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Electrical test engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Florian Solzbacher,
Florian Solzbacher
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical electrical test engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for electrical test engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.9% of electrical test engineer resumes contained data analysis as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an electrical test engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 electrical test engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Data Analysis

Here's how electrical test engineers use data analysis:
  • Simplify data analysis using software to automate data processing on repeated tests.
  • Performed DV and PV test result data analysis, failure analysis and 8D creations for failed test units.

2. LabVIEW

Here's how electrical test engineers use labview:
  • Delivered remarkable improvement by replacing a manual test system with personally designed automated test software using National Instruments LabView.
  • Integrated previous production tests into SQL database infrastructure using LabVIEW, MySQL and MSSQL Server 11.

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 electrical test engineers use c++:
  • Created interrupt driven C++ test software and serial/parallel communication software to control instrumentation.
  • Performed hardware and software design (C, C++, HP Basic) of computer-controlled automated test equipment.

4. Data Acquisition

Data acquisition involves getting real-time values and digital, numerical representations of everyday activities and physical conditions. These values can be altered and manipulated by a computer to get accurate results that can be used to solve problems, answer questions, or reapplied into everyday activities.

Here's how electrical test engineers use data acquisition:
  • Perform troubleshooting, repair/replacement of telemetry and instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
  • Provided data acquisition, information coordination with NSI and NASA engineers and scientists and project personnel.

5. Test Procedures

Test procedure i defined as a tool for conducting an experiment to analyze or observe the specifications of a process or application.

Here's how electrical test engineers use test procedures:
  • Develop and implement test procedures for the electrical characterization of High Density Interconnect Systems.
  • Performed testing and root-cause analysis, develop test procedures and validation methodology.

6. Test Results

Here's how electrical test engineers use test results:
  • Maintain organized and well-documented test results in database for future reference.
  • Reviewed and approved innumerable test results and completed documentation.

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7. Test Data

Here's how electrical test engineers use test data:
  • Assisted in the review and analysis of telemetry and test data, ensuring generated data accurately verifies SV functionality and performance.
  • Reviewed radar antenna production test data on a daily basis and recommended corrective action.

8. RF

Here's how electrical test engineers use rf:
  • Coordinated RF and communication systems testing.
  • Tested RF heads hardware for the Cellular System Base Station by using Signal and Network Analyzers and Lab-view.

9. Electrical Systems

Here's how electrical test engineers use electrical systems:
  • Worked field assignment overseeing installation of electrical systems during construction phase.
  • Prepare and study technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems.

10. 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 electrical test engineers use troubleshoot:
  • Test and troubleshoot Diesel Locomotive Wire Harness Cabinets using Schematics and Multi-Meter.
  • Trained production employees as well as engineers to test and troubleshoot electronic switching equipment as introduced.

11. Test Systems

Here's how electrical test engineers use test systems:
  • Develop test system architectures and establish system design requirements, flowing down requirements into test equipment specifications.
  • Key member of functional team that developed automated test systems for verification and production testing.

12. Test Scripts

Test scripts validate the quality of the software or app being tested. An effective test script has all the steps to be taken to use a software program as well as the ending result of each step.

Here's how electrical test engineers use test scripts:
  • Developed automation test scripts utilized for the electrical validation of the product.
  • Create test scripts to perform automated tests on the Satellite in a flight like environment.

13. MATLAB

Here's how electrical test engineers use matlab:
  • Maintained and added additional tests to computer code written in Visual Basic, Excel and Matlab.
  • Modeled PZT ceramic and piezo film parameters using MATLAB.

14. Test Methods

Test methods are the steps in which thorough testing is conducted in a laboratory setting.

Here's how electrical test engineers use test methods:
  • Interfaced with major contract manufacture to implement test methods and procedures for high volume production of systems.
  • Learned basic principles and test methods as well as circuitry of instruments.

15. Control Systems

Here's how electrical test engineers use control systems:
  • Provided start-up preparation including installation, inspection and operation of automatic AC and DC control systems.
  • Supervised technicians and electricians with installation, evaluation and test of nuclear instrumentation and control systems.
top-skills

What skills help Electrical Test Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on electrical test engineer resumes?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Examples of having applied the knowledge gained in their studies to practical examples of solving engineering problems that require the combination of skills and at least some understanding of system engineering aspects are important signals that graduating engineers are ready to be productive in a real-world setting are always important. Obviously, participating in projects that address current "hot topic" problems, e.g., in robotics, AI/machine learning, power systems, biomedical applications, or that resonate with specific problems an employer is currently working on, will raise a student's profile.


