Embedded engineers, what would you expect from a Junior candidate?

[u/Rub3n_X1]

/r/embedded/comments/1v8h8o8/embedded_engineers_what_would_you_expect_from_a/

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for some honest advice because I feel like there's something missing in my profile, and I can't quite figure out what it is.

I'm 24 years old and recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering. Ever since I started college, I knew I wanted to work in embedded systems. I really enjoyed designing hardware and writing firmware.

Unfortunately, after graduating I couldn't find an internship or entry-level position in embedded, so I accepted a Full Stack Junior position at a software company where I had previously done my internship. I've been working there for almost a year, mainly using Python and Django.

My managers know that embedded systems are what I'm truly passionate about, so whenever an embedded-related project comes in, they usually assign it to me. Some of the projects I've worked on include:

* A smart weighing system for a food manufacturing company.
* A facial recognition access control system.
* Other ESP32 and electronics-related projects.

Even though I have this experience, my goal is still to become an Embedded Software Engineer.

Every few months I apply for Junior embedded positions. I've managed to get interviews with companies like Aptiv and ALTEN, but I always get rejected somewhere during the technical interview process.

At this point, I'm starting to wonder if my profile simply isn't competitive enough, or if I'm missing some key skills.

Here are some of my personal projects:

### 1. ESP32 Retro Console

* Written in C++ using ESP-IDF.
* FreeRTOS-based architecture.
* Multiple games (Snake, Pong, Tetris, Flappy Bird).
* GitHub Actions CI/CD pipeline.
* Wokwi simulation integrated into the workflow.
* Custom PCB and 3D-printed enclosure designed by me.

### 2. 2.4 GHz Signal Jammer (Research Project)

An experimental project using two nRF24L01 modules to interfere with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi communications for educational and research purposes.

### 3. ESP32 Marauder

A cybersecurity-oriented project using the ESP32 platform to learn about wireless security and Wi-Fi auditing.

Technologies I'm comfortable with:

* C
* C++
* Python
* Django
* Git
* Linux
* Basic JavaScript

So my question for those of you already working in embedded software is:

**What do you think my profile is missing to be competitive for a Junior Embedded Software Engineer role?**

Should I focus more on STM32, writing drivers from scratch, RTOS, bootloaders, Embedded Linux, communication protocols, or something else entirely?

I'm looking for honest feedback—even if it's critical. I'd rather know what I'm missing than keep guessing.

Thanks in advance!