Embedded Software Engineer Career Training Guide

Question: Embedded Software Engineer - interview Tommorow , Help!!!? hey guys , i have an interview tommorow for a position as an "Embedded Software Engineer". I am a little bit nervous . What kind of questions do you think they can ask me relating to the position ? I have some projects in my resume . Is the interviewer going to ask me any questions relating to that ? I don't have any experience and the job is for someone with experience . I got the interview because i was persistent. Now i have to show the employer i have the nature to hard work and learn quickly . How can i over the fact that " i have no experience in the field " . I have other experiences like Call center ( e-zpass new york ) and Cust service ( Comp usa ) i didn't work for long in these places 6 months each . i got fired from e-z pass due to poor absenses ( i was going through a ToUgH time , if u can understand ) . I want the job really bad because , I can't stay home any longer due to family problems. What do you think i should know before hand facing the employer ? The guy who's going to pay me huge money for doing this. I need to negotiate also , what's the effective way to negotiate ( i dn't wanna go too low or too high rt ? ) Please help me ! i am really stressed and nervous ! Thank You.

Answer: Look, you admit you have no experience. Don't try to con the guy into thinking you do. He would be able to find out very quickly you are just trying to fake it. You need to show him how excited you are about the job, and how dedicated you would be on the job. In your experience, show how you did great on certain projects. What were big problems you had, and how did you solve them? What strengths do you have that will help the company? Getting fired due to absences isn't going to help. You really are going to have to show the interviewer that your aggressive nature and dedication to the job will help him. As far as salary, you have no experience. So I don't think you can expect a huge salary. IMO I think you should just be happy to get an offer. You should take it, then negotiate 6-12 months later for a raise after you've done great work. Good luck!

Question: what does an embedded software engineer do?

Answer: An embedded software engineer writes software for embedded devices, which are small devices that run speciality software rather than general purpose software. MP3 players, routers, DVD players, etc. are embedded devices. Each device has a small computer processor and special software, called "firmware" that does the job. As an embedded software engineer you would work on firmware. I majored in computer engineering in college with an emphasis in embedded systems. My projects were things like audio records and players, motor controllers, USB devices and so on.

Question: HOW the resume should be for Assistent manager's job? I have11/2year work ex as embedded engineer in IT indust I have 11/2 year work experience as embedded engineer in major software company.But I am more interested in banking sector.my aim is to do M.B.A in I.I.M. for better experience I want to try managerial post in any major bank especially ICICI.

Answer: I believe as an engineer in a IT company. You are better in IT than average people. Check what you can do with the software that the bank is using, do some simple management course if you have time. Present yourself as someone that know the existing bank system and software well person, keen in doing management, don't mind starting as an assistant manager. You will have a high chance to get the job.

Question: average salary for software engineer 7 yrs exp? I am in discussion with an employer in Vancouver. I have total of 7years of exp in Embedded software development. I would like to know the average salary of my exp software engineer. Any information would be helpful... Thanks in advance

Answer: If the position you're applying for isn't a managerial position, the average salary for a seasoned computer engineer is $60k-$90k per year. The link below is the typical "career path" in a Canadian market.

Question: Salary for a senior software engineer ? What is the annual salary for a senior software engineer with 7 years of experience in wireless embedded engineering field ? I am looking for salaries of engineers working on cell phone software in San Diego, CA area. Please let me know.

Answer: Ambiguous question in this day and age an indication would be: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Software_Engineer_%2F_Developer_%2F_Programmer/Salary Or http://www.indeed.com/salary?q1=Senior+Software+Engineer&l1=California Or http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/search/q-Software+Engineer/l-San+Diego,+CA

Question: How do I get a JOb in Australia, Myself being an Indian, a software engineer, BE in COmputer Science? I have done my MTech in CSE fro Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and presently working in a reputed software firm in India. I am in embedded doimain and would like to continue in the same field.

Answer: Tough...your area of employment is not one that is in demand in Australia. If it was, you could apply for a skilled worker Visa. India is not on the list of countries that Australia has an agreement with for working holiday visas so that's out. You'll have to do it the old fashioned way. Apply for jobs. If the company wants your skills and can't find an Australian citizen with the same qualifications, then you might have a chance.

Question: Is it better to pursue a career in software development or in embedded system? As an electronics and communication engineer, should i go for software development or embedded systems?? Which of the two has better scope?? Plz help!! Which one of them has brighter future ahead ?? Which one of the two fields offer higher payscales?? Plz help.

Answer: Embedded system design is half software. Your question would make more sense if you asked, "Should I get into hardware or software?" and the answer would still contain elements of the fact that they are still interconnected. As a software engineer, you won't be able to neglect hardware, and vice versa for a hardware engineer. I myself prefer embedded systems to say PC architecture, because you don't have to deal with microsoft as much, but that's just me.

