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Engineering assistant skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.,

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical engineering assistant skills. We ranked the top skills for engineering assistants based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.6% of engineering assistant resumes contained troubleshoot as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an engineering assistant needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 engineering assistant skills for your resume and career

1. 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 engineering assistants use troubleshoot:

Perform parameter modification, Buffer, memory management, performance tuning and troubleshoot.
Managed and troubleshoot PCB manufacture process using the DataSweep management software.

2. 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 engineering assistants use c++:

Promoted from research intern to software tools tester and C++ programmer.
Assisted software engineer manager with computer programming for an aviation company Developed computer programming using C++ and Java

3. Worksheets

Here's how engineering assistants use worksheets:

Worked collaboratively with other engineers to facilitate input of data into Excel worksheets to classify old machine parts drawings.
Create Excel worksheets for all material needed, weather purchased or manufactured for daily production.

4. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how engineering assistants use java:

Eclipse, Google Maps API, Git, Java, SQLITE, C#, XML)
Provided solutions to highly complex technical issues; Supported customer-deployed MATLAB implementations with Java and programming skills.

5. Debugging

Here's how engineering assistants use debugging:

Project planning, testing, product development, debugging, measuring and monitoring performance.
Supervised and trained technicians on all aspects of production test and debugging.

6. Auto CAD

Here's how engineering assistants use auto cad:

Design isometric drawings by hand and with the utilization of Auto Cad program.
Use Auto Cad LT for drawing of self designed parts for machining reference.

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7. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how engineering assistants use data collection:

Conducted production pilot testing in laboratory environment to include equipment setup, operation, and data collection and analysis.
Created on line SPC data collection system with automatic pass/fail notification

8. 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 engineering assistants use test procedures:

Created and ran test procedures on company-produced resistors to ensure they adhered to company specifications.
Developed manual test procedures to validate proper operation of sonar systems deployed on Trident submarines.

9. Shop Drawings

Here's how engineering assistants use shop drawings:

Reviewed structural steel shop drawings and specifications.
Keyed specifications for estimating and for engineering standard and custom cabinets from shop drawings into a custom database.

10. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how engineering assistants use r:

Modified existing air dispersion models written in R to quantify local cancer risk associated with locomotive emissions in San Francisco County
Analyzed experimental results utilizing basic statistical techniques using R to extrapolate findings.

11. Construction Projects

A construction project is an organized process of constructing, redeveloping, renovating, or otherwise improving a building, or structure. The project phase begins usually as a broad criterion that is then made with the help of a brief, feasibility analysis, funding, and planning. The majority of construction projects are one-time jobs.

Here's how engineering assistants use construction projects:

Maintain a thorough understanding of erosion control measures necessary for successful compliance on heavy highway construction projects.
Provided owner and other engineers drafting and design services for various residential construction projects throughout internship.

12. Solidworks

Here's how engineering assistants use solidworks:

Detailed mechanical drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
Developed Engineering Projects and designed mechanical parts with the use of 3D CAD programs such as SolidWorks and Solid Edge

13. RF

Here's how engineering assistants use rf:

Designed and built prototype RF test sets, break out boxes, AC/DC power harnesses, and cables for test sets.
Tested sub assemblies and final assemblies of high powered (100 watt to 5000 watt) solid state RF generators.

14. 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 engineering assistants use engineering design:

Performed professional engineering, project planning and engineering design for the operation and maintenance of the overhead and underground electrical system.
Analyzed well production performance and provided reservoir engineering support to assist completion engineering design and programs.

15. Preventative Maintenance

Here's how engineering assistants use preventative maintenance:

Conducted routine Preventative Maintenance on facility operations systems, while working to ensure minimal interruptions of service.
Initiated a preventative maintenance program and implemented an employee incentive program increasing productivity by 15-20% weekly.

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What skills help Engineering Assistants find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on engineering assistant resumes?

Dr. Melikhan Tanyeri Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Duquesne University

Problem-solving, flexibility, adaptability, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, technical/computer skills

What soft skills should all engineering assistants possess?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Communication, teamwork.

What hard/technical skills are most important for engineering assistants?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools

What engineering assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

It again depends on what the graduate sees as their next step - graduate school or a job with a company or lab. If the next step is graduate school, the graduate should investigate what they are interested in pursuing and then where the best school is to get the experience that the graduate thinks he or she wants.

General reading about technologies or reading available articles about subjects the graduate is interested in will help generate questions they can ask potential graduate schools. This time would also be a chance to improve areas where the graduate may feel weak while an undergraduate. Many online resources can help them brush up on week background topics. Do not worry about transfer credits because that is usually not helpful in graduate school, but improve knowledge and experience in areas where the graduate feels weak. If the graduate has identified a graduate school and program to study in, the graduate school might have some recommendations about what to review. All of this will help improve success in graduate school.

If the next step is a job with a company or lab, taking courses to improve communication will help. Many technically competent or even technically brilliant people struggle with effective communication. Techniques about writing reports, making oral presentations, or communicating technical information will help improve success. The gap year also provides time to investigate technologies that the graduate wants to be involved in and the companies or labs in those areas.

Once the graduate has identified areas of interest and companies or labs that the graduate might want to work for, they can be contacted to either answer questions or point the graduate in a direction for further investigation.

In either case, a gap year can provide a chance to refine the graduate's choice for the next steps and help them prepare other skills overlooked during the undergraduate years.

What type of skills will young engineering assistants need?

John Ring

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.

What technical skills for an engineering assistant stand out to employers?

Dr. Benjamin Campbell Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Engineering, Robert Morris University

When I talk to employers of engineers two key skills tend to stand out: problem solving skills and communication skills. These skills are very difficult to develop quickly on the job, but a new employee that can demonstrate strength in these two areas can quickly integrate into a team or train into a job that requires specific technical skills. Communication skills can be assessed verbally during the interview. If it's a virtual interview for a remote job, present yourself like you will be representing their company: professional dress, clean and unclutters backdrop, practice eye contact into the camera with clear speech, and make sure there are no external distractions or noises (pets, roommates, etc). Sometimes the interviewer will request an impromptu writing sample. Communication skills can also be assessed before the interview with how quickly and professionally a prospective employee responds to the company's requests for information. Problem solving skills are often assessed by asking the job candidate about a difficult technical problem they faced and the how they solved it. Be prepared with several examples in mind and prioritize them by the tasks that are most relevant to the job description or the interests of the interviewer. Having a portfolio on hand or some unique visual aids can leave a distinct impression; and if virtual, have files readily accessible if you need to screen share but have an uncluttered desktop and inoffensive computer wallpaper. Some interviewers will assess both problem solving and communication skills simultaneously through role playing the solving of a technical problem or asking for a pseudo-code solution to a programming task.

Do you want to know more?

List of engineering assistant skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for an engineering assistant resume and required skills for an engineering assistant to have include:

Troubleshoot
C++
Worksheets
Java
Debugging
Auto CAD
Data Collection
Test Procedures
Shop Drawings
R
Construction Projects
Solidworks
RF
Engineering Design
Preventative Maintenance
Test Equipment

Engineering Drawings
HVAC
Purchase Orders
Civil Engineering
Data Analysis
Windows
Engineering Support
GIS
Cost Estimates
Quality Standards
Computer Assisted Design
GPS
Test Results
ISO
CNC
SQL

BOM
Aided Design
PDF
QA
Technical Reports
ERP
PLC
Field Testing
Geotechnical
Test Data
Electrical Systems
SharePoint
Technical Assistance
Travel Arrangements
Part Numbers
Visio

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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