Top 12 Professional Engineer Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's competitive job market, engineering professionals need to spotlight the skills that actually move the needle. The right mix on a resume doesn’t just signal competence—it shows adaptability in a field that never sits still. Below, a refreshed look at the top 12 skills engineers should showcase, tightened for clarity and updated where needed.

Professional Engineer Skills

1. AutoCAD
2. MATLAB
3. SolidWorks
4. Python
5. Revit
6. Ansys
7. Java
8. PLC Programming
9. LabVIEW
10. C++
11. Project Management
12. Lean Manufacturing

1. AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) application used to draft and model precise 2D and 3D designs, produce technical drawings, and manage documentation across a range of engineering disciplines.

Why It's Important

AutoCAD enables engineers to create, revise, and control detailed drawings and models with accuracy. It helps teams plan, visualize, and coordinate projects efficiently—vital for quality and speed.

How to Improve AutoCAD Skills

Sharpen both your command of the tool and the way you work:

1. Advance your training: Take structured courses and pursue certification to deepen knowledge of industry-specific features.

2. Tune your workspace: Customize tool palettes, shortcuts, and ribbons so common actions are a flick away.

3. Automate the grind: Use AutoLISP and macros to eliminate repetitive steps and reduce errors.

4. Stay current: Keep your software updated to gain performance, stability, and new capabilities.

5. Learn from peers: Engage with AutoCAD communities for solutions, tips, and real-world tricks.

6. Organize rigorously: Adopt consistent file structures, naming, and standards for drawings and references.

7. Align with standards: Follow industry guidance (ASME, IEEE and similar) to ensure compliance and clarity.

Small gains add up fast when the workflow is smooth and consistent.

How to Display AutoCAD Skills on Your Resume

2. MATLAB

MATLAB is a high-level environment for numerical computing, data analysis, visualization, and algorithm development. Engineers use it for modeling, simulation, and model-based design.

Why It's Important

It streamlines analysis and prototyping, connects computation with visualization, and shortens the path from concept to validation.

How to Improve MATLAB Skills

Work smarter with built-in tools and sound coding habits:

1. Nail the fundamentals: Vectors, matrices, indexing, plotting, data types, and scripts.

2. Use advanced toolsets: Optimization, signal processing, control, Simulink—learn the toolboxes that match your field.

3. Write efficient code: Vectorize, preallocate, and profile to squeeze out wasted time.

4. Automate workflows: Functions, live scripts, and projects keep work modular and repeatable.

5. Build depth: Take formal training, pursue certification, and keep up with feature releases.

6. Engage the community: Share code, review others’ work, and explore user-contributed examples.

7. Practice relentlessly: Apply MATLAB to small challenges and real projects—momentum matters.

How to Display MATLAB Skills on Your Resume

3. SolidWorks

SolidWorks is CAD/CAE software for 3D modeling, assemblies, drawings, and simulation—widely used in mechanical design and product development.

Why It's Important

It bridges design and validation. You model, simulate, iterate, and document in one ecosystem, reducing risk and speeding up handoff to manufacturing.

How to Improve SolidWorks Skills

Push beyond basic sketch-and-extrude:

1. Master core tools: Sketching, constraints, configurations, drawings, and shortcuts.

2. Dig into advanced features: Surfacing, large assembly strategies, simulation, sheet metal, and mold tools.

3. Customize everything: Templates, design tables, macros, library features, and task automation.

4. Learn continuously: Follow official tutorials, webinars, and training; keep pace with new releases.

5. Get certified: CSWA/CSWP/CSWE validate skills and signal credibility.

6. Join the crowd: Community forums and user groups reveal tricks you won’t find in manuals.

Consistency and curiosity pay off fast in complex assemblies.

How to Display SolidWorks Skills on Your Resume

4. Python

Python is an interpreted language prized for readability, breadth of libraries, and swift development—from automation and data analysis to web apps and AI.

Why It's Important

Rapid prototyping, powerful ecosystems, and easy integration make it a go-to for engineering workflows and glue code across systems.

