What to Look For When Choosing an Embedded Software Developer

Every business that has to do with IoT systems (and that’s perhaps half of businesses today) has this need for quality embedded software at a certain point. And then, the question arises as to who will develop it for you. Even if you have in-house developers they don’t necessarily specialize in embedded software. After all, it’s a field that requires a very narrow expertise. So you need to be very picky about who to partner with.

What is Embedded Software?

Just to clarify, embedded software is software designed to operate hardware devices. Unlike regular software, which runs on general-purpose computers, it is tailored for specific hardware. The latter can be anything from small sensors to complex machinery. In a way, it is the brain that powers your smart thermostat, wearable fitness tracker, or automotive control system.

Developers who specialize in embedded software solutions are unique experts. They know how to create solutions that will operate within the constraints of the hardware (e.g., limited memory, processing power, and power consumption). They thus face unique challenges such as optimizing code efficiency and ensuring real-time performance.

5 Things to Look For When Choosing an Embedded Software Developer

The job of embedded software development requires a deep knowledge of both software and hardware. That’s exactly what makes it so valuable. To understand that an agency’s specialists are good at it, it’s worth checking several aspects.

They Have Other Services Besides the Development

This is a very unobvious requirement but do look for agencies that offer more than just development. Services like consulting, integration, and post-deployment support are all very important.

A developer who understands the entire lifecycle of your project usually knows how to enhance your product from start to finish.

Questions to ask:

• Can you describe a project where your consulting made an impact?
• How do you handle integration challenges with existing systems?
• What kind of post-deployment support do you offer?

They Have an Impressive Portfolio

An impressive portfolio sounds abstract but you should look for concrete things. That is, look for developers who have worked on a variety of embedded systems, including embedded GUIs, device drivers, and more. This means that they can handle different aspects of embedded development and adapt to YOUR requirements.

Questions to ask:

• How do you ensure the reliability and robustness of your software in different environments?
• What lessons have you learned from your most challenging projects?

They Can Craft a Variety of Solutions

This one is again about variety. The thing is that a good embedded software developer would normally be capable of developing a range of solutions. These can be sensors, board kits, wearables, data storage systems, and whatever else.

Questions to ask:

• Can you provide examples of your work on both simple sensor-based projects and more complex data storage systems?
• How do you approach the development of embedded solutions for new and emerging technologies?
• What strategies do you use to ensure scalability and future-proofing in your solutions?

They Rely on Different Technologies

This one is likewise super important. The best developers are proficient in various technologies.

That is, they are typically proficient in different cloud platforms, embedded programming languages, and wireless technologies. It’s thanks to this proficiency that they can choose the best tools and approaches for your project.

Questions to ask:

• Which embedded programming languages are you most comfortable with, and why?
• Can you discuss a project where you had to switch technologies mid-development?
• How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in embedded technologies?

They Offer Proof of Concept (POC)

A developer who offers a Proof of Concept (POC) can provide a prototype of your solution before full-scale development begins. This typically allows you to test feasibility, identify potential issues, and refine your concept.

Questions to ask:

• What is your process for developing a POC?
• How do you handle feedback and iterations during the POC phase?

Of course, this guide is not 100% complete. In each case, you will add more points to the list. You will adjust this checklist based on your requirements and the context. ANd yet, it gives you a framework for how to approach the selection process.

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