Reddit
reddit.com › r/embedded › what is the difference between an embedded engineer and an electronics engineer
r/embedded on Reddit: What is the difference between an Embedded Engineer and an Electronics Engineer
April 24, 2019 -
Hi Reddit,
I have a newbie question.
I just want to ask is there a difference between an Electronics engineer and an Embedded engineer?
I graduated as an Electronics Engineer, where they taught us Analogue and Digital circuit design, Microcontroller programming (C programming), DSP, and at my last year Real Time Embedded Systems (worked with VxWork)
What I know of my topic we design embedded systems,hence the term embedded engineers wouldn't be wrong.
I searched for embedded or firmware engineer I find most of the requirements a knowledge in RTOS (FreeRTOS), Linux, 32 bit Microcontrollers (STM32, ARM CORTEX) and in some cases IoT.
While Electronics / Hardware Engineer most of the requirements are: Design Analogue and Digital circuits, FPGA, PCB design, serial communications (I2C, SPI, UART, BLE).
Seems to me (could be wrong) that there is no unifying naming to the engineers who work in the embedded / electronics / hardware / firmware industry.
Seems to me what they mean by Embedded / Electronics Engineering in one country / company is different than what they mean in another
Even studying it,in the UK they call it Electronics Eng, while I searched in the US they call electrical and computer engineering.
Thank you in advance
Top answer 1 of 4
27
You’re an EE. These are your areas of specialty: x, y, z An embedded engineer is a role, not a profession. Same for electronics.
2 of 4
5
So in the USA Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science are all generally different degrees but it varies based on institution. ECE and CompEng are often interchangeable in reality, but different colleges will call them by one or the other name. Electrical Engineering degrees tend to focus more on circuit design, analog, power design, antenna theory, etc but certainly through electives can cover computer programming and software design. ECE/CompEng are EE degrees with more of a focus on Digital Design that also have a programming requirement. Computer Science Degrees tend to focus more on algorithms, maths, and the programming side of the deal: They probably have a computer architecture requirement but don't have a circuit design requirement and they may have never actually wired anything up. Some may have never even taken the cover off to look at the guts of a computer. This can vary greatly depending on the school: Some schools the Computer Science degree is in the School of Letters & Sciences (usually a "Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science" while in others it's in the School of Engineering (usually a "Bachelors of Science: Computer Science"). If it's in the School of Engineering you can very easily select electives that make the CS degree much closer to a CompEng degree (Circuits, Microprocessors, Digital Design) TL;DR: In the USA you have to look more at the program and experience of a candidate than what their degree is in- EE, CompE, ECE, CS people all may be qualified for an "Embedded Engineer" role. Hell, I've known may Embedded Engineers whose degrees were in Physics instead of any of the above.
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r/embedded 2y ago
computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Embedded_system
Embedded system - Wikipedia
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edx.org
edx.org › learn › embedded-systems
Embedded systems courses online | edX
What tools do embedded systems engineers use?
Embedded systems engineers use software known as an integrated development environment (IDE). An IDE, regardless of its intended operating system, comprises three coding tools: a debugger, a compiler and an editor.
edx.org
edx.org › learn › embedded-systems
Embedded systems courses online | edX
Is embedded systems engineer an IT job?
Although complementary, embedded systems and IT are separate fields. Embedded systems engineers develop the hardware and software that IT professionals use in different industries. These end users may provide feedback that guides embedded systems engineers' work.
edx.org
edx.org › learn › embedded-systems
Embedded systems courses online | edX
Cwu
cwu.edu.tr › understanding-embedded-systems-in-eee
Understanding Embedded Systems in EEE - Cyprus West University
June 12, 2026 - Understanding Embedded Systems in EEE - Embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform specific functions within larger electronic systems.
ELSYS Design
elsys-design.com › accueil › embedded electronics engineer
What is an Embedded Electronics Engineer? Read our Job Description
November 24, 2021 - As its name suggests, the former is specifically interested in the field of embedded systems. For example, an electronic engineer who designs a board installed in a hydroelectric power station (fixed, no major space constraints, etc.) does not have the same constraints as an embedded electronic engineer who will be working on the design of a component for a 5G smartphone.