Question: What should be my smartest response to this employer email ? i applied for a job as an embedded software engineer.i send resume coverletter everything, i get this email back today Jomy Kallukalam, We would like to schedule an interview. What are some good dates and times for you? What salary range are you looking for? Thanks Frank Williams ofcource i want to schedule an interview , but how can i say it back to him in an email ? just say thank you for scheduling an interview ? does that sound stupid ? and how would i know when is the best time for him ? ( i dn't have a job rt now , and i got this email this morning , anytime this week or next week is fine , but nex week would be best so i can do some mental preparation for myself ) and what about the salary question ? What should i tell him , unfortunately i dn't have the original job posting i dn't know how i can find it ..? but , it's always better to not tell them how much salary i want right away correct ?

Answer: Dear Mr. Williams, Thank you for your offer of an interview. I would like to schedule an interview and am avaiable any time that is conveniant for you. Please contact me with details of the meeting time and place. I am looking for a salary comiserate with the job tasks required. I look forward to meeting you. _-------------

Question: What kind of salary can I expect after graduating with a Masters of Software Engineering degree? By then, I'll have 2 years of embedded software experience as an intern. (although I'd rather get into application software)

Answer: Here's a link from PayScale.com showing the median salary (by job title) for individuals with a master's of software engineering: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS%2fMSc)%2c_Software_Engineering/Salary/by_Job&src=yahooA And this link shows median salaries for this degree based on years of experience: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Science_(MS%2fMSc)%2c_Software_Engineering/Salary/by_Years_Experience&src=yahooA To find more accurate salary data for your specific software engineering position - taking factors such as location, qualifications, etc. into consideration - you can take PayScale's free salary survey. http://www.payscale.com/?src=yahooA Hope that helps, Assistant to Dr. Salary

Question: Is it easy for non-singaporeans (those on EP) to find alternate jobs? I am on an EP and would like to search for other jobs (because my current position has become a bit precarious on account of the recession).I'm an embedded software engineer, and would be looking for similar jobs, but in the worst case scenario - if i'm laid off soon - i'd need some kind of a job (perhaps a call center since my english is good) to continue staying in singapore, while i search for software jobs. Is this feasible? do they hire non-singaporeans for say call center jobs?

Answer: maybe

Question: What is a decent salary in Singapore? Hi, I am an embedded software engineer, with 5 years of experience. Some company in Singapore has offered me about 60K Singapore $ per annum. Is it a decent salary in Singapore? can I lead a good life there with a decent savings in the month end? Thanks in advance I am a bachelor, but will get married soon, in an year time

Answer: Its depend if you have wife and kids or if you are going to live single ? even if you live with your wife and kids still its handsome salary pacakge u can save about 1K after all expensive in the end. If your living alone then you can save upto 4K per month depends if u dont do other stuffs like hang out with babes around etc!

Question: how to go about a professor job ? I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and a master's degree in Computer Science. I have been working as a embedded software engineer for 8 years in 2 of the top electronics companies. I am thinking for pursuing a part time teaching career. Like teaching a technical course in one of the universities. What do I need to do to pursue this ? Can I just prepare a resume and starting applying to univ's ? Do I need an additional teaching degree?

Answer: You don't need a teaching degree or certificate to teach at a 2-year community or technical college, just a masters in the field you want to teach. You could try contacting 2-year schools near you to see if they are currently looking for adjuncts (the pay is pretty bad, but if you want a full-time job you'd have to be willing to move - there are very few full-time jobs for professors open right now). Or you could check out some of the sites colleges place job openings on, like this one. http://www.higheredjobs.com

Question: Any info. abt salaries in embedded systems field in india? can anybody plz inform me abt the salary packages , the embedded software engineers are getting in india? i want to know abt the packages of 1 year experienced and also for freshers trying in this field. i will be grateful if you give relevant figures :-)

Answer: For experienced it is 25 lakhs per annum and for starters it is 3 lakhs per annum

Question: Can anyone recommend a good book for learning DSP programming ? I'm a professional embedded software engineer, but so far I haven't had any experience of writing DSP software. If anyone can recommend a good introductory book, especially including digital filter design, I'd appreciate it.

Answer: There are a lot of DSP books around. The best ones will be text books used in university lectures. I studied Digital Signal Processing and Advance Digital Signal Processing in university, and the book we used was called "Digital Signal Processing", I haven't got it with me at the moment and I can't remember who the authour was. This book is very well written and has a lot of sample codes. It gives good explainations on filters. You do need to be confident with mathematics to be able to understand it.

Question: What is the famous and useful book for embedded c ? Hi every one i am a software engineer currently working on J2ME i have good grip in c,c++,j2EE and J2ME programming .i am very much interested to learn embedded c programming .Can any one suggest a best book for me on embedded c please if possible please send me the link for e-book even?

Answer: I have read Programming Embedded Systems: With C and GNU Development Tools, 2nd Edition, and found it useful. It's a good place to start. If you already have a pretty good C understanding, and you know hardware rather well you should be able to get going with it pretty easily. ISBN: 978-0596009830 You can look up the ISBN on Amazon or Half or anywhere, maybe even your local library.

Question: what kind of technical question should I expect for a position of? an entry level / junior telecommunications embedded software engineer ?

