Top 12 General Engineer Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, showcasing a robust set of general engineering skills on your resume can significantly enhance your attractiveness to potential employers. This article highlights the top 12 skills that not only reflect your technical prowess but also demonstrate your ability to innovate, solve problems, and contribute effectively to engineering projects.

General Engineer Skills

1. AutoCAD
2. MATLAB
3. Python
4. SolidWorks
5. Project Management
6. Lean Manufacturing
7. Six Sigma
8. Revit
9. ANSYS
10. Java
11. PLC Programming
12. Agile Methodologies

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers, architects, and professionals for creating precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, facilitating drafting, designing, and documenting engineering projects across various disciplines.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD is crucial for General Engineers as it facilitates precise 2D and 3D designs, enabling efficient planning, visualization, and modification of engineering projects, thus ensuring accuracy and saving time and resources.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

To improve your AutoCAD skills as a General Engineer, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure you are comfortable with fundamental commands and functionalities. Autodesk provides a comprehensive guide for beginners.

2. Use Custom Shortcuts: Enhance efficiency by customizing and using command shortcuts. Autodesk’s shortcut guide can get you started.

3. Practice Precision Drawing: Practice using Snap and Grid features for precision. These features are crucial for engineering projects.

4. Explore Advanced Features and 3D Modeling: As you get comfortable, delve into 3D modeling and other advanced features AutoCAD offers. The official 3D modeling guide can be a great resource.

5. Stay Updated: AutoCAD regularly updates its software. Keeping abreast with the latest features can significantly improve your productivity. Check out Autodesk’s official updates page.

6. Join Forums and Communities: Engage with AutoCAD forums and communities for tips, tricks, and troubleshooting. Autodesk forums (forums.autodesk.com) are a great place to start.

7. Take Online Courses: Enroll in online courses tailored for engineering applications of AutoCAD. Platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

8. Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to mastering AutoCAD. Set aside dedicated time each week to practice new skills.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your AutoCAD skills, contributing to more efficient and effective engineering projects.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

2. MATLAB

MATLAB is a high-level programming language and interactive environment used by engineers and scientists for numerical computation, visualization, and programming, enabling the analysis and design of complex systems and applications.

Why It's Important

MATLAB is important for General Engineers because it provides a powerful and flexible environment for numerical computation, data analysis, and visualization, enabling efficient solution of complex engineering problems and facilitating innovation across various engineering disciplines.

How to Improve MATLAB Skills

Improving your MATLAB skills as a general engineer involves enhancing your knowledge in scripting, data analysis, and efficient coding practices. Here are concise steps with resources to help you get started:

1. Learn the Basics: Master MATLAB fundamentals, including syntax, arrays, and functions. MATLAB's Getting Started guide is an excellent place to begin.

2. Practice Coding: Regular practice through small projects or challenges. Websites like Project Euler provide mathematical problems that can be solved with MATLAB.

3. Utilize MATLAB Documentation: MATLAB’s official documentation is comprehensive and includes examples, functions, and toolboxes descriptions.

4. Explore Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or edX offer courses designed for engineers to enhance their MATLAB skills. For example, MATLAB for Engineers on Coursera.

5. Join MATLAB Community: Engage with the MATLAB Central community to ask questions, share insights, and learn from others’ experiences.

6. Implement Efficient Coding Practices: Learn about vectorization, preallocating arrays, and using built-in functions for efficiency. The MATLAB Performance Tips page is a helpful resource.

7. Stay Updated: MATLAB updates regularly. Keep abreast of the latest features and toolboxes, which can enhance your capabilities. The MATLAB Release Notes page provides this information.

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, you can significantly improve your MATLAB skills in a structured and efficient manner.

How to Display MATLAB Skills on Your Resume

3. Python

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility, widely used in software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and automation.

Why It's Important

Python is important for a General Engineer due to its simplicity, versatility, and wide range of libraries, making it ideal for scripting, automation, data analysis, and rapid prototyping across various engineering disciplines.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills as a General Engineer involves a combination of understanding core principles, best practices, and continuous learning. Here are concise steps with resources:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure a strong grasp of Python syntax, data structures, and basic algorithms. Python Official Documentation is an excellent starting point.

