The demand for embedded system engineers in all areas of engineering is flourishing, as embedded systems find yet more applications in everyday life. All electronic and software products are now embedded systems, with everyday examples including digital cameras, media players, ATM machines and robotic surveillance tools. These applications require a high level of skill in hardware and software engineering and an understanding of the practical realities of real systems. They also require knowledge in specialist subjects including Digital Signal Processing (DSP), communications, mechatronics and requirements engineering.
Many companies need engineers with good software and hardware skills, and demand continues to increase as electronics, communications, and media (including television, radio and still image) systems have converged. Despite this growing demand, there is a shortage of good embedded system engineers, as most UK undergraduate courses currently do not produce such people.