Supplemental skills, such as Entrepreneurial or business training, can enhance and differentiate a student's resume. This shows that an engineer is not solely focused on the core technical engineering skills but does have an understanding of the driving forces and their interaction in a real-world business setting, that are not only part of the design requirements for a product (e.g., design to cost), but also often drive the selection of technical solution paths, after all, every development and product has to make business sense. Imagine two young engineers proposing a solution to their manager for a new product: one maybe even over-exceeds the technical requirements, but the development and/or manufacturing and servicing effort and cost is significantly higher than a colleagues solution that may only just about reach the requirements, or maybe even compromise on some specifications, but that is far cheaper to develop, make and service and that may allow entering a far larger market- chances are very high that the business may decide to go for the "inferior" solution from a technical point of view, that is, however, the better product. This supplemental skill set is a significant competitive advantage to have as an engineer.

What soft skills should all electrical test engineers possess?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

Engineering is about teamwork. All major quantum leaps and most products require extensive system engineering and diverse skills. Engineers need to be able to understand the languages and workflows not only across engineering disciplines but also ranging into business, legal and ethical aspects of their work. This includes communication and project management skills.

What hard/technical skills are most important for electrical test engineers?

Florian Solzbacher

Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer Engineering, University of Utah

First of all, the fundamentals (mostly math, physics, materials/chemistry) and basic EE/CE concepts need to be solid. As stated above: the ability to solve real-world development and system integration problems that require "global optimization" of technical performance as opposed to local optimization of specific sub-systems or components is really critical.


Beyond that, given the accelerating breadth of specializations and sub-areas, it is important that students have sufficient depth and breadth of knowledge in the specific area they are targeting. It is important that schools are offering tracks and guidance as to what skills are needed to allow students to successfully master engineering tasks across a range of sub-areas. We have to recognize that in the context of a 4-year program, it is no longer possible to train a student in all areas of ECE - a combined BS/MS degree or MS/Ph.D. degree obviously provides more runway to add breadth.

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

Dr. Angela RasmussenDr. Angela Rasmussen LinkedIn profile

Professor (Lecturer) Director of Mentoring and Advising Director of Electrical Engineering Senior Projects, University of Utah

Hone your skills by taking online classes, or consider getting something such as the University of Utah Electrical and Computer Engineering Online Master's Degree which can increase your overall income, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, by approximately $20,000 in comparison to just having a Bachelor of Science degree. Our department has removed many barriers and streamlined our admittance process for this upcoming Fall 2020 semester.

Another skill to expand is programming. Consider learning a new programming language to build on your current skills. Also, look at different job opportunities and choose a skill that you are lacking to improve upon.

What type of skills will young electrical test engineers need?

Aaron Ohta Ph.D.Aaron Ohta Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Graduates will, of course, need a solid technical background. They should have a good grasp of the fundamentals, and also know how to apply that knowledge to new situations, as technology is always changing. I've also heard from many recent graduates that they appreciate the "soft skills" that they learned in school, like how to give effective technical presentations and how to write technical reports.

List of electrical test engineer skills to add to your resume

Electrical test engineer skills

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

  • Data Analysis
  • LabVIEW
  • C++
  • Data Acquisition
  • Test Procedures
  • Test Results
  • Test Data
  • RF
  • Electrical Systems
  • Troubleshoot
  • Test Systems
  • Test Scripts
  • MATLAB
  • Test Methods
  • Control Systems
  • Test Software
  • Failure Analysis
  • UL
  • Electrical Components
  • Test Fixtures
  • Electrical Test Equipment
  • Test Processes
  • CAD
  • EMC
  • EMI
  • PCB
  • System Integration
  • Circuit Boards
  • Autocad
  • Excellent Time Management
  • Test Reports
  • PC
  • Technical Support
  • Test Cases
  • Debugging
  • Prototyping
  • ATE
  • Technical Issues
  • Test Programs
  • Test Specifications
  • PLC
  • Verification Testing
  • Sigma
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Test Failures
  • Design Engineering
  • AC
  • FPGA

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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