2. Learn Pythonic Code: Understand what makes Python unique and how to write code the "Pythonic" way. Dive into PEP 8 -- Style Guide for Python Code for coding conventions.

3. Utilize Libraries and Frameworks: Get familiar with popular libraries and frameworks like NumPy, Pandas for data science, Flask or Django for web development. Awesome Python lists many useful libraries across different domains.

4. Practice Coding: Engage in coding challenges and projects. LeetCode and GitHub for project ideas and collaboration.

5. Contribute to Open Source: Enhance your skills and give back to the community by contributing to open-source projects. Start with First Timers Only to get involved in open source.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest Python developments and features by following Python Blogs and Python Weekly Newsletter.

7. Understand Advanced Topics: Deepen your knowledge in areas like asynchronous programming, decorators, and context managers. The Python Asynchronous I/O Walkthrough and Effective Python book provide in-depth insights.

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly improve your Python skills and become a more proficient engineer.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

4. SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) software program used by engineers and designers for 3D modeling, simulation, and product development.

Why It's Important

SolidWorks is essential for General Engineers because it provides an intuitive and powerful 3D CAD platform for designing, simulating, and managing engineering projects, significantly enhancing productivity, accuracy, and innovation in product development processes.

How to Improve SolidWorks Skills

Improving your SolidWorks skills involves a blend of practice, leveraging resources, and continuous learning. Here are concise tips for a General Engineer seeking to enhance their SolidWorks capabilities:

1. Engage in Daily Practice: Dedicate time each day to practice SolidWorks. Start with simple projects and gradually increase complexity.

2. SolidWorks Tutorials: Utilize the SolidWorks Tutorials available within the software. They cover basics to advanced topics.

3. Online Courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer comprehensive courses tailored for all levels.

4. YouTube Channels: Channels such as Tutorials Engineer provide step-by-step guides on various aspects of SolidWorks.

5. SolidWorks Forums: Join the SolidWorks Community to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from experienced users.

6. Certification: Aim to obtain SolidWorks certification (CSWA or CSWP) to validate your skills and commitment.

7. Use of Add-Ins: Explore and integrate SolidWorks add-ins to enhance functionality and efficiency in specific areas of your work.

8. Keyboard Shortcuts: Master SolidWorks keyboard shortcuts to improve your speed and efficiency.

9. Hardware Optimization: Ensure your hardware meets recommended system requirements for optimal performance.

10. Stay Updated: Keep your SolidWorks version up to date to benefit from the latest features and improvements.

By following these steps and consistently seeking out new learning resources, you can significantly improve your proficiency and efficiency in SolidWorks.

How to Display SolidWorks Skills on Your Resume

5. Project Management

Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals within a project's time, budget, and quality constraints, tailored to an engineer's need to coordinate technical tasks, teams, and resources effectively.

Why It's Important

Project management is crucial for a General Engineer as it ensures efficient planning, organizing, and overseeing of projects to meet objectives within constraints such as time, budget, and quality, ultimately leading to successful project completion and resource optimization.

How to Improve Project Management Skills

Improving project management, especially for a General Engineer, involves a focused approach on planning, execution, and monitoring. Here are concise steps for enhancement:

1. Define Project Scope and Objectives: Clearly outline what the project aims to achieve. Project Management Institute offers resources on scope definition.

2. Effective Communication: Use tools like Slack for seamless communication among team members.

3. Use Project Management Software: Tools like Trello or Asana help in task scheduling and tracking progress.

4. Risk Management: Identify potential risks early. The Association for Project Management provides insights on risk management.

5. Continuous Learning: Enhance your skills by taking courses from platforms like Coursera or edX.

6. Feedback Loops: Implement a system for regular feedback from stakeholders and team members. This helps in timely adjustments.

7. Time Management: Prioritize tasks effectively. Techniques like the Eisenhower Box can be useful.

8. Delegate Tasks: Understand the strengths of your team members and delegate accordingly.

9. Review and Reflect: Post-project, review what was successful and what wasn’t. This is crucial for continuous improvement.

By focusing on these areas, a General Engineer can significantly enhance project management capabilities.

How to Display Project Management Skills on Your Resume

6. Lean Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing is a systematic approach to optimizing production processes by eliminating waste, improving quality, and increasing efficiency, with the ultimate goal of creating more value for the customer with fewer resources.

