What does an Engineer do?
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real engineer resumes:
- Manage startup, trouble shooting and testing of PLC control equipment.
- Lead project team to design and FDA validate 10-up extreme accuracy vial dosing system and CIP/SIP automate cleaning equipment.
- Automate the creation of a WebLogic Admin and manage server deployment scheme within an installer for secure application deployment.
- Install and test PLC in client own equipment on site - solve some logical and hardware issues to accomplish goal
- Implement and manage continuous delivery systems and methodologies on AWS.
- Manage Terraform and refactore from monolithic to application specific components.
- Work with LDAP resource for user's account & help to troubleshoot any issues.
- Design and develop intranet web applications using JavaScript and CSS.
- Focuse on resolving numerous cross browser compatibility relate to CSS and JavaScript.
- Focuse on resolving cross browser compatibility regarding to redesign of CSS and JavaScript.
- Develop JavaScript functions to handle client-side validations and server side validation using Java.
- Develop QEMU wrapper API to redirect virtual hardware accesses into SystemC-based android emulator.
- Transform usability designs into actionable development specifications and test plans for UI fundamentals, Java widgets and operator-specific cell phone applications.
- Gain knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, DHCP and routing protocols.
- Utilize PHP, JavaScript, Sybase, HTML, C++ and PERL.
Engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Engineers are proficient in Python, Cloud, and C++. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Python, 8%
Implemented Python Scripts for generating detail configuration reports on distributed scale-up scale-out server Nodes for converged server systems.
- Cloud, 6%
Implemented automation and integration for cloud and system infrastructure solutions using Puppet and Chef.
- C++, 5%
Developed entropy algorithm in C++ for binary entropy analysis.
- C #, 5%
NET, C #, ASP, IIS, XML/XSL, SQL Server 2000, Erwin, Rational Rose, NT)
- AWS, 5%
Managed Puppet for configuration management and automation using AWS infrastructure.
- Java, 4%
Deployed Java/J2EE applications to Application servers in an Agile continuous integration environment and also automated the whole process.
"python," "cloud," and "c++" are among the most common skills that engineers use at work. You can find even more engineer responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an engineer to have is creativity. Their role and responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Engineers often use creativity in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created document and inventory management software (java struts) with additional clients in java swing and android 1.5"
Listening skills. Many engineer duties rely on listening skills. "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists," so an engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways engineer responsibilities rely on listening skills: "tended to guest needs throughout their stay executed preventive maintenance tasks throughout the hotel communicated properly via radio when conducting inspections"
Math skills. engineers are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to engineer responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." An engineer resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "demonstrate basic math skills utilizing, algebra, trigonometry and geometry as necessary to calculate parcel boundaries. "
Mechanical skills. engineer responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." This resume example shows what engineers do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "conducted preventive maintenance on all mechanical equipment. "
Problem-solving skills. Another common skill required for engineer responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." This skill comes up in the duties of engineers all the time, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." An excerpt from a real engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what an engineer does: "implemented a java rmi solution to remotely launch palm emulators and run test-harness. "
The three companies that hire the most engineers are:
- InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc.1 engineers jobs
- IHG Owners Association1 engineers jobs
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Compare different engineers
Engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between engineers and research and development engineer. For instance, engineer responsibilities require skills such as "cloud," "aws," "troubleshoot," and "javascript." Whereas a research and development engineer is skilled in "patients," "prototype," "doe," and "medical devices." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Research and development engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $107,654. Comparatively, engineers tend to make the most money in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672.On average, research and development engineers reach higher levels of education than engineers. Research and development engineers are 5.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Engineer vs. Product development engineer
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real engineer resumes. While engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "python," "cloud," "c #," and "aws," product development engineers use skills like "product development," "product design," "prototype," and "ul."
On average, product development engineers earn a lower salary than engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, product development engineers earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $86,062. Whereas engineers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $97,672.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Product development engineers tend to reach similar levels of education than engineers. In fact, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University
Engineer vs. Mechanical design engineer
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an engineer is likely to be skilled in "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #," while a typical mechanical design engineer is skilled in "mechanical design," "gd," "creo," and "ul."
Mechanical design engineers earn the best pay in the automotive industry, where they command an average salary of $87,483. Engineers earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $97,672.Most mechanical design engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to engineers. For example, they're 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Engineer vs. Quality control engineer
A quality control engineer is responsible for conducting quality assessments for the company's products and services to ensure adherence to federal regulations and quality standards. Quality control engineers recommend strategic methods by analyzing processes and writing test results. They also identify opportunities for more services that meet public demands and market trends, helping the business generate more resources for revenues. A quality control engineer utilizes various software tools and applications to document findings, requiring them to have excellent communication and technical skills.
Types of engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
