So, I was in bed about to fall asleep...ya know, doing some light reading. I saw your post and immediately shuddered at the thought of the responses you were probably getting. I see this time and time again on reddit subs. For some reason, people will bash Arduino, and I really have no idea why. If you have an interest in embedded programming, the Arduino is absolutely amazing. There is no product that can match its cost, functionality, and community support. If you chose to install and use Atmel Studio as your IDE then you are literally, I can't stress this enough, literally doing the same thing as a professional Firmware Engineer. I need to blast some of the hate found in this thread:
Instead, you could word it something like: "controls experience using common micro-controller platforms."
Don't do this. Be specific when possible. We know what Arduinos are and providing that information helps, it is to your own benefit. It actually helps us determine your skills IF YOU TELL US WHAT THEY ARE.
the usual complaint is that doing something straightforward with an Arduino requires - and therefore displays- no understanding of the actual underlying concepts - port registers, ADC clock dividing, yadda yadda
The problem is the USER in this case. They are content with the high-level abstractions offered by the Arduino IDE. Use google, learn about Atmel Studio. Now you are literally doing the same thing as a professional firmware engineer, all deep in the nitty-gritty. Next.
Plenty of people will tell you it is a hobbyist board, and that is true primarily because of the low barrier to entry (not a bad thing at all). Everyone starts somewhere, and thanks to Arduino it is easy to jump into embedded systems
While true, this reeks of "there is a better place to be". Where? We are doing embedded programming, we have the full functionality of a modern-day microcontroller. Ya, there are more complex micros out there, but one could easily use this level of micro for their entire career. Are we suggesting as a side project s/he should be laying out their own boards? While definitely a plus, that's just madness to set as an (implied?) expectation.
very high-level micro-controller
Very high-level understanding of microcontrollers.
k, some of these were taken out of context. My point is, if you use Atmel Studio as your IDE, then the programming work you are doing is indistinguishable from that of an actual firmware engineer (perhaps not in the complexity/robustness/cleanliness, but my point stands). To your specific questions:
would a potential employer scoff at that or perhaps think "this is nice, but it would have been more impressive had they used X instead"
Assuming it's an EE that's conducting the interview, they would never say this less in jest. If they do, just leave, you don't want to work with people like that.
Is there a better platform to use for an engineering student?
If you are trying to learn embedded programming, then no (Atmel Studio is a must). It destroys the competition in cost, functionality, and community support. Raspberry Pi is a different tool. They should not be compared. Apples and oranges...or raspberries and...I dunno bananas. They are just different tools and should be applied appropriately.
How is Ardunio viewed in the industry by professional engineers?
With high regard. If you are able to build something useful with the Arduino, then you did a great job. And if you taught yourself any of the necessary skills, well then you are the shit. Anyone who says otherwise is insane, or flat out not an engineer.
tl;dr: If you are looking to be an embedded programmer, Arduino + Atmel Studio is the shit