embedded systems security engineer
Snapshot
Protecting the devices that power our world is more critical than ever. As an embedded systems security engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of safeguarding connected products from cyber threats, ensuring their reliable and secure operation.
Embedded systems security engineers are vital in today's interconnected landscape. You'll work to protect data and programs within embedded systems—think everything from smart appliances and medical devices to automotive systems and industrial control networks. Your daily tasks involve analyzing system designs, identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to potential threats. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and a proactive approach to security.
- • Designing and implementing security solutions for embedded systems, including hardware and software.
- • Conducting security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
- • Developing and enforcing security policies and procedures.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Information and communications technology professionals — 75 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark and 6 more.
Longest-running shortage: Austria, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could embedded systems security engineer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for embedded systems security engineer
The outlook for embedded systems security engineer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could embedded systems security engineer change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could embedded systems security engineer change as AI adoption grows?
Several task areas may shift toward AI-assisted workflows, so reskilling becomes more important.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- provide ICT consulting advice
- monitor system performance
- define security policies
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- perform risk analysis
- identify ICT security risks
- analyse ICT system
Tasks most exposed to automation
- report test findings
- manage IT security compliances
- use software libraries
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Digital Technology
A typical day as a embedded systems security engineer
09 09:00 · Morning develop ICT device driver
10 10:30 · Mid-morning define security policies
12 12:00 · Midday develop software prototype
14 14:00 · Afternoon execute software tests
15 15:30 · Late afternoon identify ICT security risks
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse ICT system
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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cyber attack counter-measures
Methods, technologies and techniques used to defend (detect, monitor and recover) against cyber attacks. These cyber attacks include several attack vectors such as malware, denial of service (DoS) attacks and phishing. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS), firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection systems (IDS), cybersecurity training, backup, Information Security Management System (ISM), multi-factor authentication and employ awareness, are some examples of the methods used.
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embedded systems
The computer systems and components with a specialised and autonomous function within a larger system or machine such as embedded systems software architectures, embedded peripherals, design principles and development tools.
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ICT network security risks
The security risk factors, such as hardware and software components, devices, interfaces and policies in ICT networks, risk assessment techniques that can be applied to assess the severity and the consequences of security threats and contingency plans for each security risk factor.
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ICT security standards
Best practices and guidelines established for securing information and communication technology (ICT) systems and data. Standards as is the case of ISO 27000 series, provide a framework for implementing effective security controls, including access control, risk assessment and incident management, as well as to provide compliance of anorganisation.
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information security strategy
The plan defined by a company which sets the information security objectives and measures to mitigate risks, define control objectives, establish metrics and benchmarks while complying with legal, internal and contractual requirements.
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Internet of Things
The general principles, categories, requirements, limitations and vulnerabilities of smart connected devices (most of them with intended internet connectivity).
- computer programming
- digital systems
- safety engineering
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utilise computer-aided software engineering tools
Use software tools (CASE) to support the development lifecycle, design and implementation of software and applications of high-quality that can be easily maintained.
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develop software prototype
Create a first incomplete or preliminary version of a piece of software application to simulate some specific aspects of the final product.
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develop ICT device driver
Create a software program that controls the working of an ICT device and its interaction with other applications.
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execute software tests
Perform tests to ensure that a software product will perform flawlessly under the specified customer requirements and identify software defects (bugs) and malfunctions, using specialised software tools and testing techniques.
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manage IT security compliances
Guide application and fulfilment of relevant industry standards, best practices and legal requirements for information security.
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use software libraries
Utilise collections of codes and software packages which capture frequently used routines to help programmers simplify their work.
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perform risk analysis
Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.
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identify ICT security risks
Apply methods and techniques to identify potential security threats, security breaches and risk factors using ICT tools for surveying ICT systems, analysing risks, vulnerabilities and threats and evaluating contingency plans.
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define security policies
Design and execute a written set of rules and policies that have the aim of securing an organisation concerning constraints on behaviour between stakeholders, protective mechanical constraints and data-access constraints.
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define technical requirements
Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
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identify ICT system weaknesses
Analyse the system and network architecture, hardware and software components and data in order to identify weaknesses and vulnerability to intrusions or attacks. Execute diagnostic operations on cyber infrastructure including research, identification, interpretation and categorization of vulnerabilities, associated attacks and malicious code (e.g. malware forensics and malicious network activity). Compare indicators or observables with requirements and review logs to identify evidence of past intrusions.
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perform ICT security testing
Execute types of security testing, such as network penetration testing, wireless testing, code reviews, wireless and/or firewall assessments in accordance with industry-accepted methods and protocols to identify and analyse potential vulnerabilities.
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keep up with the latest information systems solutions
Gather the latest information on existing information systems solutions which integrate software and hardware, as well as network components.
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provide ICT consulting advice
Advise on appropriate solutions in the field of ICT by selecting alternatives and optimising decisions while taking into account potential risks, benefits and overall impact to professional customers.
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use software design patterns
Utilise reusable solutions, formalised best practices, to solve common ICT development tasks in software development and design.
Skill DNA
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Where does embedded systems security engineer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What’s the difference between general cybersecurity and embedded systems security?
- General cybersecurity focuses on protecting networks and data centers. Embedded systems security is a specialized field dealing with the unique challenges of securing devices with limited resources and often operating in physically vulnerable environments. It requires a deeper understanding of hardware and firmware.
- What skills are most important for this role?
- Strong programming skills (C/C++ are common), knowledge of embedded operating systems (like RTOS), understanding of hardware security principles, experience with vulnerability assessment tools, and familiarity with security protocols are all crucial. Analytical and problem-solving abilities are also essential.
- Are there specific industries where embedded systems security engineers are in high demand?
- Demand is growing across many sectors, including automotive (electric vehicles, autonomous driving), healthcare (medical devices), industrial automation, consumer electronics, and aerospace. The increasing connectivity of devices means security is paramount in all these areas.
- Embedded Systems Security Engineer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Yes. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a shortage was reported in 10 of the 11 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark and 6 more. Austria has reported one for 3 consecutive years. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Embedded Systems Security Engineer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $108,970 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $60,470 to $156,590. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.