview questions that candidates might be asked and advise aspiring engineers and their potential employers on how to get the best out of the experience.

What is an IoT Engineer?

An IoT engineer is someone who works across the IoT stack, potentially completing a wide range of roles working with IoT technology. It’s a role that is needed across a range of sectors in the engineering industry as more companies start to integrate IoT tech into their product or service offering.

Some candidates specialise as IoT software engineers, meaning that they work with the programs and systems that make IoT devices work and connect them. An IoT hardware engineer has a more hands-on role and will design, build and install devices that use IoT technology.

The title ‘IoT engineer’ really refers to a wide range of different responsibilities connected to the Internet of Things. Engineers might work with data, software, infrastructure, security or networking in their role, or a combination of any of those.

What Does an IoT Engineer Do?

IoT engineer jobs involve a variety of responsibilities depending on the industry sector, the role itself and the skills and experience of the individual. Below is a list of possible tasks and responsibilities that an IoT engineer might do as part of their job.

Finding solutions to connectivity and networking issues
Designing and manufacturing IoT devices
Developing the software to connect IoT devices
Creating and developing servers to transfer data
Testing, maintaining and fixing sensors
Maintaining IoT infrastructure
Designing data collection and storage systems
Monitoring and improving platforms that handle IoT data
Optimising the way that data is used and stored across devices
Creating, updating and maintaining IoT systems to keep devices connected
Ensuring the security of IoT systems and devices
Integrating AI and automation to optimise systems and data management

IoT Engineer Interview Questions

An IoT engineer interview will usually involve some questions that aren’t directly related to IoT technology, as the interviewer will also want to get an idea of your general skills as an engineering candidate and suitability for a position in their company. Here are some of the most common IoT engineer interview questions that you may be asked when applying for a role in this industry sector.

What typical components make up an IoT device?

This is one of the more basic IoT interview questions, asking about the typical components that make up an IoT device. Interviewers will usually ask questions like this towards the start of the interview to ease candidates into the discussion, but also use it to assess the base level of IoT knowledge that a candidate has.

Can you explain the different types of testing used in IoT development?

Again, this is a basic IoT interview question gauging a candidate’s understanding of the typical processes involved in IoT development. It can be useful to illustrate the different types of testing with examples from previous experience if you have any relevant examples.

What are some of the best databases for IoT?

This interview question delivers a little deeper into a candidate’s knowledge of IoT technology and assesses what they know about databases. This kind of question is more common when interviewing for roles that are going to involve working with databases, but it’s still good for all candidates to have prepared an answer.

This is another question that will benefit from an answer that uses real-life experience. Where possible, back up your database choices with examples of when you have used them in the past and explain why they were best suited for that particular project.

What industries can be benefited from IoT?

This type of IoT interview question is used to gauge the candidate’s understanding of wider trends in the industry sector and assess whether they think about the potential applications in other areas. It’s a really good question to have prepared some talking points to, as interviewers will often ask about your thoughts on the future of IoT because it’s a growing industry.

A good answer to this question will touch upon real-life applications of IoT that are being developed at the moment, but then go on to talk about new ways in which the technology could be used. If you can think of examples that relate to the work that the company does, that’s excellent, but it’s not a necessary part of answering the question well.

What do you think the biggest challenges and risks associated with IoT are?

This question draws on an IoT engineer’s experience working in the industry as well as their understanding of the typical risks of using this technology. It’s a good idea to start by talking about the key risks and challenges that all IoT engineers face, such as security issues, and then go on to give examples of where you have faced these challenges in your work.

To put a positive spin on your answer to this IoT interview question, it’s useful to talk about how you have then mitigated these challenges when working on previous IoT projects. If you don’t have examples, you can still talk about the hypothetical ways that you would overcome these challenges.

Why is IoT device management important?

IoT device management is an important part of ensuring the security of embedded systems, which is a key concern for IoT engineers. When an interviewer asks this question, they’re asking the candidate to demonstrate their understanding of this element of IoT security.

This IoT engineer interview question touches on quite a technically complex aspect of the technology involved in IoT systems, so is a question that tends to be asked in interviews for more senior positions.

What potential application of IoT technology are you most optimistic about?