Answer: Design a circuit to detect when 3 and only 3 bits are set out of 8 bits.(eg. o0101100) Design a circuit for A + abs(B) = C, where A and B are 4 bits wide and 2’s complement representation In 8085 microprocessor READY signal does.which of the following is incorrect statements [a]It is input to the microprocessor [b] It sequences the instructions Can structures be passed to the functions by value? Why cannot arrays be passed by values to functions? Advantages and disadvantages of using macro and inline functions? What happens when recursion functions are declared inline? Scope of static variables? Difference between object oriented and object based languages? Multiple inheritance - objects contain howmany multiply inherited ancestor? What are the 4 different types of inheritance relationship? How would you find out the no of instance of a class? Is java a pure object oriented language? Why? Order of constructor and destructor call in case of multiple inheritance? Can u have inline virtual functions in a class? When you inherit a class using private keyword which members of base class are visible to the derived class? What is the output of printf("\nab\bcd\ref"); -> ef #define cat(x,y) x##y concatenates x to y. But cat(cat(1,2),3) does not expand but gives preprocessor warning. Why? Can you have constant volatile variable? Yes, you can have a volatile pointer? ++*ip increments what? it increments what ip points to Operations involving unsigned and signed — unsigned will be converted to signed a+++b -> (a++)+b malloc(sizeof(0)) will return — valid pointer main() {fork();fork();fork();printf("hello world"); } — will print 8 times. Array of pts to functions — void (*fptr[10])() Which way of writing infinite loops is more efficient than others? there are 3ways. # error — what it does? How is function itoa() written? Who to know wether systemuses big endian or little endian format and how to convert among them? What is interrupt latency? What is forward reference w.r.t. pointers in c? How is generic list manipulation function written which accepts elements of any kind? What is the difference between hard real-time and soft real-time OS? What is interrupt latency? How can you recuce it? What is the differnce between embedded systems and the system in which rtos is running? How can you define a structure with bit field members? What are the features different in pSOS and vxWorks? How do you write a function which takes 2 arguments - a byte and a field in the byte and returns the value of the field in that byte? What are the different storage classes in C? What are the different qualifiers in C? What are the different BSD and SVR4 communication mechanisms http://www.techinterviews.com/?p=44 http://www.allinterview.com/ You can search the web for more questions. Look up interview questions embedded software

Question: What do I need to study to have the equivalence of these engineering classes? What should I study to have the equivalent of the following subjects/classes: embedded systems software engineering electronics (specifically related to power) CAD as applied to electrical engineering

Answer: Look at the course descriptions for the school where you are pulling these out. These courses are typically 3 or 4 credit classes which may or may not have prerequisites. You are looking at 12-16 credits which is a full time load for a full semester.

Question: How do I learn to write applications for my cellphone? I'm already a software engineer, but this is an area that I'm not finding much info on the web. Are there any books or good websites to help me get started? I've done development for Windows CE before and I've done some embedded software too. I'm just not familiar with Java.

Answer: applications for cellphones are know as MIDlets, try searching for that, but here are some links for you: http://www.microjava.com/ (great site) http://www.microjava.com/articles/techtalk/midp2_games?content_id=6769 (game creation walkthrough) http://www.onjava.com/pub/a/onjava/2001/03/22/j2me_wireless.html?page=2 http://www.ciol.com/content/search/showarticle1.asp?artid=61016 http://www.hostitwise.com/java/javaindex.html http://midlet.org/index2.jsp (free midlet stuff, games, etc..) you'll need to learn some java basics of course: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/ good luck!

Question: How much i can earn in singapore? I am a BE graduate student. I have 1.5 years of experience as a software engineer in embedded system. If I get a job in singapore for my experience how much i can earn per month? (Note: Please don't advertise your websites like earn this much from home or something like that)

Answer: According to the Ministry of Manpower stats, the median salary for software engineers is S$4143. Mid-level jobs for software engineers tend to start around S$2500.

Question: How to get a job in singapore from india? i am siva from india. I have 1.5 years of experience as a software engineer in embedded system. Now i am interest to work in singapore.Is it possible to get a good job during this recession? What is the minimum salary that i can get for my experience? Please provide me the details of how to get a job in singapore. Thanks in advance

Answer: OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT JOBS ARE MANY. REGISTER YOURSELF WITH naukri.com, monster.com etc. YOU WILL GET ALL HELP. WISH YOU BEST OF LUCK

Question: what type of questions usually they ask in interview? I have 11/2 year work experience as embedded engineer in major software company.But I am more interested in banking sector.my aim is to do M.B.A in I.I.M. for better experience I want to try managerial post in any major bank especially ICICI.

Answer: they'll ask you about your strength and weaknesses. When I was interviewing years ago, I prepared the following scripted response: - My strengths are that I have personal integrity, dependability and blah blah blah. - My weaknesses are that I work so hard that I cannot notice my strengths. As long as you don't sound like a robot, you should be fine.