Why It's Important

Lean Manufacturing is crucial for a General Engineer because it optimizes production processes, reduces waste, and enhances efficiency, leading to improved product quality, decreased costs, and increased customer satisfaction.

How to Improve Lean Manufacturing Skills

Improving Lean Manufacturing involves streamlining processes to eliminate waste, enhance product quality, and increase efficiency. Here's a concise guide for a General Engineer:

1. Value Stream Mapping: Identify and map all steps in your production process to pinpoint waste and areas for improvement. Lean.org's Value Stream Mapping Guide offers a comprehensive overview.

2. 5S Methodology: Implement the 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to organize the workplace, ensuring efficiency and safety. ASQ's 5S Guide provides a detailed explanation.

3. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee feedback and implementing small, incremental changes. Kaizen Institute offers insights into effective Kaizen practices.

4. Just-In-Time (JIT) Production: Reduce inventory costs and waste by producing only what is needed, when it is needed. Toyota's JIT Philosophy explains the approach in detail.

5. Root Cause Analysis: When problems arise, use tools like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to identify and address the underlying cause, rather than just the symptoms. ASQ's Root Cause Analysis offers techniques and tools.

6. Standard Work: Develop and document the most efficient way to achieve each task, ensuring consistency and quality. Lean Enterprise Institute's Standard Work provides a starting point.

7. Automation and Technology: Consider the implementation of automation and advanced technologies where appropriate to reduce errors, speed up processes, and decrease labor-intensive tasks. McKinsey's Automation in Manufacturing discusses the impact and opportunities.

8. Training and Development: Continuously train employees on lean principles, new technologies, and process improvements to maintain a skilled workforce. Manufacturing Institute’s Training highlights the importance of workforce education.

9. Performance Metrics: Establish clear, relevant metrics to measure performance, identify improvement opportunities, and track progress over time. KPI Library is a resource for finding appropriate KPIs.

For General Engineers, focusing on these areas can significantly enhance lean manufacturing efforts, contributing to more efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production processes.

How to Display Lean Manufacturing Skills on Your Resume

7. Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven, quality control methodology aimed at reducing defects to improve processes and performance, utilizing statistical tools to identify and eliminate variability in manufacturing and business processes. For a General Engineer, it provides a systematic approach to problem-solving and quality improvement.

Why It's Important

Six Sigma is important for a General Engineer because it provides a systematic methodology to reduce defects, improve processes, and enhance product quality, leading to increased efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost savings.

How to Improve Six Sigma Skills

Improving Six Sigma as a General Engineer involves continuous learning and application of best practices. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Statistical Knowledge: Strengthen your understanding of statistical tools and techniques, crucial for Six Sigma projects. Khan Academy offers free resources for learning statistics.

2. Lean Principles Integration: Incorporate Lean methodologies to eliminate waste and streamline processes. The Lean Enterprise Institute provides insights into Lean principles.

3. Project Management Skills: Improve your project management capabilities. Project Management Institute (PMI) offers resources and certifications in project management.

4. Soft Skills Development: Enhance communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. MindTools is a great resource for developing these skills.

5. Certification and Continuous Education: Pursue higher levels of Six Sigma certification (Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt). ASQ is a reputable organization for Six Sigma certification and resources.

6. Networking and Professional Development: Join forums and groups related to Six Sigma for knowledge exchange and professional growth. LinkedIn Groups can be a good platform to start with.

7. Apply Six Sigma Across Different Projects: Practice by applying Six Sigma methodologies in various projects to gain experience and insights.

8. Stay Updated with Trends and Tools: Keep abreast of the latest trends, tools, and technologies in Six Sigma and related fields. iSixSigma regularly publishes articles and case studies.

By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your Six Sigma skills and contribute more effectively to your organization’s continuous improvement efforts.

How to Display Six Sigma Skills on Your Resume

8. Revit

Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software developed by Autodesk. It allows engineers, architects, and construction professionals to design, simulate, and manage building projects with precision and efficiency, integrating physical and functional characteristics into a digital model.

Why It's Important

Revit is important for a General Engineer as it enables efficient and integrated design, analysis, and documentation of buildings within a coordinated, 3D model-based environment, enhancing collaboration, streamlining project workflows, and improving overall project outcomes.

