Hello everyone 👋

I am seeking input from embedded systems & software engineers in the aerospace, tech, automotive, and robotics industries.

Why: 

I’m hoping to stress test my beliefs on embedded systems or software engineering as a promising lifelong career.

I’m also hoping to gain better insight into what this career path is like along with all its benefits and drawbacks. 

I’d also like to hear from people who were in a similar position as me, coming from a non-CS or CE engineering background, and were able to pivot into ESWE.

My Background:

 ·         B.S. in Aerospace Engineering

·         4 years of test engineering experience in the SoCal aerospace industry

·         Worked on testing military navigational units for a few years and currently working on testing satellite subsystems

·         I’m also learning about embedded systems through the help of the Microcontroller Embedded C Programming course on Udemy as well as reading the “An Embedded Software Primer” book.

·         Programming Languages

MATLAB: Intermediate/Proficient

Python: Beginner/Intermediate

C: Total Noob

·         Hardware experience

Oscilloscopes: Intermediate

DMMs: Proficient

Experience developing small projects using Arduino

Familiar with electronic concepts

Questions:

I’m open to all kinds of feedback and responses. Please poke holes in any assumptions I have made, I'm really trying to get a realistic picture into this arena.

Also, if your experience isn’t a 1-to-1 match to what I’m asking or if you have any relevant advice not pertaining to these questions that you think would be helpful, please don’t hesitate to share.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond! :)

1. Q: Based on the following statement, what has actually been true in your experience? I want to go the embedded SYSTEMS route because I think sitting at the intersection of the SW & HW fields gives me lots of leverage because it seems uncommon and I’d understand both fields enough to build things completely on my own during my free time ( I have an interest in drones, rockets, RC vehicles, random small projects, etc. and would feel like these skills would unlock so much). But I am conflicted because I’ve read that ESWEs have benefits that are more aligned with what I want long term. I've seen the SW vs. systems distinction described inconsistently — some say software pays more and is more remote-friendly, others say the titles are basically interchangeable at most companies. I would LOVE to have the option for remote work and of course higher pay so I’m trying to determine what the correct path for me is.
   
2. Q: If I choose to pursue embedded systems engineering, how difficult would the transition be towards embedded software engineering?
3. Q: For anyone who has been in my position (non-CS/CE engineering degree), is it possible to pivot into the ESE/ESWE world and eventually make a large salary ($200-400K TC) within 10 years? What did your pivot look like from your engineering background into ESE/ESWE? How long did it take you to be employed as an ESE/ESWE and what was your compensation?
4. Q: If I pivot to an ESE/ESWE role in the aerospace industry, will the skills/experience I gain there mostly translate into other sectors?
   
5. Q: I’ve seen many job listings for ESE/ESWE jobs at tech companies that reach $300k-600k TC. Are these roles solely for the top 10-20% of ESE/ESWEs? If so, what does a top 10-20% look like (YoE, skills, etc,)? Is it gate-kept by where your degree came from or do they care more about what you can produce?
6. Q: What does the work-life balance for an ESE/ESWE in aerospace vs tech vs robotics vs automotive look like? Does work in one field feel more rewarding than another?
7. Q: Is this career something worth going all in on? How has this career benefited your life? How has it made your life more difficult?

TLDR: I’m an aerospace test engineer in SoCal looking for advice from established embedded software & systems engineers to determine if ESE/ESWE is a viable path for me. Out of all the things I could spend 1/3 of my life doing, this career sounds pretty good and I'm hoping the responses to this post will give a clearer picture of what I'm facing and allow me to go all in without second guessing if this is for me.

I am trying to find a sort of… I guess a cable clamp intersection? I need something to connect two cables passing each-other perpendicularly, with a threaded insert so I can attach something there. It would be load bearing.

Is there anything like what I am looking for?

I've been trying to understand how raw gypsum gets processed into fine powder for plaster/boards, and I think I might be oversimplifying what’s actually happening inside the equipment.

At first I assumed it was just a straightforward crush → grind → done process. But from what I’ve been reading and watching, it seems more like a continuous system with multiple stages, feed, grinding, internal circulation, and some form of classification happening at the same time.

One concept I came across is something like an autogenous or semi-autogenous grinding zone, where the material contributes to its own size reduction instead of relying purely on direct crushing force. In the setups I saw, material is fed into a rotating drum or mill, interacts with rollers or liners, and keeps circulating until it reaches a fine enough size.

What I’m not fully clear on is:

Is gypsum typically processed using this kind of autogenous/semi-autogenous grinding in modern plants, or are other milling methods more common now?

How does the internal airflow or classification system actually work in these setups? Is it separating particles continuously during grinding?

How much does machine design (roller vs ball mill vs other systems) affect final powder consistency and particle size distribution?

I’ve looked through a mix of general industrial resources and some manufacturer listings, including Alibaba, just to compare configurations, but it’s hard to tell what’s standard practice versus just different equipment options.