Question: Why do employers ask you " is this something you are interested in "? i uploaded my resume into careerbuilder , this lady called me for a job in a call cetner ( $16/hr ) so i said great. she asked me is this something you are interested in . I applied for a job as a Embedded Software Engineer and this is what i got today in my email ( obviously i want the interview , that's why i send my Resume in the first place , with a cover letter ) Jomy Kallukalam, Here's what we're looking for: Software engineer for crypto server development and maintenance. Position requires requirements analysis from specifications, command design, coding in C and testing. Windows platforms, Coldfire target. Applicant must be fluent in C. Other projects written in VB and Java. Does this sound like something you're interested in? Thanks Frank Williams What do they expect me to do now ? , do i need to write just a small email saying , yes i am interested and when would you be willing to meet me and talk about how my skills and educational background can help? idk by the way, the email that i am showing here, is the one that i got After i already send my cover letter and resume ( in email )

Answer: it's SOP to give further details about the job, the requirements and responsibilities then ask if you are still interested because they wouldn't want to waste time and money hiring a person who wouldn't want to do the tasks and then leave because it was not what the person wanted to do. basically they are just asking if you understand the job and what is required of you if you are hired

Question: What is a better field for a master degree ? I'm planning on pursuing a master degree in computer science or computer engineering and i can't decide which subject is better for my career afterwords. Here are some of the fields that i've found. If there are any other fields that you recommend please specify and state why. Which do you find better for the overall career ? 1- Artificial Intelligence related 2- Constraints Programming 3-Semantic Web 4- Embedded Systems 6- Software Engineering 7- Algorithms 8- Parallel Computing

Answer: I say, pick whichever interests you more. You'll be spending 2 years or more on the subject and write a pretty fat thesis, so it has to be something you like. In terms of overall career, they all have pretty good field. However, after you enter the work force, you'll quickly realized what you learned in school don't always come hand in hand with what you need to know for work. It's more important to learn discover the learning process , or learn to add something new to the table (after all that research from your master degree. Overall career really depends on experience. After 5 year out of school, where you went to college and whether you have a bachelors or masters degree won't matter as much as the experience you have. So pick what you are interested in!

Question: How to prepare for Electronics Design Engineer job interview? After receiving Bachelor of Science Degree in Electronics Engineering, I have number of years of experience in Engineering Services and Embedded Software Development. Now, I'm re-directing my career towards Embedded Hardware Design Engineering. I have not done any hardware design work, except in school many years ago. I don't know what tools are used by hardware designers, how to use them? Those Twenty page schematics are overwhelming. How can I ask good questions at the interview coming up in about a week? What are some of the good questions I can ask? If I get the job, how can I learn how existing circuits are working before designing new ones. How can I learn without getting help from others? Thanks,

Answer: If you can't learn on your own, you're heading for troubles in an EE career. An EE and most graduates are expected to have learned how to learn, from the fundamentals taught in undergrad classes. If you wan to work in embedded Hardware, do some of it on your own. Free ORCAD/Cadence software allows you to do schematics because most logic libraries are included in the free version. You got to like what you do at work, and the nest way to like something is to do it.

Question: How can I make some extra money sitting at home?????? I am a software engineer working in an embedded systems MNC since last 6months. I have 20-25 hrs free in a week. What can i do to utilise this time to make some extra money ?? Working at home or somewhere else is fine with me

Answer: There is a site where u can find genuine Data Entry jobs/Work at Home jobs without any up front costs or any registration fee. Work at home data entry Resources. Guides on Identifying Work at home Job Scams and a lot more. Visit here: http://outsource-data-entry.blogspot.com :)

Question: what is a good salary for a fresh college graduate with MS ...? in electrical engineering who plans to work on embedded software engineering?...mainly in DSP algorithms...using DSPs any comments...please be specific.. Thanks

Answer: It really depends on where you live. The US, India, Europe, or England? In the Central US, a fresh grad with no experience can expect an offer between $40K to $60K. After 5 years of embedded experience and some lead or management experience you may reach $70k to $90k. Over 10 years with an MS maybe able to earn over $120k.

Question: What is a good book/site to learn OOP design/programming? I am a embedded software engineer for my company, however, I mainly write C software and design as such. The subsystem I primarily work on uses C but the rest of our subsystems (~80%) all use C++ and is designed as such. There are opportunities for me to branch out and get more exposure, however, my C++ and OOP is fairly weak. I know that C isn't all that a huge leap from C++ but its more the mind set and putting the pieces together in C++ (OOP) which is challenging for me. My question, is there any good books and/or websites that give good instruction for OOP, but not at a complete beginner level as I have programming experience. Thanks!

Answer: Strongly suggest #4 on this page: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fgw%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Doop%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=clogui-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957 and #1, #8, #11, #12, and #13 on this page: http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fgw%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dc%252B%252B%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=clogui-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Question: What's the salary fr software professional with 10yrs work exp & MS degree in Computer Engineering in Belgium? Location: Antwerp Company: An US based embedded software development company Monthly base salary offer before tax: 3800 Euros Company is providing 13th Month salary plus double vacation money (92% of normal gross month salary), Meal vouchers, Hospitalisation insurance DKV, Group insurance AG (fortis), free internet subscription, PC - prive plan, Q8 card

Answer: Not enough ;-) Depends where you will have to pay income taxes. In Belgium these are around 35%. Monthly base salary should be around 3.500 euro (before taxes) but there can be different extra legal advantages, like company car, mobile, laptop computer, life insurance,...

