The automotive sector and C++ have forged a strong partnership over the past four decades. Starting in the early 1980s, engineers utilized C, the precursor to C++, to develop electronic control systems for ignition and fuel injection. Today, electronics constitute a significant 35% of a car’s total cost.
C++ has undergone rapid advancements in the last ten years, enabling programmers to create sophisticated functionalities and safety features well before the ISO 26262 standard became compulsory.
Continue reading to discover why self-driving car manufacturers favor C++ for their software development, the global community of C++ programmers, and their earning potential across Europe, the US, and Australia.
Why C++ Reigns Supreme in Autonomous Vehicle Programming
C++ Underpins Core Computer Vision and Image Recognition Libraries
Computer vision and image recognition serve as the sensory organs of autonomous vehicles. C++, renowned for its efficiency in managing numerous sensors and data streams, is ideally suited for this task.
OpenCV, a leading computer vision library, is built using C++. It empowers developers to manipulate images through transformations, resizing, color adjustments, contour detection, Gaussian blurring, and edge identification, as well as process images as pixel matrices. TensorFlow, another prominent framework written in C++, remains a top choice for deep learning applications.
These technologies are indispensable for self-driving capabilities. The true advantage of C++ lies in its exceptional speed in data processing, which is crucial for real-time decision-making in autonomous driving.
Embedded Systems Find Their Mother Tongue in C++
Engine control units (ECUs) within embedded systems are most effectively managed and programmed using C++. This language facilitates high-level structured programming on fundamental hardware components.
Modern vehicles are equipped with at least 100 ECUs, each responsible for a variety of functions, ranging from essential operations like engine ignition and power steering to comfort, access, and security features.
Consequently, a vast array of ECUs manages critical vehicle systems, including transmission control, infotainment, engine management, active and passive safety systems (ABS and ADAS), navigation, security, and climate control.
The intricate hardware and software integrated into today’s automobiles are designed to ensure passenger safety and comfort, accounting for approximately 35% of the vehicle’s overall cost.
C++ Adheres to Automotive Industry Safety Standards and ISO 26262
C++ is compliant with the performance, security, functional safety, and behavioral criteria defined in ISO 26262 — the mandatory international safety benchmark for automotive manufacturers.
The latest ISO 26262 guidelines require automotive manufacturers to:
- Develop software that is scalable, easily updated, and integrable across different suppliers.
- Demonstrate reliability in software components, libraries, tools, and ASIL qualified elements.
- Create software that is both optimized and high-performing.
C++ supports a wide array of libraries and is compatible with cross-platform compilers that operate across most CPU classes.
C++ satisfies all the essential criteria of ISO 26262, establishing it as the premier language for automotive software development.
C++ Expertise is Highly Sought After for Self-Driving Car Development
The speed, power, and suitability of C++ for embedded systems development have made it a cornerstone in the automotive industry. Leading companies such as Tesla, Apple, Ford, and General Motors have driven a significant demand for C++ programmers specializing in vehicle technology.
According to research by Indeed, Aptiv and Nvidia are recognized as top employers of C++ vehicle programmers in Detroit and Silicon Valley, respectively.
Automotive firms prioritize programmers skilled in C and C++. Following closely are Python programmers and professionals with expertise in image processing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
The Global Community of C++ Programmers
The automotive industry has revitalized the importance of C++, a programming language with a 35-year history.
The TIOBE index ranks C++ as the fourth most popular programming language globally.
In 2018, the number of C++ programmers was estimated at 4.4 million, and projections suggested this number would reach 5.4 million by the end of 2021.
The worldwide automotive industry is currently valued at $2.7 trillion, with China, the United States, and India as the largest markets. In the US alone, the automotive sector employs around 1.7 million professionals.
Manufacturing and software development are often geographically separated. Consequently, self-driving and autonomous car manufacturers are looking globally to find and recruit C++ developers.
While C++ has a steeper learning curve compared to languages like JavaScript and Python, it is widely adopted in Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland.
Notably, Ukraine boasts one of the largest pools of C++ and Unity3D developers worldwide, making it a prime location for hiring skilled professionals in automotive software development, including Python programmers.
C++ Programmer Salary Trends Worldwide
The most competitive salaries for C++ programmers in the automotive industry are found in Australia (US $118,705) and the US ($117,874), followed by Denmark ($81,516). In contrast, the lowest average salaries are reported in Ukraine ($30,400) and Sweden ($55,703).
| Countries | C++ Programmer Salary |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | $30,400 |
| Sweden | $55,703 |
| Germany | $58,897 |
| the Netherlands | $73,644 |
| the UK | $76,203 |
| Denmark | $81,516 |
| Australia | $118,705 |
Within the US, California offers the highest compensation for C++ programmers. The average annual salary reaches $125,468 in Santa Clara, CA, $125,430 in San Francisco, and $120,428 in Fremont, CA.
| City | C++ Programmer Salary |
|---|---|
| Santa Clara, CA | $125,468 |
| San Francisco, CA | $125,430 |
| Fremont, CA | $120,428 |
| San Jose, CA | $117,874 |
| Alexandria, VA | $117,004 |
| Oakland, CA | $116,597 |
Ukraine, despite having a large C++ developer community, offers a more modest salary range, from approximately $1000 per month for junior C++ programmers to $1500-$2200 for mid-level, and $3500-$4000 for senior positions.
Eastern Europe: A Hub for Hiring C++ Developers
A shortage of skilled professionals is a significant impediment to the advancement of the automotive industry. C++ developers are in high demand, and salary data indicates considerable global variations for comparable skill sets.
Automotive giants and startups are increasingly turning to outsourcing destinations in Eastern Europe, such as Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania, to secure C++ talent.
As a leading global technology services provider specializing in digital transformation, Grid Dynamics provides access to this skilled talent pool. Our delivery centers across the Americas, Europe, and India enable us to quickly assemble dedicated teams with specialized expertise.
Grid Dynamics offers a flexible approach to team scaling, allowing you to start with a smaller team and expand into a cross-functional dedicated development unit, including programmers, BAs, QAs, UI/UX designers, and other specialists. If you are seeking C++ programmers, simply share your requirements with us, and our expert team will connect you with the ideal professionals for your project.
