Students with a knack for computing, engineering, and other STEAM subjects should be aware of the jobs that might suit them in the future. Two potential paths for talented young coders are software engineering and firmware engineering. But what exactly is the difference between these two fields?
Software engineering and firmware engineering are both engineering disciplines that involve writing code. However, they differ in terms of how this code interacts with physical electronic equipment like computers, digital cameras, and robots. Software can generally be used across different devices through operating systems, whereas firmware is typically written to control a specific piece of hardware.
This article looks at the differences and similarities between software and firmware engineering, including the academic requirements and job outlook.
What is Software Engineering?
Software is a term used to describe computer programs that perform tasks. Usually running on general-purpose computers or devices, software uses an operating system (which itself is a type of software!) to interact with hardware.
A single piece of software may run on a variety of processors regardless of the specific hardware being used. For example, the internet browser on your computer does not care about which Wi-Fi adapter your computer has, because it understands the internet connection at a higher, more abstract level.
A software engineer develops software using the engineering design process (from research to design to production planning) that is also used by professionals like electrical and mechanical engineers. The role is slightly broader than software developing or programming, because it involves stages of work before and after the actual writing of code.
Software Engineering Skills and Requirements
- Software engineers typically have bachelor-level degrees in subjects like software engineering, computer science, or math.
- Software engineers typically understand a range of programming languages, such as Python, TypeScript, and C++.
- Software engineers often work collaboratively and should have good communication skills as well as solid problem-solving skills.
What is Firmware Engineering?
Unlike most software, firmware is typically designed to run on a particular processor for specific hardware. For example, the firmware for Sphero’s BOLT+ is designed to work with the robot’s exact set of sensors, motors, and LEDs. In exchange for this limitation, firmware can be faster, simpler, and more efficient than software while also providing extremely powerful low-level control of hardware.
“Firmware is running in every modern game console and controller, every phone, every pair of wireless headphones, and every car,” explains Jeff Wiencrot, Senior Director, Firmware & Hardware Engineering at Sphero. “Pretty much anything you use that’s electronic has some level of firmware in it.”
Like a software engineer, a firmware engineer must apply the engineering method to the development of their product. This typically means defining its use, developing it, testing it, maintaining it, and so on. The main difference is that firmware is made specifically to allow pieces of hardware to run.
Firmware Engineer Skills and Requirements
- Firmware engineers typically have degrees in subjects like electrical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, software engineering, or math.
- Firmware engineers typically understand a range of programming languages, but bare-metal C coding is a good starting point.
- Firmware engineers typically have a thirst for problem solving that helps them become experts at debugging. They also need solid teamwork skills to work alongside hardware engineers.
Firmware vs. Software Engineers’ Job Outlook
The firmware and software engineering job outlooks are comparable, with each path requiring similar academic qualifications and soft skills like problem solving, communication, adaptability, and time management. “Both provide strong career paths in engineering, management, or even technical sales,” says Wiencrot. “The main career differences come from the areas of focus.”
While the industry remains male-dominated, diversity is on the rise in the workforce, in colleges, and in participation at younger educational levels. Fortunately, some great organizations like Girls Who Code are working to further increase diversity across the field.
In terms of salary prospects, the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists these figures for the category of Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers (with “software engineer” listed as an example occupation):
- Median salary (2023): $130,160
- Number of jobs (2023): 1,897,100
- Projected increase in number of jobs (2023–2033): 17%
The BLS provides no specific data for the field of firmware engineering, but it puts the median salary for a computer hardware engineer at $138,080. One job listing website estimates the average salary of a firmware engineer at $127,501.
Sphero Tools for Firmware and Software Engineering
Sphero offers several tools to help students and educators better understand software and firmware engineering. Sphero BOLT+ is a round programmable robot that delivers best-in-class, hands-on classroom learning experiences and supports beginner to advanced coders. High schoolers can use the robot’s text programming mode to develop foundational software and firmware engineering skills, opening up their prospects for higher education and beyond. Speak to one of our experts today to find out how BOLT+ and other tools can help students develop software and firmware engineering skills in the classroom!
About the Author
The Sphero Team
The Sphero Team is comprised of current and former educators, education content and curriculum writers, product designers, engineers, executive leadership, and other experts in their fields. Learn more about who we are and what we do at https://sphero.com/pages/about-us.
