Go get _some_ job doing what you know how to do -- hunting down bugs in embedded C++ code is a skill the right employers will pay good money for. Don't apply for full software engineering jobs if you don't feel confident doing that. Be up front with your hiring manager about what skills you have now and what skills you want to develop. ("Up front" does not mean "ruthlessly self-critical." Do not say, "I'm actually quite terrible at programming," or, "I have no value in an engineering organization." Say, "I've done plenty of coding but to be honest most of my professional experience to date has been tracking down hard-to-find bugs and I think that's where I'll be able to provide the most value from day 1.")
Apply around to a lot of places, and look for somewhere that values the skills you have but also will allow you to develop into the longer-term role you want to hold. Make sure you meet your hiring manager before you accept a job, make sure you talk through this with him, make sure you look him or her in the eye and believe that they are a good person and are sincere about helping you grow into the next phase of your career.