This question is often asked in interviews for IoT engineer jobs as a way of understanding where a candidate’s interests lie and also gauging their overall knowledge of current applications of IoT technologies. It allows them to demonstrate what they know about future developments in the industry sector, which is a good assessment of whether they’re going to be a very engaged employee.

As a candidate, this question gives you the chance to let the potential employer know about what you’re most interested in in the field of IoT technology and share your insight into the latest developments in the industry. If you’ve worked on any personal projects employing this kind of tech, this is a great chance to talk about them.

What are the economic impacts of the increased application of IoT?

This question is a broader look into a candidate’s understanding of how IoT technology is used in society and how it may affect the economy. It’s more applicable to engineering candidates that are going to be working in roles with more seniority, as they’ll be expected to know more about and be aware of the wider impact of their work. As well as talking about the general economic impacts, it can also be a good idea to talk about the potential impact in the company’s area particularly.

Advice for Candidates

Reading up on IoT interview questions and answers is a great way to help you prepare to meet a potential employer and enter a job interview feeling confident. You’re unlikely to have responses prepared to every question that you get, but understanding the different topics you might be asked about can help you to have ideas and examples at the front of your mind.

One of the best pieces of advice for an engineering interview is to try and include relevant examples from your previous work experience in your answers to questions. You shouldn’t shoehorn these in to the point where it feels incredibly obvious, but if you’ve got an example of where you’ve applied a technique or approach that you’re talking about, you should bring it up to illustrate that you can put your knowledge into practice.

We’ve listed examples of technical and IoT-related interview questions in this article, but most job interviews will also include more general questions that gauge your personality and investigate the kind of employee you are. When it comes to answering these kinds of questions, remember to be honest but focus on what makes you a valuable candidate. You might be asked to talk about weaknesses, previous problems or things that challenge you, so be sure to include examples of how you’ve overcome these setbacks in your answer, as well as being upfront about them.

Advice for Employers

As an employer hiring for IoT engineer jobs, you should have a list of technical and general interview questions to ask all of your candidates. Many companies use a similar approach in every interview to assess whether a candidate would be the right fit for the role, whereas technical questions and challenges may be chosen at random or to suit a particular position.

Technical questions should be used not only to ensure that a candidate has the necessary understanding of a topic or area of engineering, but also to assess their genuine interest in IoT technology and how they have worked in this area in previous roles. IoT is a developing industry sector where there’s a lot of potential for innovation and new developments, so as an employer you’ll get the most value out of engineers that are going to be motivated to pursue new ideas in this area.

Summary

Job interviews are a necessary part of advancing your career, and doing interview question preparation is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re successful in your efforts. When it comes to IoT engineer interviews specifically, you’ve got the advantage that this role is in high demand right now, but should also consider that genuine enthusiasm for the topic and examples of previous work are the best way to stand out from other applicants.

If you’re an IoT software engineer or an IoT hardware engineer looking for your next career opportunity, or for help with job applications, KO2 can help. We’re a specialist recruitment agency working in the electronic embedded systems sector, with a range of IoT job opportunities available. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help, get in touch to speak to our team.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

Moving From Contract to Permanent Engineering Roles – A Guide

Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

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Rust vs C++ – A Guide for Engineers

Chris Oddy — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:12:37 +0000

Rust vs C++ – A Guide for Engineers

As experts in the electronic embedded systems industry, we see plenty of companies hiring engineers and software developers with experience in C++. C++ has been a popular programming language for embedded system development for a while now, thanks to its low-level functionality and code efficiency.

However, a new programming language has been growing in popularity over the last decade that was developed as an improvement of C and C++. Rust is a modern language that has been voted the most admired programming language in the 2023 Stack Overflow Developer Survey and is regularly chosen over C++ as a safer and more efficient alternative.

When it comes to Rust vs C++, there are a lot of similarities between the two languages which means they can be used with similar positive results for a wide range of projects. However, certain features of Rust and C++ make them better suited for certain project requirements or types of program, as well as presenting different advantages and disadvantages that developers might prefer.

In this article, we compare Rust vs C++ performance, uses and efficiency to help you learn more about both programming languages and decide which is best for you.

What is the Rust Programming Language?

