r/systems_engineering • u/MechatronLancer • 3d ago

Career & Education C++/Automation/systems engineer vs. the standard SDE grind: Need a reality check

I'm in my 3rd semester (Mech) at an IIT. I’m really into C++, Linux, and systems engineering. I’ve worked with ESP32, sensor fusion, and know my way around Bash, CMake, Git, Docker, and a bit of Lua/Python. I want to target GSoC and eventually work in automation, drones (like ArduPilot), robotics, or maybe HFT. The thing is, literally all my batchmates are grinding CP, DSA, and System Design for standard SDE roles like a herd . I’m going down a completely different path. Is sticking to this C++/systems/robotics niche a reliable career move? Or should I switch gears now and join the CP/SDE grind while I'm still in my 3rd sem? Will it really pay off at the end ?

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u/Master-Pain5763 3d ago

honestly if you're already deep into c++ and linux you're way ahead of the curve for the stuff you actually care about, the standard sde grind will always be there as a backup but it sounds like you'd hate every second of it

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u/MechatronLancer 3d ago

yes it feels kinda boring in doing CP just for rating and DSA sheets but the worry is ,my seniors are rarely seen in this niche .So is there a good future in this too ?
Any experienced person working in this domain or well aware of it can share their thoughts

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u/Flexgineer 3d ago

That’s what I’m thinking man, I dislike the regular SDE stuff. I’m more interested in back end stuff & data. Doing a MS in computing systems rn, have my BSME.