The IEEE-USA Consultant Finder is an online database where consultants can create profiles; and clients can post assignments, to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Each quarter, IEEE-USA InSight will profile a consultant listed in the IEEE-USA Consultant Finder, so you can become familiar with some of the excellent technical experts our database has to offer, who can tend to your technological needs. Our first Spotlight is on Jacob Beningo, CEO & Founder, Beningo Embedded Group.
Jacob Beningo is an embedded software consultant, educator and entrepreneur. He specializes in helping companies modernize their embedded software development processes, focusing on areas like build systems, software architecture, DevOps, Simulation, and AI/ML techniques. Beningo is originally from Michigan; and his passion lies in improving the way embedded systems are designed, developed and maintained.
Beningo has always been fascinated by how things work. As a kid, he loved taking things apart. Initially, little Jacob started putting toys in places they shouldn’t be — like VCRs — so his parents had to help him take them apart to find his toys. Over time, he progressed to radios, remote controls, TVs, etc. That curiosity led him to study electronics and software, then leading him to embedded systems. That combination of hardware and software engineering has kept Beningo engaged ever since.
After working in the industry for several years, Beningo saw a recurring challenge: companies struggling to develop high-quality, maintainable and scalable embedded software. He wanted to have a bigger impact by helping multiple companies solve these issues, rather than being limited to just one company at a time, through the normal employment process. Consulting allows him to share best practices across different industries; work on a variety of exciting projects; and help companies succeed by optimizing their development processes.
Enter the IEEE-USA Consultant Finder. Beningo joined the IEEE-USA Consultant Finder as a way to connect with companies and individuals looking for embedded software expertise. “One of the best things about it is that it provides a direct way for companies to find specialized consultants who can address their unique challenges,” he said. In addition, he offered, “It also helps build credibility and visibility in the engineering community. I’ve also found it useful for networking with colleagues, and finding other consultants to help cover skill gaps in projects that I’m working on.”
Beningo’s specialty is embedded software development, with a strong focus on real-time systems, software architecture, and modernizing embedded development practices. What he enjoys most is the problem-solving aspect — finding elegant, efficient and scalable solutions for complex systems. Beningo also loves teaching and helping engineers upskill to become more effective in their roles. “I’ve found that a lot of teams struggle to integrate moderate techniques — slowing them down, and causing them to deliver late — and over budget,” he said.
The variety of projects and the ability to make a meaningful impact are what Beningo enjoys most about consulting. He gets to work with different teams, industries and technologies — keeping things fresh and challenging for him. For those considering consulting, Beningo’s advice is to start by identifying what problem(s) you like to and can solve, and who your ideal client is. He says once you understand your focus, it’s easier to build your expertise and personal brand. “Then you can establish yourself as a thought leader through blogging, speaking, or open-source contributions, Beningo noted.
He counsels that if you aren’t sure who you want to help, starting out as a contractor, or moonlighting on projects, can help you get a wide variety of experiences. In turn, those experiences will help you decide where you can provide the most value.
Beningo also says it is important to ensure you have strong business fundamentals — understanding contracts, pricing and client relationships is just as important as having good technical skills.
Lately, Beningo has been exploring AI-driven software development, and its implications for embedded systems. He believes that while AI-generated code can speed up development, it also introduces new challenges, such as ensuring reliability and security in real-time applications. Beningo finds it a fascinating area that will continue to evolve. “There’s a lot that can be done with AI that I believe a lot of developers and teams are currently overlooking,” Beningo said.
Recently, Beningo launched a new Embedded Software Academy initiative, one focused on modernizing embedded development practices. It provides structured training and resources for engineers looking to improve their skills in areas like RTOS, Rust, and DevOps. He says seeing the impact it has had on engineers and companies has been incredibly rewarding.
Another initiative always near and dear to Beningo’s heart is the Embedded Online Conference (taking place in mid-May. Beningo gets some of the world’s best experts on embedded systems together — and they spend a week sharing their vast knowledge with attendees.
Beningo says consultants enjoy a lot of variety in their workdays. His typical day is broken up into work periods, allowing him to do his best work, at his best. Beningo gets his most important work done first thing in the morning when he is fresh; then, he pushes meetings, or other less creative activities (like coding) to the afternoon. Beningo outlines a typical day as perhaps looking something like:
- Working on technical projects — writing code, reviewing architecture, or debugging embedded systems
- Meeting with clients to discuss project progress, challenges and solutions
- Developing training materials, or conducting workshops for engineering teams
- Writing articles, blog posts, or preparing presentations on best practices in embedded software development
“It’s a balance of hands-on technical work, mentoring and business development,” Beningo said.
Beningo stays up-to-date in his area of expertise, through a combination of:
- Reading industry blogs, white papers and technical publications
- Attending and speaking at conferences — like Embedded World, and the Embedded Online Conference
- Engaging with other engineers and thought leaders on LinkedIn and professional networks
- Experimenting with new tools and technologies through hands-on projects
In a competitive world such as ours, Beningo says continuous learning is essential in his field.
As CEO and Founder of Beningo Embedded Group, Beningo says: “I make it a priority to stay ahead of emerging trends.”
Being listed in IEEE-USA’s Consultant Finder has helped Beningo increase his career visibility, and connect him with companies looking for embedded expertise. While much of Beningo’ work comes through referrals, being listed in the Consultant Finder has provided him another avenue for companies to find and reach out to him. It also reinforces his professional credibility in the field.
If you are a company looking for an embedded software consultant, you can find Beningo’s IEEE-USA Consultant Finder profile here. You may also search the Consultant Finder for relevant keywords like “embedded systems,” “RTOS,” or “firmware architecture.”
Put joining the IEEE-USA Consultant Finder at the top of your priority list! With this excellent career tool from IEEE-USA, you can:
- Find Consultants: Use the powerful search features to locate your next technological consultant. Easily find experts by technical specialty, geographic location or licensure/certification requirements.
- Post Assignments: Posting an assignment, project or task allows consultants to review the job specifications and contact you, if they fit your needs.
- Get Noticed: Make it easy for clients/companies to find you by uploading your profile and making it visible to organizations seeking your expertise.
- Join IEEE: Join a community of more than 400,000 technology and engineering professionals united by a common desire to continuously learn, interact, collaborate and network with other professionals in your local area, or within a specific technical interest.
You can contact the IEEE-USA Consultant Finder Team by going to: https://ieee-collabratec.ieee.org/ieee-usa-consultants/contact-us.
Go to https://ieee-collabratec.ieee.org/ieee-usa-consultants — and get listed, or find your next consultant today!
