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Design engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Bryant Harrison

One of the most important hard skills design engineers across the board can possess is strong knowledge of and experience working with computer-aided design (CAD), as this forms the foundation of the job. It's also very important for design engineers to be fluent in programming languages such as C++, and have ample experience in creating equipment that improves product design.

When it comes to soft skills, design engineers should have finely tuned skills of discernment to ensure a consistently high systems quality. Design engineers need to do a good amount of data analysis as well, so analytical skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical design engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for design engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 4.5% of design engineer resumes contained c++ as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a design engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 design engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 design engineers use c++:

Developed Windows application program using Visual C++.
Used C++, MFC, SQLOLE to investigate and analyze the different components involved in replication to identify bottlenecks & performances.

2. UL

Here's how design engineers use ul:

Developed new products, produced prototypes and ultimately submitted viable product samples to UL for verification working in conjunction with sales/marketing.
Ensured compliance with industry standards and coordinate certification projects at Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories, such as UL.

3. Project Management

Here's how design engineers use project management:

Attended Engineering Release Meeting to answer any manufacturing, procurement, or project management questions pertaining to engineering design and processes.
Experienced in all phases of capital project management, from development of initial concept to securing funding approval through project implementation.

4. Work Ethic

Here's how design engineers use work ethic:

Improved work ethic, shop competence, communication and team cooperation skills.
Possess enriched work ethic and integrity with sound leadership skills.

5. Engineering Design

Engineering design is defined as the method that engineers use to recognize and solve problems. It is an extensive and flexible approach to problem-solving and provides the necessary information needed regarding every step of the process. An engineering design is a collaborative effort of the team to identify problems underlying a process and find out ways to solve them.

Here's how design engineers use engineering design:

Worked on advanced engineering design/analysis methods using Pro/E and its Behavior Modeling Extension as well as FEA to achieve quality/efficiency improvements.
Participated in weekly conference meeting with customer throughout product development, engineering design and reviews, built and evaluated prototypes.

6. RF

Here's how design engineers use rf:

Utilized theoretical RF engineering cabling calculations and formulas within Link Budget to create sufficient DAS coverage plans within commercial building applications.
Designed stamped, die-cast, injection molded and machined components/assemblies for RF connectors and cable/harness assemblies using Pro-Engineering and Auto-Cad software.

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7. Product Design

Product design can be described as a process of imagining, creating, and iterating products that solve user's problems and talk about the specific needs of users in the market. Product design is an engineering disciple and it is the basic design and idea that goes before the mass production of the product.

Here's how design engineers use product design:

Worked closely with manufacturing to develop efficient, repeatable assembly methods, and effective production solutions with new product designs.
Functioned as the electronics/electrical systems engineering resource for new product design, and existing product care for home refrigeration appliances.

8. Auto CAD

Here's how design engineers use auto cad:

Designed & developed state-of-the-art mechanical packages and antenna subsystems for satellite and aerospace applications using IDEAS and Auto CAD software.
Design of chain conveyor, slat chain conveyor for filling system, Roller Conveyor, Flat belt conveyor in Auto CAD.

9. IP

An IP - Internet Protocol is a unique number assigned to all devices connected to information technology, such as printers, routers, modems, etc. Each device or domain that connects to the Internet is assigned an IP address, and as packets are directed to the IP address attached to them, the data goes where it is needed. IP addresses are the identifier used to send information between devices on a network. They contain location information and make devices accessible for communication.

Here's how design engineers use ip:

Designed and executed SystemVerilog test benches and test sequences for digital verification of several analog IP blocks.
Participated and reviewed documentation on all IP network connectivity before implementing into the network.

10. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how design engineers use product development:

Simplified product development lead time by involving purchasing and manufacturing departments earlier in the design process and eliminating non-value added steps.
Worked directly with head-engineer on all product development of centrifugal slurry pump and vertical pumps used in mineral mining applications.

11. GD

GD refers to Grade Delay and is often mentioned on report cards or academic records when the instructor of a particular subject decides to hold the grade of a student. This is usually done if the instructor wants the student to improve their grade by retaking the exam or doing something for extra credit that will ultimately enhance their overall grade. Eventually, when the grade is assigned, the GD is then replaced with the original grade.

