The Best Engineering Skills for Your Resume (With Examples) (2024)

In a competitive field like engineering, you need more than just a degree to stand out. Employers are looking for candidates with a diverse set of technical skills and expertise, and to get their attention you need to showcase your qualifications effectively on your engineering resume.

In this article, we’ll show you:

  • A list of engineering skills you can include in your resume
  • How to align your resume with the job ad
  • Where and how to put skills in your resume to grab employers’ attention
  • Examples of professional engineering resumes for inspiration

Engineering skills list

Being a competent engineer requires a well-rounded set of hard and soft skills.

While your hard skills reflect the things you’ve learned through training, education, and hands-on experience (like specific software or protocols), your soft skills determine how you approach work and interact with others in a professional setting (like attention to detail or communication skills).

Below we’ll provide the best of both to include in your engineering resume.

Engineering technical skills for your resume

Employers want to know that you’ve got the technical skills you need to succeed in an engineering role. Here are some common engineering hard skills to highlight.

  • Project management skills
  • Computer skills
  • Troubleshooting
  • Mathematics
  • CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWords)
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft 365
  • Documentation
  • Material and equipment lists
  • Cost analyses
  • Technical specifications
  • Data analysis
  • ERP software (SAP)
  • Inventory management
  • Process simulation and modeling (Aspen Plus/MATLAB)
  • Safety standards and regulations

Of course, as an engineer you work in a very specialized field, and it’s important to show employers you have the skills you need for your specialization.

Here are some of the top technical skills across five key engineering fields:

Technical skills for engineers

Civil EngineeringMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringChemical EngineeringIndustrial Engineering
Utility designsCreating 3D modelsBACnet & ModbusQuality control & assuranceProduction planning
Read & interpret architectural/civil construction drawingsTechnical proposal designsElectrical codes and standards (NEC, IEC)Regulatory and safety complianceSix Sigma methodologies
Roadway designFeasibility studiesCircuit designHazard & risk analysisSupply chain management
Permit applicationsBOMsGround fault systemsChemical separationsLean manufacturing
Storm drain modelingStructural analysis (NASTRAN/ANSYS)Electric power systemsProcess flow diagramsFacility layout & design
Pipe networksStructural testingSingle-line & 3-line diagramsP&IDs & PFDsSimulation modeling
Hydraulic and hydrological engineeringEarned value management systemsPower wiring & control wiringNDT/NDEConstraint analysis
HEC-RAS modelingRevitIFS switchboardsProcess equipment designWorkcell optimization
LOMR/CLOMR requestsRobotics and mechatronicsPLCsChemical reaction kineticsStatistical quality control
Geotechnical engineeringHVAC systems and designAnalog and digital electronicsMaterial procurementIndustrial automation & control systems

Engineering soft skills for your resume

Engineering isn’t just about the technical aspects of your job. You also need to demonstrate a strong set of soft skills that help you plan and oversee projects, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to produce a quality result.

Here are some soft skills to highlight on your engineering resume:

  • Analytical skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Time management skills
  • Teamwork skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Innovation
  • Independence
  • Work well under pressure/with tight deadlines
  • Collaboration

In addition to your hard and soft engineering skills, it’s also common to list certifications in your skills section. Here are some certifications that may be relevant for your engineering resume:

How to highlight skills for engineering on your resume

Here’s how you can make sure you highlight all those engineering skills effectively on your resume.

1. Target skills in the engineering job description

The best way to ensure your resume gets a hiring manager’s attention is to include the skills they’re looking for by checking the job ad.

Here’s an example of a mechanical engineer job description:

The Best Engineering Skills for Your Resume (With Examples) (1)

By picking out keywords from the job description (underlined in blue) and highlighting your relevant experience on your resume, you can show employers that you’re a great fit for the position.

Here are some keywords that a candidate applying for this position should highlight:

  • Computational fluid dynamics/CFD
  • TileFlow
  • Energy engineering/engery management/energy conservation
  • Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
  • Building automation systems (BAS)
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification
  • LEED AP Certification

Below we’ll show you how to put keywords into your resume using these as an example.

2. Feature your strongest qualifications in your resume objective

Now you know how to scan the job description for keywords which makes writing your resume objective much easier.

Your resume objective is usually the first thing hiring managers read, so it’s important to use it to highlight your most relevant experience.

