u/saif_rchobby

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working as an R&D Engineer and I'm planning to switch jobs soon. I’m looking for real career and financial advice on how to position myself because I’ve fallen into the "generalist" trap.

Right now, my day-to-day work involves a massive mix of:

IoT: Connected device projects, microcontrollers, and communication protocols.

Drones / UAVs: Flight controllers, stabilizers, and full system integration.

Hardware & Circuits: Schematic design and prototyping.

Product Development: Using 3D printing (Bambu Lab) to design and prototype enclosures/mechanical parts end-to-end.

I love being able to take an idea and build the whole physical, moving, smart device from scratch. But here is the problem: I need a good pay bump.

I know that general "R&D" roles at small-to-mid companies often mean doing five people's jobs for the salary of one. If my primary goal for this next jump is maximizing my salary, which stream should I lock into?

Should I strictly sell myself as an IoT / Embedded Firmware Engineer and focus heavily on the software/connectivity side because that's where the tech money is?

Should I double down as a UAV Systems Engineer focusing on the enterprise drone industry?

Should I focus on pure Hardware/PCB Design, using my 3D printing/enclosure skills just as a bonus?

For those making good money in these fields: How do I rebrand my resume so I don't just look like a hobbyist who does everything, but a high-value specialist worth a premium package?

Appreciate any brutally honest advice

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working as an R&D Engineer and I'm planning to switch jobs soon. I’m looking for real career and financial advice on how to position myself because I’ve fallen into the "generalist" trap.

Right now, my day-to-day work involves a massive mix of:

IoT: Connected device projects, microcontrollers, and communication protocols.

Drones / UAVs: Flight controllers, stabilizers, and full system integration.

Hardware & Circuits: Schematic design and prototyping.

Product Development: Using 3D printing (Bambu Lab) to design and prototype enclosures/mechanical parts end-to-end.

I love being able to take an idea and build the whole physical, moving, smart device from scratch. But here is the problem: I need a good pay bump.

I know that general "R&D" roles at small-to-mid companies often mean doing five people's jobs for the salary of one. If my primary goal for this next jump is maximizing my salary, which stream should I lock into?

Should I strictly sell myself as an IoT / Embedded Firmware Engineer and focus heavily on the software/connectivity side because that's where the tech money is?

Should I double down as a UAV Systems Engineer focusing on the enterprise drone industry?

Should I focus on pure Hardware/PCB Design, using my 3D printing/enclosure skills just as a bonus?

For those making good money in these fields: How do I rebrand my resume so I don't just look like a hobbyist who does everything, but a high-value specialist worth a premium package?

Appreciate any brutally honest advice.