Question: How is the online course on embedded systems being offered by "EMBLITZ" institute , bangalore? i am presently a software engineer working in well reputed indian firm. i am 1 year experienced now but i didnt like the field in which i am working since it's a datawarehousing. i am a graduate in electronics and communication engineering and while doing a course in embedded systems in bangalore, i got attracted by a software indian brand named company and got posted in the capital city of kerala and got struck over here. my area of interest is "EMBEDDED SYSTEMS". so , i am planning to shift to an embedded company in b'lore. Since,presently i am not in bangalore, it's difficult for me to attend for any part time classes for embedded. so, i came across the online course offered by emblitz bangalore. now, plzzzzz someone tell me whether i can go for that? will that help in fetching an embedded job for me? I would be really thankful for you if you can give your valuable advice....................

Answer: As good as online swimmimg classes.

Question: Which of these courses sounds the coolest? - Software Engineering - IT Management - Medical Engineering - Embedded Systems - IT Consultancy - IT Project Management - Artificial Intelligence ********************* My question was which is the coolest, not whcih is the best! I'm not asking which course is the best for me because I do have my own brain thank you! So please answer my question or don't answer at all...!!!! PS: Gordon Brown rules.

Answer: Artificial Intelligence sounds coolest!

Question: Dreamweaver v8 vs. CS3? I was looking into purchasing Dreamweaver online, but when I did a search, I found two main categories, both of which seemed fairly new: version 8 and CS3. Can anyone explain the main differences and/or relative merits of the two versions? For what it is worth, I am an embedded systems software engineer, just getting into web design. Thanks.

Answer: I'd save your money and just download http://evrsoft.com First Page 2000. It's free, it basically does the same thing DW does, and is also a WYSIWYG. If you really want to buy DW, ther is no difference between the 2, Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 is formerly Macromedia Dreamweaver 8.

Question: What starting salary can I expect as an Electrical Engineer (Master) in the UK? I am finishing off a placement with an English company and was asked to work for them after finishing my Master thesis in Germany (I am German). The area I would work is Embedded Software and Hardware Design in the automotive industry. It is a small company but growing strongly. In the area of Germany where I come from I could expect a starting salary of around 35.000 GBP. I will have a meeting with my bosses about the contractual things and I would like to know what I can ask for. Thanks for the help.

Answer: Here in the UK the salaries are probably in the region of £30K starting salary due to the downturn in the economy and companies are just not hiring at the moment. £35K in Germany sounds good but one will have to take into account cost of living to compare. A single person on £30K in the UK would probably have a disposable income of £8K. To rent a 2 bedroom house in a reasonably good area will cost you about £700 per month plus council tax and utilities (about £1000 a month in total). Your nett pay would be approx. £1900 a month Good luck from one german to another

Question: C#, Robotics, Embedded Systems, and Computer Engineers? I am an Electrical Engineer in undergrad, and am very interested in software and programming (changing my major to Computer Engineering soon). I also really like learning about circuits, hardware, electronics, etc. I've always had a knack for programming, and have good knowledge of Python, HTML, and some C++ (still learning). What I really want to do is get involved in Embedded Systems, Robotics, etc. I took a look at Microsoft Robotics in their Express studio collection, but have no idea what to do or where to begin! I want to basically make small machines, or anything hardware-related that I can put my own program into. I think the prospect of programming something (a real-life thing, not just run a program on a computer) to do something of your design is really cool, and would like to know more! Another thin i'm interested in is game design. As I looked into this, C# kept popping up everywhere. What exactly is it? Is it different from C++? How would I go about learning it? Where can one apply it? P.S. I know this is a long question, so please answer on anything you have input in!

Answer: To get started, I would suggest you look at some educational kits. Starting with working sub components like sensors, grippers, legs (for walking) a wheeled base unit, etc will save you getting swamped by problems of mechanical design and construction as well as the electronics and the programming side. Once you have got some experience, you can go further into the things that interest you most. Kit systems like Lego Mindstorms are used in university-level courses, they are certainly not just "kids toys". It would be worth asking what your own college uses in its robotics courses. C# is a language invented by Microsoft as an alternative to Java. (Probably because MS don't like using "not invented here" technology, but that's another issue). Personally, I wouldn't get hung up about what programming language(s) to use. Learning how to program is the important thing, not the details of this week's fashionable language. I've worked as a mechanical engineer but spent a lot of my time working on developing new computer methods for stress and dynamics analysis. In about 30 years working in industry, I've learned a new programming language every two years or so. After the first 5 or 10 languages, learning another one is no big deal.