The Rust programming language was developed in 2010 by Mozilla, a software organisation that develops and distributes free software and standards for anyone to use. It’s a relatively modern way of coding that was initially created to overcome memory and security issues that developers faced when using C or C++.

Developers use Rust to create secure applications for a wide variety of purposes. It’s a multi-paradigm, statically-typed language that is memory-efficient and very fast, which is why a lot of people have started using it over C++.

Some of the key features of Rust include the ability to conduct different performance services, manual memory management, pattern management, move semantics and no extra runtime overhead. It’s faster to code in Rust than in languages like C, enhanced error messages make bug fixing easier, and it can integrate with other programming languages.

Rust has grown from a coding language created to overcome memory issues to one of the most popular languages used by developers all over the world. A wide variety of leading companies use Rust in their systems and programs, from Dropbox to Discord.

Advantages of Rust

Rust is considered to be one of the most secure programming languages out there, thanks to its error-prevention features and statically typed environment
The language’s memory model means that it is safe to write code around shared data structures
It’s quite easy to scale coding projects up and down with Rust, as it was designed by web browser developers
Concurrent code is easy to write without relying on synchronisation options or locks
You can give your compiler information that makes it easier for it to identify and flag bugs
High-performance code is safe to write without reliance on libraries, thanks to low-level control over system resources
Coding in Rust has the option to use a compiler that offers error messages and tooling support
Rust is considered to be a relatively ‘new’ and ‘up-and-coming’ language, which means there are a lot of exciting potential development to be made

Disadvantages of Rust

The multi-thread programming model that Rust has is generally considered to be over complicated and over-sophisticated for what developers actually need
There’s a very steep learning curve when it comes to getting to grips with Rust, so it’s not a particularly beginner-friendly language
Having to give instructions to a compiler is sometimes deemed unnecessary

What is C++?

C++ was developed between 1979 and 1983 as an extension of the C programming language. It was originally named ‘C with classes’ because it is an object-oriented language where the groups of data are usually called ‘objects’ or ‘classes’.

Developers use C++ as a general-purpose, cross-platform programming language. It supports object-oriented, procedural and generic programming and is generally a very fast and efficient language to run.

You can use C++ for writing a wide variety of code, which is why it has earned the nickname of the ‘Swiss army knife’ of programming languages. A key feature and advantage of using C++ is that it allows you to reuse code instructions that you have already written, which makes programming quicker and more efficient. You can also create ‘classes’ which perform complex functions, many of which couldn’t be done with other programming languages.

C++ is commonly used in embedded software development because of its versatility and compatibility with embedded devices. Experience programming with C++ is a desirable quality for developers that want to work with embedded systems, and it’s one that a lot of our clients are keen to hire.

Advantages of C++

You can sort data very easily with C++ because it’s an object-oriented language
Memory is managed by the program manager with C++, which offer the programmer more control
Code written in C++ is easy to reuse
The similarities between C and C++ mean that C programs written without any errors can also run as C++ programs
The portability of C++ means that it can run the same program on different operating systems and interfaces
Low-level manipulation for firmware projects is possible with C++, thanks to its similarities with machine languages
The scalability of C++ is very broad, meaning it can be used for very small or very large projects
The multi-paradigm aspect of C++ means that programmers are given a useful framework from which they can code in a range of styles.
C++ has a large community of users, meaning that there’s a lot of support and tutorials available online

Disadvantages of C++

C++ isn’t a particularly beginner-friendly programming language because the syntax is very complex
It is said to be quite difficult to get your head around using ‘pointers’ when coding in C++
Built-in code threads are not supported with C++
Object-oriented programming languages like C++ are known for having certain security issues
The object orientation system that C++ has is often considered basic, in comparison to other programming languages
Manually managing memory and not having a garbage collector feature can make the coding process longer

Read our full guide to the advantages and disadvantages of C++ on our blog.

The Differences Between Rust Vs C++

One of the key differences between Rust and C++ is memory safety. Whilst updates have been developed that have improved the memory safety of C++ code, Rust still has much safer memory management because of its inbuilt functions for management procedures.

Another key difference is that Rust is statically-typed whilst C++ is dynamically-typed. This means that the validation process for code written in Rust is much more thorough, meaning that Rust programs are usually considered to be more secure than those developed with C++.