How to Improve Python Skills

Go beyond basics and write code that stays clean under pressure:

1. Solid foundations: Data structures, exceptions, modules, packaging, virtual environments.

2. Advanced concepts: Iterators, generators, decorators, context managers, concurrency (async and multiprocessing).

3. Write “Pythonic” code: Follow PEP 8 and idioms that make code readable and maintainable.

4. Practice hard problems: Use coding challenge platforms to sharpen algorithmic thinking.

5. Build real projects: Automate tasks, create APIs, or analyze datasets—ship something.

6. Learn key libraries: NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, SciPy, FastAPI/Flask, and, if relevant, TensorFlow or PyTorch.

7. Contribute and review: Open-source participation and code reviews accelerate growth.

8. Keep up: Track release notes, newsletters, and podcasts to stay current.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

5. Revit

Revit is Autodesk’s BIM platform for modeling, coordinating, and documenting building and infrastructure projects in 3D.

Why It's Important

BIM centralizes data and collaboration. Revit helps engineers coordinate disciplines, reduce clashes, and deliver accurate documentation.

How to Improve Revit Skills

Build speed, consistency, and collaboration into your process:

1. Strengthen fundamentals: Families, parameters, views, sheets, worksharing, and phasing.

2. Standardize: Develop templates, view filters, and naming conventions tied to your BIM standards.

3. Automate with add-ins: Use tools like Dynamo and vetted extensions to eliminate repetitive modeling and QA tasks.

4. Model efficiently: Use reference planes, constraints, and levels thoughtfully; keep models lean and clean.

5. Collaborate well: Leverage cloud collaboration and clear file management practices.

6. Stay current: Track new features and adopt them when they save time or reduce risk.

7. Engage the community: Forums and user groups surface solutions to tricky coordination problems.

How to Display Revit Skills on Your Resume

6. Ansys

Ansys is a comprehensive simulation suite for structural, thermal, fluid, electromagnetic, and multiphysics analysis, used to predict real-world behavior and optimize designs before physical testing.

Why It's Important

High-fidelity simulation reduces prototypes, reveals failure modes early, and guides design decisions—saving time and money while boosting reliability.

How to Improve Ansys Skills

Develop a disciplined approach to modeling and validation:

1. Formal training: Take structured courses and pursue certification tracks that match your industry focus.

2. Leverage documentation: Dive into application notes and verification examples to learn best practices.

3. Practice on real problems: Reproduce published benchmarks and then apply lessons to your projects.

4. Join user communities: Share models, ask questions, and study workflows from experienced analysts.

5. Automate repetitive steps: Use scripting to set up parametric studies and consistent post-processing.

6. Track industry usage: Follow case studies and release notes to discover time-saving features.

How to Display Ansys Skills on Your Resume

7. Java

Java is a class-based, object-oriented language designed for portability and stability. It powers web services, enterprise systems, Android apps, and more.

Why It's Important

Its cross-platform runtime, strong tooling, and mature ecosystem make it a staple for scalable, long-lived systems.

How to Improve Java Skills

Grow from syntax comfort to architectural confidence:

1. Master core Java: Collections, generics, streams, concurrency, I/O, and modern language features.

2. Design patterns: Apply proven solutions to recurring problems; study Effective Java and similar references.

3. Framework fluency: Learn Spring, Spring Boot, and JPA/Hibernate to build production-ready services.

4. Build projects: Develop REST APIs, messaging services, or batch jobs; deploy and monitor them.

5. Contribute to open source: Practice code reviews, issue tracking, and collaborative development.

6. Quality mindset: Write tests (JUnit), measure coverage, and use static analysis for clean code.

7. Keep learning: Track new JDK releases and ecosystem updates.

How to Display Java Skills on Your Resume

8. PLC Programming

PLC programming means developing logic for Programmable Logic Controllers to automate machines, lines, and processes in industrial environments.

Why It's Important

It drives uptime, consistency, and safety. Robust PLC logic turns complex operations into reliable, repeatable steps.

How to Improve PLC Programming Skills

Bridge theory with hands-on practice:

1. Solid electrical and logic basics: Know sensors, actuators, I/O, relays, and fundamental control theory.

2. Language depth: Ladder Logic first, then Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, and Sequential Function Chart.

3. Use simulators: Practice end-to-end systems without hardware; test interlocks and fault handling.

4. Study real systems: Review case studies, HMI/SCADA integration, and troubleshooting logs.

5. Standardize: Reusable function blocks, clear tag naming, version control, and documentation.

6. Engage the community: Professional forums and peer networks surface practical solutions and safety tips.

How to Display PLC Programming Skills on Your Resume

9. LabVIEW

LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench) is a graphical programming environment from NI (formerly National Instruments) used for data acquisition, instrument control, automated testing, and industrial systems.