Here’s what you should include in your resume objective to make it stand out:

  • How many years of experience you have, and in what areas
  • Your top skills and qualifications, highlighted by a professional accomplishment
  • How you can benefit the employer

Here’s an example of how to write a resume objective that matches the job ad from our example, with keywords in bold:

CEM– and LEED AP-certified CFD specialist with 8+ years of experience in energy engineering, management, and conservation. Skilled in utilizing TileFlow and implementing CMMS and BAS. Seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my technical prowess and industry knowledge to deliver innovative energy solutions and drive significant cost savings for your organization.

Using your resume objective to highlight your top qualifications for the job will draw employers in and make them want to learn more about you as a candidate.

3. Add engineering skills throughout your work experience section

You’ve given employers a standout resume objective, so your work experience section is the perfect opportunity to expand on those highlights and add a little more context.

When you write your work experience bullet points, it’s important to use action verbs that demonstrate the proactive role you’ve taken in your career as well as numbers to quantify any professional accomplishments.

Here’s an example of a resume work experience section that targets the keywords from our job ad (in bold):

Senior Energy Engineer
GreenTech Solutions
Jan 2020 – Present

  • Utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and TileFlow software to optimize airflow patterns and improve energy efficiency in a large-scale manufacturing facility, resulting in a 15% reduction in energy consumption.
  • Led the integration of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to streamline equipment maintenance schedules and enhance energy conservation efforts, achieving a 20% decrease in maintenance-related energy waste.
  • Spearheaded the design and implementation of a building automation system (BAS) for a commercial office complex, resulting in a 30% reduction in overall energy usage through optimized HVAC controls and lighting automation.
  • Conducted comprehensive energy audits and developed customized

Using action verbs and numbers to bolster your experience makes your resume more memorable and gives it a more powerful impact.

4. Highlight additional engineering skills in your skills section

The skills that aren’t demonstrated in your resume objective and work experience section should go in your resume skills section.

It’s good to include a mix of both hard and soft skills, but for such a technical job it’s best to focus on more hard skills.

Choose soft skills that you weren’t able to demonstrate in your other resume sections, but that support your ability to perform at a high level.

Here’s an engineering resume skills section that supports our example resume objective and work experience:

Skills

  • Computational modeling & simulation
  • Energy efficiency analysis & optimization
  • HVAC system design
  • Data analysis
  • Energy management systems implementation
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Technical report writing & documentation
  • Problem solving
  • Effective project management
  • Strong attention to detail

Remember, don’t use this section to repeat skills you’ve already included elsewhere on your resume. Instead add hard and soft skills that complement your top qualifications and show employers that you’re a well-rounded candidate.

Engineer resume templates

For inspiration, here are two engineering resume templates you can use to write your own engineering resume.

Engineering student resume example

The Best Engineering Skills for Your Resume (With Examples) (2)

Student Engineer Resume (Text Version)

Resume Objective

Highly motivated and detail-oriented engineering student seeking an entry-level position as a Civil Engineer at RDQ, Inc. Utilize my strong educational background in Civil Engineering, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and desire to learn and apply new concepts to contribute effectively to the project team and excel in high, medium, and low voltage utility projects.

Education

Anticipated graduation: May 2024
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL

Relevant Coursework:

  • Transmission and Distribution Line Design
  • 3-D Modeling and Structure Design
  • Construction Package Development
  • Routing Studies
  • Field Investigations

Professional Experience

Engineering Intern
Solid Foundations, Chicago, IL

  • Assisted in the design and analysis of transmission and distribution line projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
  • Conducted field investigations, collected data, and assisted in the preparation of reports
  • Collaborated with the project team to create 3-D models and develop construction packages
  • Utilized Microsoft Excel for data analysis and created detailed spreadsheets for project tracking

Engineering Intern
TerraStruct Engineering, Chicago, IL

  • Supported the engineering team in conducting routing studies for utility projects
  • Assisted in the preparation and review of working drawings, layouts, and estimates
  • Conducted surveys and gathered relevant data for design and analysis purposes
  • Contributed to the coordination of project tasks and collaborated with team members on specific assignments

Key Skills

  • Proficient in AutoCAD & MATLAB
  • Microsoft 365
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Collaboration
  • Motivated

Certifications

  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, NCEES, 2023

Download This Free Template

Electrical engineer resume sample

The Best Engineering Skills for Your Resume (With Examples) (3)

Electrical Engineer Resume (Text Version)

Resume Objective

Results-driven Electrical Engineer with 10+ years of experience and a strong background in low voltage power systems and industrial applications. Committed to delivering innovative and well-engineered solutions, I am seeking a challenging position at CyberCoders to contribute to the company’s growth and provide exceptional service to clients.