How to Improve Revit Skills

Improving your skills in Revit as a General Engineer involves a combination of enhancing your knowledge of the software, streamlining your workflow, and integrating advanced techniques into your projects. Here are concise strategies with relevant resources:

1. Master the Basics: Start with Autodesk's official training resources to ensure a strong foundation.

2. Learn Best Practices: Adopt industry-standard workflows and techniques by exploring Autodesk University for free courses and lectures.

3. Utilize Templates and Standards: Develop or refine your own templates based on best practices. The Revit Pure blog offers insights into effective template creation.

4. Implement Add-Ins: Enhance functionality and efficiency with add-ins. Explore the Autodesk App Store for tools that fit your needs.

5. Participate in Forums: Engage with the Revit community on platforms like RevitForum to exchange tips and solve challenges.

6. Practice Advanced Modeling: Refine your modeling skills for complex structures through tutorials on platforms like Lynda.com (now LinkedIn Learning).

7. Understand BIM Management: Learn about BIM project management to improve collaboration and efficiency on projects. BIMscape offers a comprehensive course on this.

By following these strategies and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly improve your proficiency and efficiency in Revit, enhancing your capabilities as a General Engineer in the process.

How to Display Revit Skills on Your Resume

9. ANSYS

ANSYS is a comprehensive engineering simulation software used by engineers across various industries to model and analyze complex systems and phenomena, including structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermal analysis, and electromagnetics, enabling them to optimize product designs and processes.

Why It's Important

ANSYS is important because it provides engineers with advanced simulation tools to model, analyze, and predict how products will perform in the real world, enabling more efficient design, reduced physical prototyping, and optimization of performance, safety, and reliability.

How to Improve ANSYS Skills

Improving your proficiency with ANSYS as a general engineer involves a combination of enhancing your foundational knowledge, practicing application-specific simulations, and staying updated with the latest features and techniques. Here’s a concise guide to help you upgrade your ANSYS skills:

1. Strengthen Fundamentals: Start with a strong grasp of the basics of finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Cornell University offers a comprehensive introduction to FEA, and SimScale’s CFD Basics can enhance your understanding of fluid dynamics.

2. Official ANSYS Tutorials: Leverage the ANSYS Learning Hub for official tutorials, which covers a broad range of topics from beginner to advanced levels.

3. Practical Application: Apply your knowledge through projects. Websites like GrabCAD offer a plethora of CAD models that you can use for practice.

4. Community Engagement: Join forums like CAE Academy or the ANSYS subreddit, where you can ask questions, share knowledge, and stay informed on problem-solving techniques.

5. Software Mastery: Familiarize yourself with the latest features and updates of ANSYS by checking their official release highlights. Understanding new tools and functionalities can significantly enhance your simulation capabilities.

6. Certifications and Courses: Consider obtaining certifications or taking courses on platforms like Coursera or edX that offer specialized training on ANSYS and related simulations techniques.

By integrating these resources and strategies, you'll be well on your way to improving your ANSYS skills for a broad range of engineering applications.

How to Display ANSYS Skills on Your Resume

10. Java

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language designed for portability and cross-platform application development.

Why It's Important

Java is important because it is a versatile, platform-independent language widely used for building enterprise-scale applications, mobile apps, and web services. Its strong memory management, extensive standard library, and robust security features make it suitable for various engineering projects, ensuring code can be efficiently developed, deployed, and maintained across different platforms.

How to Improve Java Skills

To improve your Java skills as a General Engineer, focus on the following concise steps:

1. Master the Basics: Ensure you have a solid understanding of Java fundamentals. The Java Tutorials by Oracle are an excellent place to start.

2. Practice Coding: Regularly solve problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank. This will enhance your problem-solving skills and understanding of algorithms.

3. Learn Design Patterns: Understanding design patterns can greatly improve your software design skills. The book "Head First Design Patterns" is a great resource.

4. Contribute to Open Source: Engaging with open-source projects on GitHub can provide real-world experience and feedback from the community.

5. Understand the JVM: Knowledge of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) can help in optimizing your applications. The book "Java Performance: The Definitive Guide" is a comprehensive resource.

6. Stay Updated: Java is continuously evolving. Follow the Oracle Java Blog to stay updated with the latest changes and features.