Here's how design engineers use gd:

Position required interfacing with customers and suppliers, data translation, data management and creation of drawings utilizing GD &T.
Incorporated Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles and GD & T standards.

12. FEA

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is software that can simulate physical phenomenon with the help of numerical procedures. FEA helps companies in developing better and cost-effective products by reducing the number of physical prototypes.

Here's how design engineers use fea:

Required heavy utilization of FEA and CFD analysis for air flow characterization, dispense system development and waste material management.
Performed finite element analysis (FEA) utilizing software to ensure design integrity

13. Creo

Here's how design engineers use creo:

Design verification & optimization through CREO Simulation.
Modeled and Simulated Mandrel Plug used in extrusion process and its cooling assembly using CREO & ANSYS fluent.

14. BOM

BOM stands for a bill of materials in design drafting. This list outlines the raw materials, instructions, and components required to manufacture or construct a product or service.

Here's how design engineers use bom:

Developed sophisticated spreadsheets such as lightning protection calculations and BOM creator.
Generated detailed installation specifications including BOM's, and AutoCAD drawings.

15. Design Reviews

A dеѕіgn review іѕ a mіlеѕtоnе wіthіn a рrоduсt dеvеlорmеnt рrосеѕѕ іn whісh a design іѕ evaluated bаѕеd on іtѕ rеԛuіrеmеntѕ. Thе рurроѕе of dеѕіgn rеvіеwѕ іѕ tо examine thе overall design or a ѕресіfіс аѕресt оf a dеѕіgn аt еасh ѕtаgе of the development оf a nеw оr еxіѕtіng рrоduсt.

Here's how design engineers use design reviews:

Provided technical direction to cross-functional team as well as product design reviews to aid collaboration between engineering and manufacturing functions.
Participated in design process including engineering analysis on pressure vessel design, design reviews, and interfacing with customers.

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What skills help Design Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on design engineer resumes?

Charles Jenckes

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student

What soft skills should all design engineers possess?

Bryant Harrison

Instructor, Murray State University

Engineers are constantly working with a variety of people on a project. These people could be other engineers in the same department or other departments, managers, stakeholders, and customers. The ability to communicate both on a technical and non-technical level with these people is likely the most important soft skill for a design engineer.

What hard/technical skills are most important for design engineers?

Bryant Harrison

Instructor, Murray State University

Designing, prototyping, testing, and iterating are likely the most important skills for a design engineer. This is what we strive to teach at Murray State in our Design Engineering Technology program. Many sub-skills would fall into these categories, such as CAD, design for manufacturing, 3D printing, and destructive/non-destructive testing.

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

Dr. Richard Onyancha

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Department Head, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

For students who would like to consider taking a gap year, depending on what their goals after graduation are, they could consider enhancing their skills in any of these areas:
- Technical hands-on skills such as CAD/CAM, simulation, design, and fabrication
- Global competency
- Public policy
- Job shadowing
- Preparing for and taking professional exams if, for example, considering medical school or law school

What type of skills will young design engineers need?

Andy Gerrick

Associate Professor and Chair, Embry-Riddle, Prescott

Most important is the ability to pull together the problem-solving skills learned in the different engineering courses to solve real-world, multidisciplinary, engineering problems. This requires a clear understanding of the problem and the requirements, and it requires a thorough understanding of engineering concepts. Memorizing problem solutions is of no value because no one will pay you to solve a problem that has already been solved. An engineer's ability to communicate is also extremely important. Engineering is a collaborative endeavor, so if you are not able to communicate your ideas, you are not contributing.

What technical skills for a design 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 design engineer skills to add to your resume

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

C++
UL
Project Management
Work Ethic
Engineering Design
RF
Product Design
Auto CAD
IP
Product Development
GD
FEA
Creo
BOM
Design Reviews
PowerPoint
RTL

Verilog
MATLAB
Mechanical Design
System Design
R
Engineering Drawings
FPGA
Circuit Design
Design Software
Technical Support
Aided Design
Place-And-Route
HVAC
Engineering Support
Catia V5
NX
ASIC

Prototyping
Cost Estimates
PCB
Unified Communications
FMEA
Debugging
ISO
Ansys
Design Process
Design Changes
DFMEA
PC
Sigma
VHDL
Assembly Drawings

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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