Why It's Important

Its visual paradigm accelerates prototyping and deployment of test and measurement solutions, tying hardware and software together with clarity.

How to Improve LabVIEW Skills

Structure your code and your cadence:

1. Core mastery: Dataflow, VIs, clusters, queues, and error handling—get these rock-solid.

2. Advanced features: Object-oriented LabVIEW, Actor Framework, Application Builder, and real-time/FPGA where applicable.

3. Style and patterns: Follow clear naming, modular design, and proven architectures suited to your application.

4. Testing discipline: Adopt automated tests to keep complex systems stable.

5. Source control: Use Git or similar to manage changes and collaborate effectively.

6. Community and training: NI training, certifications, and forums help you keep pace and solve thorny problems.

How to Display LabVIEW Skills on Your Resume

10. C++

C++ is a statically typed language that blends low-level control with high-level abstractions, used for systems, embedded software, simulations, and performance-critical applications.

Why It's Important

You get speed, determinism, and memory control—indispensable in real-time and resource-constrained systems.

How to Improve C++ Skills

Move toward modern, safe, and fast code:

1. Master the language: RAII, templates, exceptions, and build systems; understand value vs reference semantics.

2. Use the standard library well: Containers, algorithms, smart pointers, and chrono; prefer std tools over reinvention.

3. Think modern C++: C++11/14/17/20 features (auto, range-based loops, move semantics, constexpr, concepts).

4. Memory matters: Ownership models, lifetimes, and profiling to catch leaks and undefined behavior.

5. Tooling: Static analysis, sanitizers, and robust debugging to surface issues early.

6. Read and review: Study authoritative texts (e.g., Effective Modern C++) and learn through code reviews.

7. Practice: Implement data structures, parsers, or simulations; target both correctness and performance.

How to Display C++ Skills on Your Resume

11. Project Management

Project management guides teams to deliver defined outcomes within scope, schedule, and budget. In engineering, it blends technical rigor with planning, risk control, and stakeholder alignment.

Why It's Important

It keeps execution predictable and transparent, enabling trade-offs to be made early and wisely—before cost and time spiral.

How to Improve Project Management Skills

Mix process with people skills and smart tools:

1. Communicate clearly: Set expectations, document decisions, and keep feedback loops short.

2. Adopt agile where it fits: Iterative delivery, backlog grooming, and sprint reviews can de-risk complex builds.

3. Use project tools: Task boards, roadmaps, and automated reminders reduce noise and missed handoffs.

4. Risk first: Identify, quantify, and mitigate; revisit risks often as reality changes.

5. Time and prioritization: Focus on critical path, buffer key tasks, and protect deep work windows.

6. Strengthen leadership: Clarity, empathy, and decisiveness drive outcomes more than any template.

7. Invest in learning: PMI-aligned practices, certifications, and retrospectives sharpen execution.

How to Display Project Management Skills on Your Resume

12. Lean Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing targets waste reduction and flow efficiency while raising quality and value. It thrives on continuous improvement and respect for people.

Why It's Important

Lean helps engineers design resilient, cost-effective processes that deliver faster with fewer defects—better for customers and the bottom line.

How to Improve Lean Manufacturing Skills

Turn principles into habits on the floor and in the data:

1. Value Stream Mapping: Visualize current state, design future state, and prioritize high-impact changes.

2. 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain—create order that sticks.

3. Kaizen: Small, continuous improvements—daily momentum beats sporadic overhauls.

4. Jidoka: Build in quality at the source; stop when defects occur and fix the root cause.

5. Just-In-Time (JIT): Produce to demand, shrink inventory, and balance workloads.

6. Poka‑Yoke: Error-proof designs and processes so mistakes can’t hide.

7. Standard Work: Document the best known method; train, audit, and refine.

8. Root Cause Analysis: Use 5 Whys or Fishbone to address causes, not symptoms.

9. Cross-Training: Increase flexibility and resilience by broadening skills across roles.

10. Engaged leadership: Leaders model lean behavior, remove roadblocks, and celebrate wins.

How to Display Lean Manufacturing Skills on Your Resume