Question: Who is the best free nationwide “headhunter� in the USA? I am a “Test Engineer� and a “Software Developer�. My salary is also in between. I have only an associate’s degree in Electronics + Misc. Classes that I have taken over the last 10 years. I have been working as a “Test Engineer� for 9 years. Most of my work has been writing test software. Much of the code has been written in embedded C, and assembly. But I also program in Visual Basic 6, C++ 6.0, and a little in Visual Basic.Net, and Corellis. My problem is, my title is “Test Application Engineer�. This title does not exist anywhere. Most firms hire “Test Engineers� or “Software Developers�. A test engineer makes about 40K, and a “Software Developer� makes 70K+. I make 66K. I am willing to move. My beautiful girlfriend has a job that she can do most anywhere in the USA. Any suggestions?

Answer: Craigslist Jobs section.. (be ware of hh placed ads), another avenue is to specific jobs is to find site(s) that cater to your work specialty. For Example in NY , there's a NYPHP developers group they place ads for PHP job openings all the time.. see if you can find a board or site that caters to your work specialty.

Question: I want to do phd in computer science from usa universities. i want to know which areas in computer science? should i follow .which all areas in computer science have a great prospect ,great future .Which area should i follow and continue to work on it so that it doesnt become obsolete with time. Following are some options Architecture and embedded systems Artificial Intelligence Bioinformatics Computer Graphics Computer Networking Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Databse Management Systems Parallel And Distributed Systems Software Engineering Theoritical Computer Science Help me on this matter

Answer: Pick an area which you have an interest and enjoy reading, Consider your background and what you will do with your degree. You might want to consider the type of research grants that are available in each area.

Question: MBA or MS.. what shud i opt? hi , i am right now in software company , which has tie up with BITS Pilani for MS programme in embedded system and software engineering. But i am really confused that shoul i go for MBA or opt MS, ..i wanna do parrely MS or MBA with ny job.. shud i opt for part time MBA is it better.. i am intrested in that too.. but final aim is to earn lots of money.. :)

Answer: go for MBA because the problem with software industry is changing market..... so MS will not be that much cost effective... and as ur aim is to earn money then doin MBA will give u a better start in terms of salary..... also as u've experience in software industry that will add a + point in ur candidature.... so go for MBA... dude... all the best

Question: Where can I find distance education graduate programs for biology and engineering? I am wanting to find a low-cost graduate program that can be completed online/distance education. I can do biology or any type of engineering except civil engineering. I am particularly interested in aquaculture, industrial microbiology, anaerobic digestion, embedded systems (hardware and software), and renewable energy. I would love to find a good low-cost program to at least touch on these topics and possibly provide a master's degree. Thank you for your help. I speak of graduate school, not undergraduate. It is my understanding that graduate courses mostly do not require the laboratory sessions that undergraduate courses do, since I completed undergraduate courses in biology and electrical and computer engineering, as I was completing my bachelor's degree spanning these fields.

Answer: The fields you mention require laboratories, which are very "hands-on" courses, and therefore would not be available online. Courses online usually do not have a laboratory, and tend to be business related. You would do better to attend a community college for your first two years of college, and then transfer to a four-year university for the last two years. I recommend community college because the classes are small, you will receive individualized attention, and the tuition is usually about 1/3 the cost of a four-year university. A career counselor in Student Services can assist you in selecting your career by examining your options.

Question: Should take a week training course in C++? So I am a software engineer who has been laid off recently. For the last 6 years I have done embedded programming in C and some assembly language. It seems like most of the jobs i see these days require C++. So I am debating if i should cough up the $2000 for one of these 5 day C++ training seminars that i see online. Anyone know if these courses are really usefull and worth the money. If so any suggestions on who to go through?

Answer: Try learning it yourself before paying all that money. It might be easier than they're making it out to be.

Question: For a masters degree which is better ? I'm a computer engineering graduate and I'm planning on pursuing a masters degree. I'm now facing two options; either to pursuit a hardware oriented masters degree (embedded systems) or a software oriented masters degree. Which of the two is better for me career wise (i like both of them) ?

Answer: hardware oriented masters degree

Question: Suggest me some ME course i am a Information technology student? THE OPTIONS ARE embedded systems embedded and real time system IN ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT computer science and engineering software engineering VLSI design Multimedia Technology Biomedical engg system engg and operations research communication and networking computer and communication digital communication and network engg network engg wireless technology space science and engg web and mobile tech satelite tech pervasive computing tech IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Answer: i wil suggest the foll satelite tech pervasive computing tech system engg and operations research VLSI design

Question: What actually are those so called "Porn Detectors" software? I keep hearing about those so called "Porn Detectors" especially those for airliners checks airlines where they plug-in a data cable into your electronic storage device; however what are they really? and are they really effective as their function claimed to be? To my own understanding to 'sniff out' specific criteria of data requiring the software that is able to narrow down keywords or a combination of a string of words. So wouldn't that just makes it somesort of "search engine" like device? I have inquired this to a friend who's field is Electronics engineering. So far I been told that these software can also contains limited 'analysis' functions that scans color tone including the pattern and textures for example skins in a embedded JPEG image based on the software algorithm. However what about videos or there is to say specific video formats or even odd formats like .Ogg or .mkv? also how are they able to filter 'false positives'?

Answer: The best way to answer this is from a link on the Internet.

