Re: Entry Level Embedded Software Engineer

From: David (FlyLikeAnEagle_at_United.Com)
Date: 06/06/04 

Date: Sun, 06 Jun 2004 07:36:16 GMT

On Fri, 4 Jun 2004 16:30:18 UTC, ajm163@yahoo.com (Aaron) wrote:

> I am set to finish my BS degree in computer engineering at the end of
> June. I really want to get into embedded systems, both design and
> programing. Over the last few months I have sent out about 200
> resumes to everyone I can think of that is in this field. I have yet
> to hear a response from anyone. I am applying for jobs all over the
> United States and am starting to get frustrated. Ideally I would like
> to land a job on one of the coasts. I have experience in embedded
> systems through school projects and projects in my free time but no
> "industry" experience
> I have two real problems:
> 1. I didn't do too well my first year of college, but I've done
> really well ever sense. This means my GPA is around a 3.0 instead of
> like a 3.5 if you don't count my first year.
> 2. I have industry experience but in the wrong area. I have allot of
> experience in IT and have my MCSE but I realized that this is not the
> field i want to go into
>
> If anyone has any advise on how to get into the embedded systems field
> or know of anyone I should send my resume to. That would be really
> appreciated
>
> Thanks
>
> Aaron

  Hello Aaron, Gary, and the others listening here,

  I'd have to agree that getting a job, preferably computer or in another
industry field should be your first priority. A few leads have been posted
here recently. I've also been looking for similar work in a specific area
of the USA but haven't found anything suitable yet. Right now I'm somewhere
else.

  My current employer isn't hiring... dying or downsizing is more like it.
I've been involved in everything from mainframe to embedded programming.
Companies who need this kind of help don't tend to advertise for just
an embedded engineer. My experience is that companies that have similar
jobs have both low level and application specific needs. So programming
at embedded to at least application level is desired. A good knowledge
of a specific technology or interest in the industry the employer is
helpful in getting your foot in the door. Migrating to the embedded
world may not be your first task.

  We've heard from toy manufacturers, telecom, medical, industrial,
automotive, communications, pager, cell phone, microcomputer, and
other employers. My current company does alarm monitoring, telecom
work, and custom electronics. We only have about 200 people of
which there are a couple technical project managers and eight
developers. We have national products you'd recognize but wouldn't
think of wen searching for a job. I've found the most surprising
places interested in hiring folks like us.

  I've seen several posts here and elsewhere for GPS related
embedded work. Some are automotive but the last few have been
agricultural. My last two employers were in the medical industry
and had need for embedded, image processing, and application work.
A truck, combine, CAT/MRI Scanner, and telephone generally have
lots of embedded systems.

  Look for the subcontracters to industries where you think the
job is. Want a job at NASA -- be a manager. Want that position
on the next Mars rover, look at small companies in that locale.
A good helping of interest and experience helps quite a bit.
The automotice industry has a good subcontracter force.

  I wish you well in your career. May it be a long and enjoyable
one.

  David

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