Education

(May 2012)
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Graduated magna cum laude
University of Colorado at Denver, Denver, CO

Certifications

  • Certified Energy Master (CEM) / AEE, 2022
  • Professional Engineer (PE) / Colorado State Board of Licensure, 2020

Professional Experience

Senior Electrical Engineer
PowerTech Solutions – Denver, CO
Sep 2017 – Present

  • Managed and successfully completed 10+ low voltage power system projects (<600V), ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements
  • Led a team of 5 engineers in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of integrated switchboard metering systems, resulting in a 30% increase in efficiency and accuracy of power measurement
  • Conducted thorough research and analysis to gather customer requirements and specifications for 15+ projects, ensuring a 100% match with core competencies
  • Developed and implemented A.C. and D.C. industrial applications up to 5000 amps, resulting in a 20% improvement in system performance and reliability
  • Utilized Modbus and Bacnet communication systems for seamless integration and control of power systems, leading to a 15% reduction in downtime and enhanced system monitoring capabilities

Electrical Engineer
Current Dynamics – Denver, CO
June 2013 – Aug 2017

  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and engineer 8 low voltage power systems, meeting client specifications and project deadlines with a 95% customer satisfaction rate
  • Conducted extensive field surveys and assessments for 10+ projects, gathering data and determining optimal solutions for power transfer and management
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of control wiring concepts, resulting in a 25% reduction in wiring errors and improved system performance
  • Participated in the manufacturing process, ensuring quality control and adherence to engineering standards for 6 projects, with zero manufacturing defects

Skills

  • Modbus and Bacnet
  • Expertise ground fault systems
  • Single and three-line schematics
  • Control wiring
  • Problem-solving
  • Team leadership

Download This Free Template

The Best Engineering Skills for Your Resume (With Examples) (2024)

FAQs

What are the 5 skills of engineering? ›

5 Essential Skills for Engineers in 2022
  • Problem-Solving. Problem-solving can easily claim to be the essence of engineering. ...
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills. As an engineer, you rely on many other people to help bring a vision to life. ...
  • Creativity and Innovation. ...
  • Strong Technical Knowledge. ...
  • Adaptability/Flexibility.

What are the 7 skills of a professional engineer? ›

Below we look at the top 10 most valuable skills engineers need in 2022.
  • Up to date technical knowledge. Technical knowledge and skills are the main skillset recruiters are looking for. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • Interpersonal. ...
  • Critical reasoning. ...
  • Creativity. ...
  • Innovation. ...
  • Enthusiasm.

What 3 skills do engineers have to have to be successful? ›

Top Skills for Engineers
  • Technology and computer science skills.
  • Communication.
  • Management.
  • Problem-solving.
  • Business operations.
  • Research and critical thinking.
  • Leadership.
Jan 5, 2023

What is the most important skill as an engineer? ›

Problem solving

Thinking in an analytical way is an essential skill needed for engineering. You may come up against several issues, barriers and challenges in your career – so you need to be motivated in coming up with a solution rather than creating even more of a problem for yourself.

What hard skills should engineers have? ›

Successful engineers must be able to analyze data and infer logical conclusions to support their decision-making processes. Data analysis includes skills like Excel for data collection and analysis. Some engineering roles may require advanced data analysis skills and proficiency in software for analyzing data.

What type of skill is engineering? ›

Engineer skills include both hard and soft skills relevant to the success of an engineering role. Engineers work in many different settings and perform various tasks. Some can have management roles, and others have more technical jobs. However, working on projects and solving problems is common for most engineers.

What are the 12 engineering attributes? ›

The twelve attributes identified by CEAB necessary for graduating engineers include: (1) A knowledge base for engineering; (2) Problem analysis; (3) Investigation; (4) Use of engineering tools; (5) Design; (6) Individual and team work; (7) Communication skills; (8) Professionalism; (9) Impact on society and environment ...