Question: Has anyone ever heard of "9/11 Conspiracy Theory Guru" Jim Hoffman? He is one of the 9/11 Conspiracy Guru's often quoted on this board. In doing some research, I found that he isn't a structural engineer, nor a civil engineer, not a chemical engineer, nor even an architect. This "expert" is a software engineer. In his own words: "A software engineer by profession, I have developed new algorithms and applications in computational geometry used in both pure mathematics and polymer chemistry. My work in applying scientific visualization to minimal surface geometry was instrumental in the discovery of the first new examples of complete, finite, embedded minimal surfaces in over two hundred years. My visualizations have been featured in articles in Science News, Scientific American, Science Digest, and Nature." How is that for credible scientific evidence? The quote is from "his" 9/11 Conspiracy website.

Answer: Maybe he made a video game with buildings falling down and dreamed it was real.

Question: Can't decide between BS EE vs BS CPE? I am torn between these similar degrees. I want to work in chip design for computers, ideally for a large cutting edge company like intel, amd, nvidia, etc. Here are mutually required courses that I will take either way: CPE 112 - Introduction to Computer Programming in Engineering CPE 212 - Fundamentals of Software Engineering CPE 323 - Introduction to Embedded Computer Systems EE 100 - Fundamentals of Computer, Electrical and Optical Engineering EE 202 - Introduction to Digital Logic Design EE 213 - Electrical Circuit Analysis I EE 310 - Solid State Fundamentals EE 315 - Introduction to Electronic Analysis and Design EE 420 - Random Signals and Noise These courses are required for CPE: CS 214 - Introduction to Discrete Structures CS 317 - Introduction to Design and Analysis of Algorithms CPE 353 - Software Design and Engineering CPE 321 - Computer Organization CPE 422 - Advanced Logic Design CPE 381 - Fundamentals of Signals and Systems for Computer Engineers CPE 431 - Introduction to Computer Architecture CPE 434 - Operating Systems CPE 448 - Introduction to Computer Networks And these are required for EE: PH 113 - Physics III(wave motion, optics, relativity, quantum effects) EE 307 - Electricity and Magnetism EE 313 - Electrical Circuit Analysis II EE 382 - Analytical Methods for Continuous Time Systems EE 383 - Analytical Methods for Multivariable and Discrete Time Systems EE 425 - Introduction to Control and Robotic Systems EE 447 - Electromagnetic Engineering EE allows for 5 electives while CPE only allows for 2, so If I did EE I could still take several of the extra software courses. What do you guys think? Which degree/course work seems more appropriate for someone who wants to work with hardware, but specifically with something like microprocessors? Course descriptions can be looked up by searching the course number on this catalog: http://catalog.uah.edu/ Thanks anyone for your time No, I don't mean work with hardware like program it, I want to do hardware design.

Answer: Well my answer may help a little bit, but not entirely. This is because the two career areas often share many similar opportunities and relevant course material. (Some engineers move from one field to the other) 1. Please clarify, do you want to "work with hardware ICs", etc., or do you want to actually work on semiconductor fabrication, SOC, ASIC design, etc? I expect you will probably want to pursue a Masters in EE with a specialty in semiconductor design if the answer is the latter. If your answer is the former (work with hardware), then personally I would choose CPE, *GIVEN THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE PROVIDED ME*. Reasoning: Personally I graduated with a BS in EE with the EE courses, and after deciding embedded systems design is what I desire, I had to, on my own free time, learn: -Programming for embedded sys. (C, now learning C++) -Hardware design (some analog, mostly digital, digital logic, and CAD PCB design) -Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) -FPGA design: VHDL/Verilog So you can see an example: had I chosen CPE courses, if available, I would have been far better prepared already as opposed to graduating with a 'generic' EE degree, which was not more specialized. If you are pursuing ASIC/semiconductor IC design, perhaps someone else can comment on that.

Question: Confused With career? I did my engineering in electronics and communication...But I got a job in software field ( as Software Engineer) .I did perform well in my JOB since i am good in coding...But i am not interested in doing this , but I am very good at it.I want to be in Embedded systems field which I am not that good at... but I like that field .it was my fav subject in college.What should I do to get in into this field.. also am I right in doing this ?

Answer: I have people on my staff called Program Managers. They generally have an engineering degree, some engineering experience, but now they manage the process of new products being developed vs. the hands on stuff you are talking about. Look up being a Project Manager (as the skills inventory is the same) and see if that is for you. Join your local PMI chapter if you are interested.

Question: SoCrates Soft, Bangalore? Does anyone know how is SoCrates Soft, Bangalore ? I am a fresher (electronics and communiacations engineer) and have several options at my disposal. I personally want to work in embedded software. Am not able to decide because I don't have much information. I was not able to get much information about SoCrates soft. Any type of information will be helpful. Thanks. I know about Toshiba accuring SoCrates... can I have any other details please? I know about Toshiba acquiring SoCrates... can I have any other details please?