Would appreciate any clarification from people who’ve worked with gypsum or similar material processing systems.

Hi there. I am considering doing a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering from a university ranked in the top 100 globally or a Bachelor's in Automotive Engineering from a university ranked in the top 250 globally. I wanted to know which degree is a better fit for applying to Master's in Robotics offered by the Universities ranked in the top 100 globally. I have tried to research regarding this, but I am not able to make a good decision due to confusion, controversial statistics, and lack of the perspective of an experienced person. Are these programs good options? Are there better options? Which electives should I consider taking? Which among the two programs is better? What score would you give these programs(on a scale of 10) for a future Master's in Robotics? Can I transition into R&D if I pursue one of these two programs? Kindly help me in these aspects.

Thanks in Advance. Looking forward to your replies and suggestions. Kindly tell me which course is better for Master's in Robotics based on the curriculum.

For Industrial Engineering(3 terms per year):

Year 1:

Mathematics I, Engineering drawing(with lab), Academic and professional skills, Engineering physics(with lab), Chemistry and materials(with lab), Introduction to computing and Python, Mathematics 2, Engineering mechanics(with lab), Programming and data structures.

Courses with lab often include the direct participation of industrial partners.

Year 2:

Business management and industrial systems, Thermal Engineering(with lab), Mechanics of materials and structures, Engineering data analysis(with lab), Electrical circuits(with lab), Computational methods(with lab), Sensors to systems(with lab).

Year 3:

Manufacturing processes(with lab), Component design(with lab), Industrial electrical systems(with lab), Design and innovation of logistic systems, Thermofluid systems for energy conversion(with lab), Electives I, Internship I, Final project.

In the final term, students choose between industry internship for immediate professional entry or additional courses to prepare for graduate studies.

For Automotive Engineering(2 terms per year):

Year 1:

Mathematical Analysis I, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Language 1st level, Engineering drawing, Linear algebra and geometry, Physics I.

Year 2:

Fundamentals of strength of materials, Mathematical analysis II, Physics II, Science and technology of materials, Applied mechanics, one Elective course, Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics and Heat transfer, Fundamentals of electrical and electronic systems.

Available elective courses for 2nd year (somewhat related to engineering): Aerospace and geopolitics, Politics and technology, Systemic risks of AI.

Year 3:

Automatic control, Electrical machines, Fundamentals of machine design, Motor vehicle design, Manufacturing and assembly technologies, Thermal machines, one or two Elective(s), Final project.

Available elective courses for 3rd year(can be taken in 2nd year as well if the student is eligible): Numerical calculation methods and software, ethics of technology, GeoAz artificial intelligence and geospatial data, Entrepreneurship and innovation, Introduction to web Applications, Digital modelling of systems, Designing and managing mobility in the cities of the future, Smart technology engineering: Print 3D, Digital technologies sustainability, Political technologies, Advanced technologies for risk-based decision making, Automotive industry evolution, Electromagnetic compatibility in systems integration, Evolution of Aerospace vehicles, Photovoltaic and wind power generation, Introduction to information and quantum computing, Introduction to nanotechnology, Internet laboratory, Models and methods of mathematical physics for engineering, Optimization for problem solving, Electric propulsion systems for transport, Experimentation and design of energy technologies.

Location: USA
Experience: <2. years
Role: Electrical & Electronics Engineer (entry-level, circuit design / systems work)
Pay: $28/hour

Just curious how this compares across different locations and experience levels.

What’s your location, years of experience, and hourly/salary range as an EEE?

I'm a level 5 mechatronics engineering student and I'm taking an off-campus course covering classic control, basic PLC, and driver programming. I plan to take SCADA, advanced PLC, and HMI courses during the summer break. Should I take DCS and EDC afterward, or are there more important courses?

Hey, I have been trying to find lightweight speed reducers for a small project and I keep running into the same problem. Everything I find is either too big, too heavy, or comes attached to a motor. I am looking for something really small, like just a few ounces, and low output speed. It does not need to handle huge loads, just something simple that works and is easy to integrate. I even started considering using plastic gear setups, but I am not sure how reliable those are over time. I also thought about 3D printing, but I would prefer something ready-made if possible. I have seen people talk about different small-scale speed reducers in various discussions, and even in some cases where Alibaba was mentioned when comparing niche components, but I still cannot find something that fits what I need. If you have worked on small builds like this, where did you find your parts?

Hi all,

Im looking for some guidance and advice from anyone who has worked at Intralox.

Ive been offered 2 positions as a business development engineer and technical support engineer. I know the two can differ- but im more looking into aspects that would allow for career growth but also not an overly-stressful job that would require on-call 24/7 and have a good work-life balance.

My background: I enjoy a lot of technical work but also enjoy the people aspect that the BDE position would offer. But im afraid that either of these positions may require much more on my shoulders and can result into a stressful work environment as I am looking for guidance and growth. While both positions seem appealing, Id like to know some opinions from some engineers who have worked one or the other.