This improved security also tends to make Rust a better-performing language than C++. Higher safety standards mean lower development process costs, as Rust assesses the code’s viability and deals with memory issues whilst the code is compiling, not running.

On the flip side of all of these Rust advantages is the fact that C++ has been around for and used a lot longer, which means that there’s a lot more information and examples of what you can do with the code. Whilst Rust standard libraries are very good, C++ has more stable and feature-full libraries, which gives it an advantage in this sense. There are also more compilers for C++ than Rust.

C++ is an object-oriented language and Rust is not. Many people consider this difference an advantage, as C++ has features like polymorphism, templates, objects and inheritance.

Finally, whilst Rust is growing in popularity as a programming language, there are still currently more products being created using C++. Therefore, it’s easier right now to get a job as a C++ software developer than one that works primarily in Rust, although this could change in the future.

What Is the Rust Programming Language Good For?

Rust is a programming language that is ideal for embedded software development. The safety and security of the language are the main reasons for this, but its higher-level concepts are also an advantage when you’re creating programs for embedded devices. You can also use Rust for a lot of low-level software generally, as developers have a lot of control over the software they create and the run time is very fast.

Mozilla originally developed Rust, so it’s also a great language to use to build web browsers. Concurrency is a key feature of Rust, so it’s easy to run multiple computations at the same time without impacting functionality.

Whilst Rust isn’t as accessible as other programming languages, it’s generally easier to code in because it’s easier to prevent unwanted behaviour. Therefore, Rust is a great language if you want to quickly and productively write code without having to worry about memory issues or unnoticed bugs.

Rust is a very versatile language, so there’s no particular type of coding project that it’s good for. Instead, it’s perfect for any kind of task where safe code is necessary, the programs need to be able to scale up or down, and you potentially need to integrate with code written in C.

What is C++ Good For?

In the Rust vs C++ argument, C++ is still generally considered to be the best language for game development. The language is very close to the hardware that games run on, so it’s an ideal choice for complex, 3D games that run quickly and smoothly.

Any kind of object-oriented programming is better with C++, due to the functional nature of Rust. This makes C++ a better choice for large and complex coding projects that may need maintaining or updating regularly, or for collaborative projects where multiple developers work on the code at one time.

Rust’s ‘newness’ in comparison to C++ means that many developers recommend that you still use C++ when creating interactive programs, as Rust won’t work as well handling interactions from external sources. The fact that C++ has been around longer also means that, if you’re looking to do something really specific or unconventional with your code, there’s likely to be more existing support or guidance out there about C++ rather than Rust.

Summary

When it comes down to it, choosing between Rust vs C++ is more about the specific requirements of your projects rather than the type of program or system that you’re trying to build. Whilst Rust does have advantages over C++ that stem from why it was created in the first place, C++ has been around a lot longer and is preferred by a lot of developers because of this.

In the embedded systems sector, C++ and Rust are both used to develop embedded software, with very positive results. Rust is still in the relatively early stages of its popularity, so it’s still to be determined whether it will overtake C++ as the preferred programming language for this kind of software.

If you’re a software developer with Rust experience looking for an opportunity in the embedded systems sector, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help you find your ideal role. Take a look at our current Rust jobs or get in touch for more information about what we offer our candidates.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

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How to Become a Rust Developer

Chris Oddy — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 09:04:22 +0000

How to Become a Rust Developer

There are a wide variety of different programming languages used in software development, ranging from the most popular and universal to more niche and complex ways of coding. One programming language that is currently getting a lot of attention is Rust, which was first introduced just over a decade ago and is beginning to be used in the place of popular programming languages like C and C++.

As Rust grows in popularity, more and more companies are starting to see the benefits of hiring developers with experience coding in Rust. Our experience as recruitment experts in the electronic embedded system sector has meant that we’re starting to see more roles where Rust is a requirement for software developers, especially considering the applications of Rust in embedded software.

The advantages and features of Rust make it an incredibly useful language, but it is also a complex one that requires experience with similar languages and a good level of general software development knowledge. Becoming a Rust developer requires a specific career path and specialist experience, but it’s certainly a role that will continue to be in demand across a range of industries.