What are 4 professional skills? ›

Professional Skills—Examples
  • Active Listening.
  • Leadership.
  • Problem Solving.
  • Communication.
  • Decision Making.
  • Interpersonal Skills.
  • Analytical Skills.
  • Time Management.
Nov 16, 2022

What are the strengths of an engineer? ›

Successful Engineers have strong communication skills and are able to work well with others. This includes being able to communicate effectively with both team members, managers, and potential clients.

What is technical skills in engineering? ›

Technical skills refer to the specialized knowledge and expertise needed to accomplish complex actions, tasks, and processes relating to computational and physical technology as well as a diverse group of other enterprises.

What are the six characteristics that engineers need? ›

What makes a good engineer? Six common traits
  • They're naturally curious. ...
  • They are self-organized. ...
  • They are detail-oriented. ...
  • Good analytical skills. ...
  • Strong mathematical skills. ...
  • Good communication skills.
Oct 13, 2017

What do engineering employers look for in a resume? ›

Employers want to see that you have practiced your teamwork, leadership, communication, project management and other skills by actively contributing. Holding an official leadership position looks very good on a resume but leading any team effort indicates leadership potential and is helpful.

What is a summary for engineering on a resume? ›

A summary statement introduces you, discusses your skills and briefly describes your relevant career experiences in the context of the engineering job you want. When it comes to selling a unique blend of engineering skills and education, writing a concise summary statement is a good way to get your foot in the door.

What not to include in an engineering resume? ›

Avoid the following content and formatting to help ensure that your resume doesn't work against you:
  • Your birth date: Don't include this or other dates that might reveal your age, such as high school graduation date.
  • Personal information: Your marital status, sexual orientation, religion or other personal information.

What are the three importance of engineering? ›

The Importance of Engineering: Education, Employment, and Innovation.

What are skills resume examples? ›

The top skills that employers look for on a resume are: Technical skills: computer skills, programming languages, social media, and enterprise software. Problem-solving skills: creativity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Customer-service skills: active listening, time management, and prioritization.

What is an example of engineering experience? ›

Engineering work experience example 1

I developed and implemented a computer model to measure vehicle function. I worked on all areas of the vehicles, but I specialized in control systems. Independently, I performed research on the latest control system models and procedures.

What are the future engineering skills? ›

The future of engineering will see skills developed in areas of augmented reality, robotics, wireless technologies, artificial intelligence and many others. Technical knowledge will be incorporated into all major areas of engineering such as civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical, materials and chemical.

What is a skilled engineer? ›

The definition of a Skilled Engineer to us, is a person that has spent their career developing their skills to take a drawing to a real object via a variety of specialist methodologies, Like Fabrication/Welding, CNC etc.

What technical skill is quality engineer? ›

Quality engineers must have attention to detail to ensure that products are being manufactured, installed or are operating to the required specifications. Analysis/Critical thinking/Problem-solving skills. Quality engineers review established processes in order to find manufacturing and cost optimizations.

What are 7 soft skills? ›

The right personality traits can help you excel at work. Highly valued soft skills include communication, time management, network building, empathy, critical thinking, being proactive and self-awareness. You can develop soft skills in many ways, such as by taking online classes and conducting practice scenarios.

What do engineers value? ›

Good engineers are rigorous and resolute

Simple is better than clever. We try to be proactive over reactive. We value well-communicated, critical analysis of solutions. We use metrics to make good decisions, but aren't beholden to them.

What are the five most important soft skills? ›

Consider how you can develop or improve these five soft skills while working outside of your chosen field:
  • Effective communication. Working in any industry affords the opportunity to improve your communication skills. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Influencing without authority. ...
  • Problem solving. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • . . .
Feb 28, 2023

What are the big 4 in engineering? ›

In broad terms, engineering can be divided into four main categories – chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

What are the 4 main types of engineering? ›

National Engineers Week 2023 begins Feb. 19, and to celebrate, we're exploring the four primary branches of engineering: chemical, electrical, mechanical, and civil.

What are 3 character traits all engineers have in common? ›

There are several personality traits that most engineers share, among them are curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, effective communication, and a collaborative spirit.

What is technical skills in resume? ›

What Are Technical Skills? Technical skills are the abilities, knowledge, or expertise required to perform specific, job-related tasks. Technical skills are related to jobs in science, engineering, tech, manufacturing, or finance. They are learned through on-the-job experience or structured learning.

