Top 6 Factors to Consider Before You Hire Embedded Developers

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In recent years, smart devices have made our lives so much simpler and more convenient. But what do we understand about these devices we use daily?

Embedded systems are often used in consumer electronics, medical science, and automotive technology. An embedded system typically needs a wide range of programming tools and operating systems.

There are many different types of embedded systems based on their usage. Let’s explore in detail how these systems work and why it is important to hire embedded developers to implement these systems.

What Is Embedded Software Development?

Embedded software engineering involves the process of controlling different devices that are distinct from traditional computers, using effective software engineering procedures. Integrating software engineering with non-computer devices leads to the development of embedded systems. Today, embedded software systems surround us everywhere, and are also an essential part of the development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Embedded software development, performed by an embedded software engineer, must be tailored to the requirements of the hardware that it has to control and run on.

Where to Look for the Best Embedded Software Developers?

Embedded software’s main objective is to control and manage hardware devices. Therefore, it is optimized to meet the needs of embedded systems, all for the advantage of its user.

The tech stack of embedded software developers differs between projects and depends largely on a product’s complexity and specific demands. However, embedded systems developers must have experience with design patterns, algorithms, data structures and control systems. They also require expertise in prototype design, software architecture, hardware testing and system integration.

These developers have to ensure the ultimate security of the project. Each stage of the development also needs to adhere to a variety of security standards and regulations.

So, where can businesses find developers with all the above-mentioned skills, experience and knowledge? There are several hiring methods. The most popular ones include:

Hiring from freelance platforms
Hiring from professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Glassdoors
Outsourcing talent from companies specialising in IT outsourcing

The most important aspects to keep in mind before choosing a hiring model include:

Affordability: The cost for hiring embedded developer candidates varies largely between hiring models. The best model allow businesses to save on hiring and HR costs.
Access to top talent: Access to a large pool of skilled developers allows business to find the best candidates fast.
Flexibility: More flexibility allows businesses to scale quickly with minimum risks.

Considering this, many businesses choose to outsource embedded software developers. It’s a cost-effective way to access skilled candidates while having the opportunity to scale without many risks.

6 Factors to Consider When Hiring Embedded Developers

Besides the cost of the embedded developers salary, access to talent and flexibility, there are certain factors to keep in mind when deciding to hire embedded developers to ensure the right candidates are chosen. Some of these factors include:

1. Experience and skills

The right embedded developer has at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering, programming experience in C or C++, and some experience in embedded systems development. Ideally, the right candidate should also have knowledge and experience troubleshooting and working with real-time operating systems.

2. Use of the most effective tools

Embedded developers should be able to implement and work with a range of tools that allow them to complete their tasks successfully. Some of these tools include:

Text editor: The main interface where all embedded code is developed by engineers.
Static code analyzer: A tool used to assess code errors and their syntax checks without running them.
Text version controller: A basic tool to maintain different versions of the code for improved collaboration.
Logic analyzer: A tool used for monitoring the digital communication between different channels and ports, as well as reporting of the logical communication problems.
Debugger tool: Debugging is a fundamental process in any kind of software development. A proper debugger tool is essential to complete debugging tasks.

3. Full life-cycle support

Embedded developers must be able to offer support throughout the lifecycle of a project, including:

Conceptualization: During this phase, developers perform a cost-benefit analysis and start project management, risk management, and other planning steps.
Analysis: Developers outline the needs of the business for the product, along with demands for developing the product.
Design: During this stage, developers create a preliminary design document that establishes the complete architecture, including the hardware, for the product.
Development and testing: Developers build the product into genuine hardware and software. They also test the product to identify any performance issues.
Deployment and support: The embedded product is deployed, rolled out, or implemented, while the developers offer continuous support and quickly make fixes wherever necessary.

4. Compatibility and integrity

For embedded systems to work correctly, fundamental needs for developers include compatibility and integrity. Software development requires timely implementation and updating of software, especially concerning security. It also consolidates more pressure with a need for expansion on adaptability.

5. Quality control

As we delve deeper into automation, the level of embedded software and devices used is growing at an incredible rate. Where certain functions are concerned, such as home charging and driverless transport, the scrutiny and quality of development and testing must be a top priority. Electronic systems must be designed to be extremely reliable and even more secure. This is why developers in embedded software must have quality control experience and consistently make it part of the development cycle.

6. Security risks

It is important to note that safety risks from unknown external attacks are much higher for embedded software compared to application software. The need for a high level of security is consistently growing as embedded software easily communicates with other computing systems, which can leave it vulnerable. Therefore, embedded software developers must use a potential combination of error prevention and removal actions to ensure robust security.

The Bottom Line

In recent years, there has been a huge demand for embedded systems software engineers. Despite the huge demand for embedded software developers these days, good candidates can be hard to find.

When a business is ready to hire an embedded software developer, they should know that their key role is very different and much more complex compared to general software development. It is important to understand that embedded software helps in controlling various electronic items that don’t look like computerized devices.

These developers require highly specialized skills, knowledge, and experience. Therefore, it is essential for any business to carefully research the role and responsibilities of embedded developers before hiring a candidate.