Transition from software to hardware ~ Career Advice

[u/Prentire97]

Hi everyone,

I’m a self-taught software developer with 10 years of experience who is looking for advice on how to move closer to working with hardware (I hope I am in the right place).

For my work, I’ve mostly been using Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, Rust, and SQL to build B2B SaaS apps. I also worked a bit with C++/C# for some side projects. I am originally from Germany but moved to the US a few years ago and plan on staying here long term.

I recently picked up a Raspberry Pi and started building my own mini-robot. I got really interested in the idea of transitioning my career to a field where I can combine coding with hands-on engineering. Some fields that have always been of particular interest to me are computer chips, robotics and anything related to aerospace.

I am uncertain how to proceed and whether I should keep going down the route I took for software development of self-teaching myself, which I presume is possible but seems harder than coding. The alternative I’ve considered is doing a remote bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Germany while working in the US, so I don’t need to take any substantial student loans since a degree costs roughly $2k there. The options I am considering are: - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Computer Engineering

In parallel, I could teach the necessary C, C++, and Python skills myself, as I have done with the other coding languages.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has made a similar switch or has experience in these engineering fields. Looking forward to your advice!

[u/Glittering-Source0]

All of those fields have a high level of entry. You need an in person 4 year bachelors. Especially since it sounds like you don’t have a bachelors already. That’s bare minimum.

Another option could be a trade school or associates degree type thing and then do into more of a technician role than an engineer role