What are the 3 specific skills? ›

There are three types of skills: functional, self-management and special knowledge. Functional skills are abilities or talents that are inherited at birth and developed through experience and learning. Examples are: making decisions, repairing machines or calculating taxes.

What is a unique skill for a job? ›

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different skills may be more valuable in different industries or job roles. However, some commonly recommended skills include self-motivation, flexibility and adaptability, creativity, public speaking skills, data analysis skills, and project management skills.

What are the 2 most important skills that engineers need to have? ›

12 top engineering skills
  • Problem-solving. One of the most crucial skills an engineer can possess is strong problem-solving abilities. ...
  • Industry skills. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Creativity. ...
  • Structural analysis. ...
  • Communication. ...
  • Attention to detail. ...
  • Educational commitment.
Mar 10, 2023

What are two skills engineers should have to be successful? ›

Two skills engineers should have to be successful are curiosity and interest in creating new things. 2. Why is it important for engineers to be creative? It is important for engineers to be creative because they are responsible for inventing and designing mechanical systems.

What are the Big Five personality traits for engineer? ›

1999a, 1999b). The FFPI measures the Big Five five personality factors, namely (1) extraversion, (2) agreeableness, (3) conscientiousness, (4) emotional stability and (5) autonomy/openness to experience.

Why are skills important in engineering? ›

In a sense, all engineering projects are a form of problem-solving. An engineer will be given a goal or problem, then they will need to use their expertise and problem-solving abilities to determine the best way of performing construction, manufacturing or repair work.

What are technical skills and list 3 examples? ›

Some examples of technical skills are:
  • Data analysis.
  • Web development.
  • Computer programming languages.
  • Financial management.
  • Bookkeeping.
  • UX design.
  • Graphic design.
  • Writing.
6 days ago

What are personal skills examples? ›

Personal skills are recognised as soft skills which are not easy to teach (although not impossible). They are also known as interpersonal or even 'people' skills. Examples include dependability, adaptability, motivation, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

What is 1 characteristic of a successful engineer? ›

Engineers must be able to use their problem-solving skills to create more effective systems and processes. This involves using logic, common sense and analytical thinking to solve an issue. The associated attributes include resilience, adaptability, flexibility and teamwork skills.

What is engineering mindset? ›

An engineering mindset refers to the values, attitudes, and thinking skills associated with engineering. Engineers solve problems using systematic, iterative processes. The technologies (objects, systems, or processes) they design address the needs and desires of people, animals, society, and the environment.

How do you succeed in an engineering interview? ›

Interview Tips for Engineers
  1. BEFORE Your Interview:
  2. Know Your Skills and Accomplishments.
  3. Prepare Your References.
  4. Research Your Interviewer.
  5. Learn About Your Potential New Employer.
  6. Plan Key Talking Points.
  7. Plan Your Answers to Common Interview Questions.
  8. Practice Answering Questions Out Loud.

What soft skills are needed to be an engineer? ›

Essential Soft Skills for Engineers
  • Communication. Communicating complex technical solutions in a way that clients understand is becoming increasingly important. ...
  • Problem-Solving. ...
  • Organisation. ...
  • Leadership. ...
  • Teamwork. ...
  • Adaptability. ...
  • Creativity. ...
  • Interpersonal Skills and Emotional Intelligence.

What is the hard skills of engineer? ›

Engineering hard skills are usually focused on specific tasks and processes, such as the use of tools, equipment, or software. By highlighting those specific abilities, you can land the job you desire.

What should you avoid mentioning in your resume? ›

12 Things You Shouldn't Include In Your Resume
  • High School Information. ...
  • References. ...
  • Personal Information. ...
  • Your Age. ...
  • Your Exact Street Address. ...
  • A Career Objective. ...
  • Your Current Work Contacts. ...
  • Your Personal Email Address.

What are the qualities of a good engineer? ›

5 Characteristics of Successful Engineers
  • Curiosity. Engineers who are curious are interested in how things work. ...
  • Critical Thinker. Complex problems do not have simple solutions. ...
  • Logical Thinking. Successful Engineers have the ability to understand complex systems. ...
  • Attention to Detail. ...
  • Teamwork and Communication.

What do engineering employers want? ›

Engineers often have problem-solving skills that allow them to find solutions for issues quickly and effectively. Companies often require engineering applicants to have skills in problem-solving so they can identify what caused a project to diverge from its goal and correct this so the project stays on track.

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