In this article, we explain what a Rust developer is, what the role involves, the necessary career path, and some of the key skills that are needed to succeed in this job.

What is the Rust Programming Language?

Rust is a low-level, multi-paradigm programming language that was first developed by Mozilla in 2010. It’s quickly becoming an increasingly popular language for coding thanks to advantages such as its speed, safety and versatility.

You can use Rust to create a wide range of programs and applications that are generally safer and more stable than those written in languages like C or C++. It’s becoming increasingly popular for software used in embedded devices and systems, meaning that there’s a growing demand for developers with experience in Rust in this sector of the engineering industry.

Why is Rust Becoming Popular?

A significant motivator behind the development of Rust was the fact that languages like C and C++ created code with memory errors and issues with concurrent programming. Programs written in Rust are generally considered to be safer, faster and more straightforward to create, thanks to features like the borrow checker, reference lifetimes and the two code writing modes: Safe Rust and Unsafe Rust.

Rust has been voted as the most popular programming language for seven years now, according to data from the Stack Overflow Develop Report. Whilst coding in Rust takes time to learn, the advantages that it offers over C and C++ are key contributors to why it’s such a popular language. And with so many potential applications, more and more developer roles are starting to require programmers to have Rust experience.

What is a Rust Developer?

A Rust developer is a software developer that creates programs and applications using the Rust programming language. They might be proficient in other programming languages and occasionally use these in projects, but their main responsibilities will require the development of software using Rust.

Rust can be used for system programming or web application development, so there will be Rust programmer jobs across a range of different industries. Developers that are proficient in Rust are becoming more desirable in the embedded systems sector because the language produces incredibly secure and stable code, which is ideal for embedded software.

What Does a Rust Developer Do?

The role responsibilities of a Rust developer are similar to any other software engineering position, with the tasks mainly carried out using the Rust programming language. Specific responsibilities will differ between jobs, but below is a general list of tasks involved in Rust programmer jobs.

Identify end-user requirements and create technical specifications from these
Use end-user requirements to script Rust programming logic
Create programs and software using Rust
Facilitate specific functions by integrating third-party software components, libraries and programs
Verify programs and systems and deploy them
Evaluate, debug, improve and update software written with Rust
Maintain and improve existing Rust codebases
Respond to user feedback and ideate solutions
Collaborate with other engineers and members of the development team
Create technical documentation

How to Become a Rust Developer

The journey to becoming a Rust developer begins with your educational background and then involves career specialisation alongside personal development and relevant experience. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re planning to become a Rust engineer.

Education

As with many specific software engineering roles, you’ll need to study a relevant subject at university if you want the best possible chance of becoming a Rust developer. Plenty of software developers study computer science, maths, information technology or software development. If you want to work in the electronic embedded systems sector, you can also study an electronics or embedded systems engineering degree.

Rust is a relatively complex programming language that isn’t particularly beginner-friendly, so you’re unlikely to learn it whilst at university. However, you will gain an understanding of other low-level programming languages and learn the key principles of software development, which are the foundations of becoming a Rust developer.

Many engineering students choose to study a Masters qualification at university or do a year in industry as part of their degree. Both of these options can be very useful if you have a clear idea of your career path, as work experience can increase your career prospects and an Msc degree can demonstrate your skills in a particular area of interest.

Career Progression

As we’ve already discussed, programming in Rust is a more complex skill that many software developers don’t learn until later in their careers. Many companies seeking Rust developers will also be looking for candidates with practical experience, so you’re unlikely to get offers for Rust programmer jobs as a graduate.

The best way to begin your career in Ruse software development is to get a job where you use a similar programming language, like C or C++. It’s much easier to learn Rust when you are familiar with one of these, and you’ll get the most valuable experience working on projects in C or C++.

You may end up learning Rust as part of your job, or you could teach yourself the language once you have experience with another, similar way of coding. You can then gain practical Rust experience either by incorporating it into your work or by pursuing independent projects outside of work to further your career.

Once you are confident coding in Rust and have examples of projects where you have applied these skills, you will be able to apply for specific Rust developer jobs. You will likely be 5-10 years into your career as a developer by this point, but this experience is necessary to really thrive in the role.

