WHAT DOES AN EMBEDDED SYSTEM ENGINEER DO?

Published: Jan 09, 2023 - The Embedded System Engineer validates pricing and margins for software and hardware services according to project specifications. Engages Professional Services to define clear solution strategies, enhancing client interactions and business growth. Monitors global market trends and competitor activities, influencing product innovation and driving sales through strategic customer engagement and technical leadership.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Embedded System Engineer

1. Embedded System Engineer Duties

  • Embedded Software Development: Design, develop, verify, and deliver solutions in the areas of embedded software that interact with mobile applications and participate in IoT.
  • Documentation: Document many aspects of the products such as requirements, firmware design, test results, operational instructions, etc.
  • Troubleshooting: Assist with troubleshooting of motorized products.
  • Project Coordination: Coordinate vehicle function deliverables with cross-functional teams.
  • Product Review: Review sources of potential new products, design enhancements, new materials, and new manufacturing methods and make submissions to the Product Committee and ERC.
  • Project Planning: Execute work plans for upcoming programs by defining and documenting use cases, design constraints, decisions, and function architecture.
  • Software Modeling: Develop embedded software models using MATLAB/Simulink for Electronic Control Units.
  • Test Execution: Create and execute test procedures as well as document outcomes.
  • Digital Signal Processing: Embedded digital signal processing.
  • Data Conversion Integration: Integrate high-speed data converters (ADC/DAC).
  • Peripheral Integration: Integrate with high-speed peripheral interfaces (10/40 GbE, PCIe).

2. Embedded System Engineer Details

  • Embedded Systems: Be responsible for the design, testing, and maintenance of embedded systems.
  • Environment Maintenance: Maintain the development and test environments.
  • Test Planning: Create and complete test plans based on design specifications.
  • Defect Management: Find, reproduce, and report defects and verify defect fixes daily.
  • Quality Improvement: Work closely with development and support teams to improve product quality.
  • Test Case Management: Update and create test cases to support the correction of customer-reported issues.
  • Documentation: Be responsible for writing SW release and service notes.
  • Knowledge Expansion: Continuously expand knowledge of product line.
  • FPGA Development: FPGA firmware development (VHDL) and embedded C programming.
  • Signal Processing Design: Designing and simulating signal processing systems with MatLab.
  • Digital Control: Digital control with FPGA or microcontroller.

3. Embedded System Engineer Responsibilities

  • Hardware Design: Design multisensor hardware systems that integrate mixed-signal electronics (FPGA, microcontroller, and analog circuits).
  • Firmware Development: Design and prototype digital firmware and interfaces for UDP/TCP communication.
  • Material Selection: Identify and select materials & components appropriate for robust product production.
  • Design Testing: Design robustness and field testing of components and systems.
  • Thermal Optimization: Optimize thermal management of custom electronics.
  • Team Collaboration: Work with a diverse team of scientists and engineers.
  • Software Development: Design, develop, and test embedded software in Embedded C.
  • PCB Layout: PCB design and layout using Altium.
  • Design Maintenance: Maintain, support, and update existing designs/systems.
  • Debugging: Debug new and existing designs.
  • Component Selection: Materials/component selection.

4. Embedded System Engineer Accountabilities

  • Account Management: Jointly create, manage, and execute account plans side by side with the Global Account Executives, by taking lead on key technical initiatives, being introduced to key technical stakeholders in each account, and creating a solution plan according to initiatives and objectives.
  • Pricing Validation: Validate software, hardware, and services pricing and margins based on the scope of work.
  • Service Engagement: Engage Professional Services in opportunities after forming a clear solution plan.
  • Market Monitoring: Monitor and report on market and competitor’s activities domestically and abroad.
  • Communication: Communicate and report internally on opportunity status and plan ahead using appropriate methods to facilitate the development of profitable business and sustainable relationships.
  • Presentation Skills: Attend and present at customer meetings and internal sessions with other company functions.
  • Influence: Influence buyers on product offering new/improved products/innovations within the industry.
  • Sales Focus: Focus on upselling while acting as a technical advisor to customers within remit.
  • Team Coordination: Work with and drive the Customer Solution Engineers team (CSE) to ensure the right personnel are aligned for specific product demos and presales discussions.
  • Product Influence: Influence product development and enhancements using gathered intelligence to enhance internal practices and processes, achieving genuine sales development.
  • Project Leadership: Serve in lead and supporting roles on embedded systems development efforts.

5. Embedded System Engineer Functions

  • Systems Design: Design and develop embedded systems in products.
  • Software Development: Develop PC software to work with embedded systems.
  • Hardware Development: Design and develop I/O board hardware to work with embedded controllers.
  • Electronics Engineering: Design, develop, and test electronic systems, circuits, and components for use with various imaging systems.
  • Code Development: Develop codes to interface with cameras, sensors, and control gimbals.
  • PCB Troubleshooting: Develop and troubleshoot simple PCBs.
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other engineers and program managers to meet design and delivery goals.
  • Documentation: Create flowcharts, diagrams, and user guides for new and existing programs.
  • Process Documentation: Document all tasks and procedures.
  • Software Maintenance: Perform routine software maintenance.
  • Innovation Participation: Participate in new concept development.
  • Idea Leadership: Champion ideas and collaborate with the team to realize them.
  • IP Development: Contribute to Mantel’s growing intellectual property portfolio, including driving and maintaining proprietary inter-chip/inter-device communications protocol.
  • Technical Support: Support technical documentation efforts.