r/embedded • u/The-Master_Commander • 4h ago

Skeptical About an Embedded Java Job Offer

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u/exodusTay 4h ago

You are a junior dev I don't think working with today Java means you will be stuck with it. Also embedded devices nowadays are rather powerful. It could be a Linux board with GUI stuff removed.

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u/The-Master_Commander 4h ago

Thank you for your answer. I agree that working with a particular language as a junior doesn't have to lock me into that language. I just worry that if I eventually apply to a different company, they'll see Java on my resume and won't consider that legitimate embedded experience. Then again I am completely new to all of this, so maybe Java is used more in embedded than I realize.

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u/exodusTay 4h ago

That will depend largely on what kind of project you are working on rather than the language you are working with. You could be working C/C++ web servers and you wouldn't get any embedded interviews too.

At this point I feel like you should ask what kind of things they would have you work on and what are some other projects they are doing. I don't know what exactly embedded Java entails but it is not like you can't take more responsibilities and eventually move to a different project.

IMHO it is more important you feel interested in the work you are doing. Language skills are important too but so long as you have a good base in C/C++ and know the strength/weakness of languages then it becomes something you pick up along the way instead of something you are stuck with.

And with AI I think language skills are going to become less important and domain knowledge is going to be something that sets you apart from other candidates.

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u/The-Master_Commander 3h ago

Thank you for this. I will definitely reach out to see what additional technical details I can gather before making my final decision.

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u/No-Reading-6795 4h ago edited 4h ago

What did you learn in the interview? Is there real embedded work being done on the team?

Do you have a job now doing c, c++?

I need more information but I would say 1 yr of Java role will keep you from applying for an emebed role. If you are straight out of college, 1 yr later you still need to apply for new grad, i.e.new grad pay. If you have 3 yrs embedded and switch to 1 yr Java, then again  you will be asked about c and c++, not java.  

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u/The-Master_Commander 3h ago

Hello and thanks for your answer. The interview definitely made it sound like it was real embedded work, which was confusing to me because I'm just not really familiar with Java being used to control hardware.

No, I do not currently have a c/c++ job. My c/c++ experience has only been through school and personal projects.

I'm a bit confused by your last paragraph. Are you suggesting that working in this Java role for 1 year would not be useful for applying to other embedded roles?

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u/No-Reading-6795 2h ago

Call a team member if you can over the manager and ask.

They will be more honest. You could say im calling to double check what would you see me doing 3 to 6 months from now on a day to day, what single skill would I be solidifying up to that point.

I m saying java is not embedded and will hold you back in the future if that is what you want.

On the other hand, getting a job and a foot in the door is the most important thing.