Rust Developer Salary

According to data from Talent.com, the average annual salary for a Rust developer in the UK is £70,000. In order to become a Rust developer, you usually need prior experience in software development using other programming languages, so it’s a role with a high average salary because of the skills and experience needed.

As a junior Rust developer, you’ll likely have a lower annual salary and may work with other programming languages as well as some work in Rust. If you work as a freelance Rust developer, you may earn more money annually through one-off projects, as Rust software development is still a skill that is in high demand.

Top Skills for Rust Developer Jobs

If you want to become a Rust developer, there are certain skills that will benefit you on your career journey. Here are some of the most important skills that potential employers will be looking for.

Object-Oriented Programming

Object-oriented programming is a programming approach that is based on the idea of grouping data and code into ‘objects’. Rust is an object-oriented programming language, so if you want to become a developer in this area then you will need a good understanding of this approach and experience coding in object-oriented languages like Rust and C++.

Rust Development Tools and Frameworks

Frameworks are used in programming so that developers have access to ready-made solutions and components that make programming easier. Development tools have a similar purpose, and if you want to become a Rust developer then you’ll need experience with the most popular Rust tools and frameworks.

Actix Web and Rocket are two of the most popular frameworks for Rust developers, so these are both good starting points if you’re looking for useful tools.

Secure Coding

Secure coding is a programming approach that is guided by code security best practices. This ensures that the code is unlikely to be impacted by vulnerabilities or errors that mean the program could stop working or the data that it stores could become accessible to external parties.

Programming in Rust is generally considered to be very safe because of the safe features of the language, so developers that want to specialise in this area will benefit from a good understanding of secure coding principles and approaches. This is particularly relevant if you want to work in the IoT or embedded systems sectors, as the safety of data in these areas is incredibly important.

Software Engineering Principles

As with any specialist programming job, you will need an excellent understanding of all the key software engineering principles in order to become a Rust programmer. You will learn these principles as part of your education and then apply them to almost every project that you work on, so they’re a vital part of the foundation for a career in Rust.

Summary

Rust is starting to be seen as an alternative to C++, which is a programming language used for a huge variety of different programs and web applications. As recruiters that specialise in sourcing and placing C++ developers, we understand that our clients are starting to look for more candidates with Rust experience, so many developers are beginning to consider how they can develop their current skills and learn this new programming language to continue advancing their career.

If you’re a software developer looking for a Rust programming job in the electronic embedded systems sector, KO2 is a specialist recruitment agency that can help find your ideal role. Take a look at the current roles we have available, or get in touch to speak to our team about what you’re looking for.

Chris Oddy

About the Author

Chris is an award-winning recruitment consultant who has specialised in the electronics and embedded systems sector since 2008. Chris is passionate about technology and customer service.

Moving From Contract to Permanent Engineering Roles – A Guide

Matter Standard: A Guide for Engineers

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

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What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C Programming?

What is C Programming?

Advantages of C

Disadvantages of C

What is Embedded C Programming?

Advantages of Embedded C

Disadvantages of Embedded C

What is the Difference Between C and Embedded C?

Hardware Dependency

Scalability

Programming Style

Memory Usage

Processing Power

Standard Libraries

Interrupt Handling

Compilers

Bug Fixing

When to Use C and Embedded C

Summary

Chris Oddy

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What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

What are the Key Characteristics of an Embedded System?

What Is an Embedded System?

The Key Characteristics of Embedded Systems

Specific Functions

Efficient Design

Real-Time Operation

Reliable

Small Size

Low Cost

Minimal User Interface

Types of Embedded Systems

Networked Embedded Systems

Real-Time Embedded Systems

Mobile Embedded Systems

Stand-Alone Systems

The Advantages of Embedded Systems

Energy Efficient

Cost Effective

Mass-Produced

Compact

Reliable

Summary

Chris Oddy

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The Best Skills for Embedded Software Engineers

The Best Skills for Embedded Software Engineers

Embedded Systems Design

Programming Languages

Internet of Things (IoT)

Microcontroller Knowledge

Understanding of Real-Time Operating Systems

Electrical Engineering Experience

Testing And Debugging

Hardware Experience

Signal Processing

Communication Protocols

Control Systems

Software Development Methodologies

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