7. Networking and Community Involvement: Join Java communities like the Java Community Process (JCP) or forums such as Stack Overflow. Sharing knowledge and learning from others can significantly enhance your skills.

By focusing on these areas, you'll be well on your way to improving your Java skills.

How to Display Java Skills on Your Resume

11. PLC Programming

PLC programming involves creating and implementing software logic on a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to automate industrial and mechanical processes. It uses specialized languages like Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagrams, and Structured Text to control machinery, assembly lines, and other automated systems efficiently.

Why It's Important

PLC programming is crucial for General Engineers because it enables the automation and control of machinery and processes in industries, enhancing efficiency, safety, and reliability.

How to Improve PLC Programming Skills

Improving your PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming skills involves a combination of understanding fundamental concepts, practicing programming techniques, and staying updated with the latest industry standards. Here's a concise guide for a general engineer looking to enhance their PLC programming capabilities:

1. Grasp the Basics: Start with understanding the architecture and operation modes of PLCs. Familiarize yourself with basic programming concepts like ladder logic, function block diagrams, and structured text.

2. Hands-On Practice: Apply what you learn by working on real-world projects or simulations. Many PLC manufacturers offer software simulators.

3. Learn from Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer courses tailored to PLC programming, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

4. Read Books and Manuals: Manufacturer manuals provide insights into specific PLC models. Books like “Programmable Logic Controllers” by Frank D. Petruzella offer foundational knowledge.

5. Join Forums and Communities: Websites like PLC Talk allow you to engage with other PLC programmers, share knowledge, and solve problems collectively.

6. Stay Updated: The field of automation is always evolving. Follow industry news, read journals, and attend webinars or conferences to stay informed about the latest technologies and standards.

7. Understand Safety and Standards: Familiarize yourself with safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849) and programming standards (e.g., IEC 61131-3) to ensure your programs are both safe and compliant.

8. Use Software Tools: Utilize software tools for PLC programming and simulation to streamline your workflow. Tools like RSLogix 5000 from Rockwell Automation for Allen-Bradley PLCs, or TIA Portal for Siemens S7 PLCs, are industry standards.

9. Incorporate Advanced Techniques: As you progress, delve into more advanced programming techniques such as data manipulation, PID control, and communication protocols like Modbus or Profinet.

10. Feedback and Iteration: Review and test your programs thoroughly. Seek feedback from experienced colleagues and iterate your designs for optimization.

By following these steps, you'll continuously improve your PLC programming skills, adapting to new challenges and technologies in the automation industry.

How to Display PLC Programming Skills on Your Resume

12. Agile Methodologies

Agile methodologies are a set of principles and practices for software development that emphasize flexibility, collaboration, customer feedback, and iterative progress, allowing for rapid and responsive changes to project requirements.

Why It's Important

Agile methodologies are important for a general engineer because they promote flexibility, rapid iteration, and continuous improvement, enabling quicker adaptation to change, better product quality, and more efficient project management.

How to Improve Agile Methodologies Skills

Improving Agile methodologies involves continuous refinement of practices to enhance team collaboration, efficiency, and product quality. Here are concise strategies tailored for a General Engineer:

1. Iterative Planning and Feedback: Regularly revisit and adjust your project plans based on stakeholder feedback and team retrospectives. Atlassian's Agile Project Management guide offers insights into iterative planning.

2. Enhance Communication: Foster an environment of open communication. Utilize tools like Slack for seamless team interaction and Trello for transparent task management.

3. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest in Agile practices through platforms like Scrum.org and Agile Alliance, and apply new learnings to refine your approach.

4. Leverage Automation: Automate repetitive tasks where possible to increase efficiency. Explore tools like Jenkins for continuous integration and Selenium for automated testing.

5. Focus on Customer Value: Prioritize work that directly enhances customer value. Techniques and insights can be found through Lean Agile Institute.

6. Adapt and Evolve: Be open to adopting new methodologies or practices that complement Agile, such as DevOps or Lean, to enhance your process efficiency. DevOps.com is a good resource for exploring this integration.

By incorporating these strategies, a General Engineer can significantly improve the application and outcomes of Agile methodologies within their teams or projects.

How to Display Agile Methodologies Skills on Your Resume