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Engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted Experts

Vianney Gimenez-Pinto Ph.D,

Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.

The hard or technical skills an engineer will need depends largely on their field of work. As an engineer, you'll need to display a mastery of the tools and techniques of your field. For computer and software engineers, some of the most highly in-demand technical tools to know are AWS and cloud technology, as well as the coding languages python and C++.

Engineers also need to balance a set of soft skills to advance within their career. Creativity and innovation are some of the most important soft skills an engineer can possess. Customer service skills will also look good on an engineer's resume, as they help to demonstrate a results-focused outlook.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.2% of engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how engineers use python:

Implemented Python Scripts for generating detail configuration reports on distributed scale-up scale-out server Nodes for converged server systems.
Increased data acquisition efficiency by developing scripts in Linux and Python for thermal experimentation and design validation testing.

2. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how engineers use cloud:

Implemented automation and integration for cloud and system infrastructure solutions using Puppet and Chef.
Provided Cloud DevOps integration support by integrating newly developed applications into the cloud.

3. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how engineers use c++:

Developed entropy algorithm in C++ for binary entropy analysis.
Maintain and implement enhancements to production software systems using C, C++, Perl, SQL, and Unix shell scripts.

4. C #

Here's how engineers use c #:

NET, C #, ASP, IIS, XML/XSL, SQL Server 2000, Erwin, Rational Rose, NT)

5. AWS

Here's how engineers use aws:

Managed Puppet for configuration management and automation using AWS infrastructure.
Migrated databases using AWS Database Migration Service.

6. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how engineers use java:

Deployed Java/J2EE applications to Application servers in an Agile continuous integration environment and also automated the whole process.
Developed Hibernate mapping configuration files to maintain the relation between Java objects and database tables.

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7. Troubleshoot

Troubleshooting is the process of analyzing and fixing any kind of problem in a system or a machine. Troubleshooting is the detailed yet quick search in the system for the main source of an issue and solving it.

Here's how engineers use troubleshoot:

Network and System administration background provided a strong problem solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network application and environment issues.
Diagnose computer related problem, troubleshoot, refer and coordinate with other information technology departments in order to resolve situation.

Select Skills To Add To Your Resume

Python

Cloud

C++

C #

AWS

Java

8. JavaScript

Here's how engineers use javascript:

Enabled asynchronous messaging between habit building users in JavaScript client by integrating Ruby gem.
Focused on resolving cross browser compatibility regarding to redesign of CSS and JavaScript.

9. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how engineers use linux:

Installed and configured WebLogic and Apache Tomcat application servers running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux in a clustered/non-clustered environment.
Developed procedures to unify streamline and automate applications development and deployment procedures with Linux container technology using Docker.

10. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how engineers use windows:

Championed a cross-platform support environment and provided Macintosh and Windows support training to IT desktop services representatives.
Designed and developed departmental sites using Windows SharePoint Services and provided document management and knowledge management capabilities.

11. Azure

Here's how engineers use azure:

Azure Active Directory integration with existing application for enabling SSO feature.
Monitored jobs and supported Azure Data Lake production environment.

12. API

Here's how engineers use api:

Conducted risk-based technology transfer of advanced intermediates and API to external Contract Manufacturing Organizations or internal scale-up facilities.
Involved in architectural design and implementation/exposing dozens of REST and SOAP based identity API to end applications/developers.

13. GIT

Here's how engineers use git:

Coordinated/assisted developers with establishing and applying appropriate branching, labeling/naming conventions using GIT source control.
Collaborated to source code and document development using Git repository version control system.

14. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how engineers use customer service:

Provided technical support to sales using information gathered by customer service liaison and support production to ensure delivery of quality products.
Design and implementation of the Microsoft SNA Server infrastructure providing mainframe connectivity for Call Center customer service representatives.

15. Project Management

Here's how engineers use project management:

Project Management experience directing contract electrical engineering team in designing, prototyping, and testing master processing and motor driver PCB.
Performed project management and engineering duties in direct support of injection molded electrical connector products marketed for severe environmental service.

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What skills help Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on Engineer resumes?

Vianney Gimenez-Pinto Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Physics and Chemistry, Lincoln University of Missouri

Physicists are valued for their abstraction, mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. However, I would not recommend spelling those out in a resume as they are embedded already in the major. A robust undergraduate resume should have research experiences, either based in their home-university or as an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program in another institution. Also, it should include conference presentations and internships. Those show the candidate's ability to apply the before-mentioned skills successfully.

If we must point out skills: Coding, common languages include (but are not limited to) Java, C/C++ and Python; Mathematical Modeling; and Experimental Design.

What hard/technical skills are most important for Engineers?

Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Director, Clinical and Corporate Outreach, University of Delaware

Due to the pandemic and virtual classes, many students may not have received the hands-on exposure to hardware (electrical and/or mechanical, for example) that students generally do. In lieu of that, if students can show that they worked on side projects, whether for labs, companies, or even self-initiated projects, that can help set them apart. These projects could be not only hardware-related but also software-related. It shows that they took the initiative and possess the technical expertise and troubleshooting skills expected of an engineer. Additionally, any experience and exposure pertaining to quality control systems, medical devices and equipment, and the regulatory pathway are extremely useful for biomedical engineers.

What soft skills should all Engineers possess?

David Nielsen Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Arizona State University

Communication, teamwork, decision-making.

What Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Peter Rosado

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Georgia College and State University

I tell students to call their "gap" year more of a "Developmental" year. If a graduate desires to have such a year, they should focus on their whole as a goal, which means not only developing their professionalism but have other experiences. For example, travel to another country, learn a new language, intern at a company outside of the US, get involved further in the field of study. What stands out in candidates is how they made use of their time, skills that they acquired, and how they could weave them into the position they are applying for. That the candidate has had experiences outside of their comfort zone tells me, as an employer, that they are flexible and can adapt to situations that are new and unpredictable.

What type of skills will young Engineers need?

John Ring

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.

What technical skills for an Engineer stand out to employers?

Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.

Program Coordinator and Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Given this trend, employers will be looking for the usual superior engineering knowledge and skill sets, but they will also be interested in those who can prove that they are excellent self-starters and time managers. Being able to demonstrate one's "flexibility" and an ability to think on one's feet will also be highly desirable.

Do you want to know more?

List of engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an engineer resume and required skills for an engineer to have include:

Python
Cloud
C++
C #
AWS
Java
Troubleshoot
JavaScript
Linux
Windows
Azure
API
GIT
Customer Service
Project Management
CSS

UI
Plumbing
HVAC
Jenkins
Data Analysis
Technical Support
CAD
HTML
Android
Cost Estimates
Ruby
Unix
Debugging
MATLAB
Ladders
Preventive Maintenance

RF
Jira
IAM
QA
Visualization
JSON
Strong Analytical
OS
Switches
Microservices
VMware
Webpack
Terraform
SQL Server
S3
Math

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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