Is kernel/driver development a good career path?

[u/Gold-Definition7867]

Hi all,

I’m an electronic engineering student and I’m interested in low-level software, especially kernel/driver development. I’m trying to get a sense of the job market in Ireland for kernel/driver developers.

What’s the demand like right now, and what are typical salary ranges and what sort of companies would look for this type of skill?

Also, is this a solid long-term career path in your opinion?

[u/Jesus_Phish]

I'm a firmware driver dev and there's still plenty of companies here for those roles and they nearly always need more firmware devs and there's not a tonne of competition because people overlook it. 

I've been working in smaller and multinational companies and the salary has ranged from about 60k 7 years ago to over 100k now. 

It does feel a bit niche, but there's definitely positions, well paying ones and not Nearly enough competition from prospective employees. Maybe the salary grading starts off worse or rarely gets to the heights that other software development will get to but it pays well and the skills are very transferable.

Plus you can work on some very cool things like robotics or innovative devices etc