Bürklin
buerklin.com › en › electronic-competence › understanding-electronics › embedded-systems-components-applications
Embedded Systems: Components & Applications | Bürklin
April 28, 2026 - Embedded systems form the technological foundation of modern electronics. They control machines, regulate processes, network devices, and enable intelligent functions in virtually every industry.
Rebound Electronics
reboundeu.com › blog › embedded systems explained
Embedded Systems Explained: What is an Embedded System? - Rebound Electronics
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Embedded
embedded.com › home
Embedded - Embedded: News & Resources For The Electronics Community
Embedded.com covers systems design, development, programming, technology, magazines, news, and industry insights for the global electronics community.
edX
edx.org › learn › embedded-systems
Embedded systems courses online | edX
Embedded systems engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing and developing specialized computing systems that combine hardware and software to perform dedicated functions within larger devices. These systems may be standalone, networked, mobile, or real-time embedded systems ...
CircuitDigest
circuitdigest.com › embedded
Embedded Electronics News, Articles, Tutorials & Projects
April 19, 2022 - By textbook definition, Embedded Electronics can be defined as a system that “Integrates Hardware circuitry with software programming techniques to provide real-time solutions”. From age old pocket calculators to advanced automobile and ...
Technosofteng
technosofteng.com › blogs › embedded-electronics-system-design
Embedded Electronics & System Design - Define, Design, And Process - Technosoft Engineering
August 20, 2024 - An Embedded Electronics Design is part of a device that uses electronic hardware and mechanical parts. These systems control the physical operations of the machine.
Hexagon
hexagon.com › products › product-groups › embedded-electronics
Embedded electronics | Hexagon
A complete portfolio for agricultural machine manufacturers, with embedded electronics technology and precision agriculture that can be customised.
Springer
link.springer.com › home › textbook
Electronics for Embedded Systems | Springer Nature Link
Electronics for Embedded Systems (eBook) - This book provides semester-length coverage of electronics for embedded systems, covering most common analog and digital circuit-related issues encountered while designing embedded system hardware. It is written for students and young professionals who have basic circuit theory background and want to learn more about passive circuits, diode and bipolar transistor circuits, the state-of-the-art CMOS logic family and its interface with older logic families such as TTL, sensors and sensor physics, operational amplifier circuits to condition sensor signals, data converters and various circuits used in electro-mechanical device control in embedded systems.
Price: $49.99
Author: Ahmet Bindal
Pages: 13
Skills England
skillsengland.education.gov.uk › apprenticeships › st0151-v1-0
Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) / Skills England
Designing and developing electronic circuits, devices and systems for a range of industries. The role of the Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer is to apply their knowledge of electronics and of embedded software to the design of circuits or devices that provide a useful function, that are capable of being manufactured at a competitive cost, and that are reliable and safe in use.
DFI
dfi.com
DFI | Embedded Motherboard | Industrial Computer
DFI is a global leader of embedded boards, industrial box PCs, panel PCs and embedded systems for automation, industry 4.0, IoT solutions, edge computing industries.
L&T Technology Services
ltts.com › industry › mobility › embedded electronics
Embedded Electronics | L&T Technology Services
Our embedded electronics expertise includes, motor & drive development, control systems design, HMI development, power electronics, and PCB design services that put us in very strategic position across the embedded value chain.
Monster
jobview.monster.com › Embedded-Electronic-Design-Engineer-DM15532016-Job-Irvine-CA-US-293345191.aspx
Embedded Electronic Design Engineer - DM15532016
April 13, 2026 - Monster is your source for jobs and career opportunities. Search for jobs, read career advice from Monster's job experts, and find hiring and recruiting advice.
HCLTech
hcltech.com › home › knowledge library › what is embedded software engineering?
What is embedded software engineering? | HCLTech
December 24, 2025 - Embedded Software Engineering is the process of controlling various devices and machines that are different from traditional computers, using software engineering. Integrating software engineering with non-computer devices leads to the formation ...
Sony
sonyjobs.com
Careers at Sony
Sony Electronics is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. click hereOn click the page scrolls down for more information.
Arm
arm.com
Where intelligence goes next – Arm®
AI in everyday devices must run instantly, reliably, and within strict power limits. Arm delivers real-time, private, power-efficient edge AI across consumer and embedded devices.
NIELIT
nielit.gov.in › calicut › content › embedded-beginners
NIELIT - National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology
राष्ट्रीय इलेक्ट्रॉनिकी एवं सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India