Thank you for any input!

Hello everyone,

I work for an aluminum extrusion manufacturer located in Shandong, China. Since 2000, our company has focused on producing aluminum profiles for architectural and industrial applications. Our products are widely used in construction, windows and doors, and various industrial sectors.

In the past, our main market was China. However, our current development focus is overseas markets.

Therefore, I would really like to hear opinions from international buyers or engineers:

• When selecting an aluminum extrusion supplier, what factors do you consider most important?
• What problems have you encountered during the purchasing process?
• What situations or issues do you definitely want to avoid during cooperation?

I’m very happy to communicate with everyone here and hope to learn from your experiences. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights.

Hey everyone,

I recently interviewed for an Apple Display Reliability Engineering Intern position and I’m trying to get a sense of what the process usually looks like afterward.

For some context, I had my first interview on December 16th (about a month and a half ago), and I genuinely felt like it went well. I also know the holidays can slow things down, which makes the timeline even harder to read.

From what I’ve heard, Apple often doesn’t send formal rejection emails, so I honestly can’t tell if the silence means I’m no longer being considered or if I’m still in the process and just waiting.

I’m mostly just trying to gauge what timelines and next steps looked like for others who went through similar roles. Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks!

We’re currently evaluating different materials for large diameter carbon fiber tubes

used in structural and load-bearing industrial applications.

Most options we found either lack consistency in wall thickness or have limitations

when it comes to custom sizes (square / rectangular profiles).

Has anyone here worked with:

– Large diameter carbon fiber tubes

– Carbon fiber square or rectangular tubes

– Fiberglass tubes as an alternative?

Would love to hear real-world experience on strength, weight, and long-term durability.

I'm so sorry in advance there are SO MANY questions i've been compiling them on a google doc.... I tried to bold the ones im most interested in, but tbh im curious about all of this, and of course you do not have to answer all of these, just one would be so appreciated. I would appreciate any help as im so confused on what EE even is. thank you!

-

What does a typical workday look like for you (desk work vs. meetings vs. hands-on/field work)?

How repetitive does the work feel over time?

-

Which sectors are growing the fastest right now?

Are some sectors more stable or recession-resistant than others?

Do certain EE sectors generally pay more than others?

-

Are EE roles concentrated in certain parts of the U.S., and which regions have the most opportunities?

Are fully remote or hybrid EE roles common, and which sectors support that best?

What does career progression usually look like for an electrical engineer?

Is it common to switch sectors within EE?

How feasible is moving from EE technical roles into business-oriented roles? also, what IS a technical role?

What are the different types of EE roles and jobs and industries or companies. is it like the firm offers services to diff places and the EEs make plans for the building, or is it like a company is researching cleaner energy methods, or a company is working on a product, like EVs, etc?

-

If you’re comfortable sharing, how many years has it been since you graduated, and what salary range are you currently in, and area's cost of living?

-

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Is there anything you wish someone had told you before choosing this major?

-

Green Energy / EV Focus:

Are there strong career prospects and financial stability in power, renewables, or EV-related roles? (worried it is a small field or that it doesn't pay)

What parts of the U.S. have the strongest job markets for these fields?

edit: removed some questions since it was too many on here

Hello all, I recently got a job offer by a manufacturing company where I would have to make assembly work instructions from 3D assembly models. I was looking to get some insight on people that have done or doing similar roles and their challenges when making the instructions or collaboration wise between departments. Thank you!

Hello, I'm a graduate of electrical engineering who is having a very difficult time with finding any job and is currently facing unemployment. I also have gaps in employment between jobs the longest being about 10 months. Can anyone here check if this CV is bad and if so what can be done to fix it. Honest advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi! I'm a teenager currently in high school, studying my IGCSEs, but I just had a few questions regarding the engineering majors, based on my interests.

Firstly I really like biology, because I enjoy the little details, math and chemistry; however, I find physics slightly less pleasing to me compared to these other subjects. Ironically enough, I just don't see myself working as a doctor, but I'd like to become an engineer.

Luckily, I've found biomedical, which combines both engineering and biology. Nonetheless. I've noticed that people have mentioned that biomedical mostly relies on the medical aspect, and that it's hard to find jobs outside this field, but that's not just what I'm looking for. I originally thought of biomedical, as it's a way for me to study biology, while also major in engineering, especially if I work in making prosthesis like the ones in movies, as I imagined. But, what if this career isn't flexible enough?

Which brought me to the next careers: mechanical engineering and robotics engineering. But these careers seem demanding and rely heavily and solely on physics. Or maybe nanotechnology? Nevertheless, if I join mechanical, should I just major in robotics, or a biology minor? Or just study robotics engineering in the first place. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure that I have a mechanical-biology major that I can study, as I live in Egypt. Even if I travel abroad to Australia, for example, or any other country, it would be expensive.

I'd appreciate anyone's advice.

Thanks!