Answer: Article - Toshiba Acquires SoCrates Soft @ AccessMyLibrary.com Excerpt: "(From Business Line) Bangalore, March 8 - THE city-based SoCrates Software India, has been acquired by Toshiba, to become..." Courtesy access with library card.accessmylibrary.com/comsite5/bin/pdinventory.pl?page=smx_aml_a&... - More from this site The Hindu Business Line : Toshiba acquires SoCrates Soft Toshiba acquires SoCrates Soft. Our Bureau. Bangalore , March 8 ... Toshiba acquires SoCrates Soft `Indian business owners among the top e-mail users globally' ...www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/09/stories/2005030900250500.htm

Question: Which is better B. Tech. Computer science and engineering or B. Tech. information technology??? I am a class XII student with 96% in pcm......... I want to do B. Tech.Software engineering.......Which one of the two relates more to software engineering---B. Tech. Computer science and engineering or B. Tech. in information technology????? Which has more job opportunity and whic is better for a M.Tech. in embedded systems????

Answer: B.Tech CS. my 2 cents. I guess you must be Indian. Why only CS :( Go for real engineering like mechanical or civil which is always needed through out the world, unless you are afraid of math. You'll be paid well too. Unlike CS where even half baked beans get paid just because they write s/w, mech/civil will need your real aptitude and extensive knowledge.May be that's why people are scared. I write s/w for mechanical systems simulation and machine control

Question: i want to do paper presentation ? please select me nice topic & also .tell me where that topic is available .pls help me Wireless / Mobile Communication Network security and Routing Neural network and Fuzzy Logic Intelligent knowledge management and Data Mining Component based Software Engineering Grid / Soft Computing Image Processing Natural Language Processors Real Time Embedded Distributed Computing e-Business Application & other IT related topics

Answer: i agree with the above answer...but if i were you i would go with wireless/mobile communication as it is a growing and happening field in which you'll find loads of interesting knowledge...also matter on this field is easily available. it is a very debated upon topic in recent times...you will be able to find inputs about this field even in the newspapers!

Question: Seeking advices on good and practical areas for computer engineering (Ph.D)? Hi, I am a new graduate student in Georgia Tech. However, I have a hard time deciding on the specific area of study for Ph.D . I am looking for a practical (which increases chances of being hired by big companies) area, but also have to think about future ... Can anybody advise me on this... the possible areas of computer engineering are as follows, -Computer Architecture -Embedded Systems and Software -Design Tools, Test and Verification -Computer Networks and Internetworking -Distributed Systems and Software -VLSI Design

Answer: I work for a large electronics company doing hardware design. The up and coming topic now is security and encription for private, commercial and military applications from both a hardware and software standpoint.

Question: Will Americans be able to compete globally in 10-25 years from now (i.e. against India, China, S.Korea)? I work at a very large high-tech (software/hardware/embedded systems) company in USA (over 10,000 employees), and 90% of the people who work there are not native Americans, but most are on visa's from China and India. And perhaps 5% of the company are caucasian ('white'). My colleagues are very bright, like myself, and believe me we all demand very large paychecks. In graduate engineering school (only 5 years ago) I was perhaps the only white student among everyone from Asia & India. I worked extremely hard, in the lab every night, while my 'business major & history major' friends were out partying and getting drunk daily. I thought that this separation of ethnicities (whites going into 'sports and arts majors' vs science/engineering) was just a fluke, but it seems to be reality in the work-force. How does one get the MTV generation of today to look beyond sports and celebrities, and to actually focus and produce real work and compete? India/Asia will kick our ass, believe me.

Answer: China has not invented anything in the last 50 years. Yes they study, study, study. But its all repetition and no innovation. I agree with you though aobut India. They are truly smart people and can actually think. They are not just cheap labour and with them being the world's biggest democracy, I'm happy for them. I hope Canada and US can compete too, but from what I see so far, I doubt it. If they want to do business in China for instance, the Chinese government makes them set up a third company with 50/50 ownership. China then "steals" the technology, while the US companies get cheap labour. And sometimes, they even put "made in the US" labels" on it, when its made in China. Thats because they might bring it back tot he US and machine it here or inspect it here. The public has no clue.

Question: I want to change my career path? I am an electronics engineer working in industrial automation and robotics domain. I have about 4 years experience. I have always had great liking for programming and have done a lot of it involving robots (robot specific programming language similar to C Language) I also have an exposure to C# but not as much as full time developers. Also, I have a good hand in C++ since I have developed many robots as an amature. Now, I want to move to full time software domain preferably in Embedded domain as a developer. Please suggest me if its a good idea to do so and what is the best method to implement this idea. Its getting hard to convince a software company with my current profile at this moment. I am ready to go for higher education if needed. Regards, Ranjan

Answer: What kind of software company are your speaking with? You need to focus on systems software and look for jobs in firms that provide control systems, industrial automation systems, if that is your area of expertise. You can also target engineering consulting firms, and the industrial firms that use them (auto manufacturers, power plants, chemical engineering plants, etc.). Look up the websites of technology providers like Wind River Systems and Mentor Graphics to research this field and also to look at possible application areas. You could also pursue a Master's Degree in your field. It is always a good idea to specialize.