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Embedded systems security engineer

Also called IoT security engineer, cybersecurity engineer, cyber security engineer

Embedded systems security engineers advise and implement solutions to control access to data and programs in embedded and connected systems. They help ensuring the safe operation of products with embedded systems and connected devices by being responsible for the protection and security of the related systems and design, plan and execute security measures accordingly. Embedded systems security engineers help to keep attackers at bay by implementing safeguards that prevent intrusions and breaches.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospectsShortage in 10 countries now. 59 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.ICT professionalsWhat does it pay?Well above averageFrom about €2,900 (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · ICT professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually a degree8 in 10 have a degree.ICT professionalsWill AI change it?ModeratelyLevel 4 of 6. AI could take on part of some tasks, but none fully.Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified · ILO

What you'd do

Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified · ILO
  • Developing plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs
  • Training users and promoting security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency
  • Conferring with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes
  • Monitoring current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems
  • Modifying computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors or change individual access status
  • Monitoring use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files
  • Performing risk assessments and executing tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures
  • Encrypting data transmissions and erecting firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers
Identify ICT security risksManage IT security compliancesInterpret technical textsDefine security policiesPerform ICT security testing+ 15 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Indoors
  • Sitting most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Good freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the US job "Information Security Engineers"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

10 EU countries are short of database and network professionals not elsewhere classified now, and many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as ICT professionals in the EU
2.77m4.86m6.75m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,516,000 new jobs 1,592,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
ICT professionals59
All jobs29
Right now
10 of 27 countries report a shortage of database and network professionals not elsewhere classified, 1 a surplus.
Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified · EURES

What does it pay?

Well above average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €2,900 a month (Slovakia) to €7,300 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among professionals in the EU, women earn 21% less per hour than men. Professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually a degree

A degree in database and network design and administration is the usual route.

Highest qualification of ICT professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 81%Vocational 10%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 2%
Field that teaches it
Database and network design and administration
Vocational route, EU
4 in 10 trainees in this field
ICT graduates in a matching job
77% in the EU

887 institutions in the EU offer ICT bachelor's degrees. Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Moderately

AI could take on part of some tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.49 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 8 tasks
Monitoring current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems0.60
Developing plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs0.53
Conferring with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes0.48
Modifying computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors or change individual access status0.48
Performing risk assessments and executing tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures0.47
Training users and promoting security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency0.47
Monitoring use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files0.44
Encrypting data transmissions and erecting firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers0.41

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for database and network professionals not elsewhere classified. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).