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Engineering manager skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. John Ballato,

Dr. John Ballato

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical engineering manager skills. We ranked the top skills for engineering managers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.8% of engineering manager resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an engineering manager needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 engineering manager skills for your resume and career

1. 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 managers use java:

Managed Agile teams in 5 time zones: coding and testing an enterprise Java and C++ digital media transport service.
Developed initial Graphical User Interface concepts in Java and oversaw the development of the front end for the final product.

2. Project Management

Here's how engineering managers use project management:

Provided project management & technical leadership within cross-functional team interactions & Asian manufacturing partners to increase productivity and identify critical paths.
Provide oversight and Project Management for scheduled work packages including design drawing development and assign work packages to individual team members.

3. Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is an ongoing process of improvement of products, services, and processes with the help of innovative ideas. It is an organized approach that helps an organization to find its weaknesses and improve them.

Here's how engineering managers use continuous improvement:

Maintained required equipment availability/utilization and developed continuous improvement plans to reduce requirements.
Managed a 25-member team responsible for executing product design projects from conception through development, validation, implementation and continuous improvement.

4. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how engineering managers use software development:

Played an instrumental role in analyzing and improving software development process by convincing upper management to implement a daily build process.
Maintained project schedules and was accountable for keeping projects developed and delivered on time within a structured software development release schedule.

5. 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 managers use c++:

Implemented personal development plans for team members to make them proficient in C++, embedded software and agile development methodologies.
Led development team that designed and implemented C++ object layer infrastructure using COM/COM+, ATL 3.0, Visual C++ 6.0.

6. UL

Here's how engineering managers use ul:

Maintained UL (Underwriters Laboratory) and CSA specifications while dealing directly with respective representatives.
Coordinate projects and work directly with Hunter Asian manufacturing staff, factory, and internal UL Lab on a daily basis.

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7. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how engineering managers use customer service:

Developed a superior customer service organization with open communication, friendly, cooperative staff, motivated and guided by end-user feedback.
Collaborated with customer service to identify process waste and streamline internal communication to decrease order errors and warranty charges.

8. Direct Reports

Here's how engineering managers use direct reports:

Hold complete responsibility for conceptualization, developing Architecture, design and development and managing team of 7 direct reports.
Direct reports Reliability Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, High Voltage Electrical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering and Controls Engineering.

9. Azure

Here's how engineering managers use azure:

Automated deployment of SharePoint 2013 staging and testing tiers in Azure via ARM based templates.
Implemented architecture to provide full Azure based provisioning system for ACP.

10. Emerging Technologies

Here's how engineering managers use emerging technologies:

Provided engineering, cost/benefit analysis on new and emerging technologies for economical feasibility for the Air Force.
Conducted research and identified emerging technologies and assessed applicability to and compatibility with existing systems/assets.

11. SEO

Here's how engineering managers use seo:

Spearheaded a local SEO strategy that resulted in marginal revenue growth and considerably improved organic traffic acquisition.
Presented complex redirect and SEO strategy to non-technical Toyota Scion executives.

12. Opportunity Management

Here's how engineering managers use opportunity management:

Led new re-engineering role replacing several hundred applications including call management, application management, opportunity management into new IBM technology.
Developed the Risk and Opportunity Management for the program including the risk repository and mitigation plans.

13. Strong Project Management

Here's how engineering managers use strong project management:

Maintain strong project management capabilities in the organization to assure major Projects meetperformance, cost and timing targets.

14. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how engineering managers use technical support:

Provided technical support/expertise to sales and marketing to help cultivate new customer opportunities and to provide customers with custom application-specific products.
Provide daily support to company operations, technical support to global customers, implementing required engineering/design changes to meet customer needs.

15. CAD

Here's how engineering managers use cad:

Directed/Supervised engineering department consisting of project/design engineers (mechanical and electrical), CAD operators, and other support staff.
Led conversion to 2D/3D CAD systems selection, implementation and introduced lighting simulation capability in support of Sales/Marketing objectives.

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What skills help Engineering Managers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on engineering manager resumes?

Dr. John Ballato

J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and Professor, Clemson University

The phrase "well rounded" may be getting old, but it's still true. We like to see graduates who didn't just go to class but worked in a laboratory or did a co-op/internship and had various extra-curricular activities, both personal and professional. Remember that materials science and engineering are leveraging computer science more and more, whether through atomistic or microstructural modeling or newer technologies such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). So having some familiarity with those and how they complement experimental/hands-on studies are helpful.

Another point about skills that stand out is a simple one - do your homework. There are few things more irritating than receiving a resume or email asking for a job, and the student clearly didn't care enough to look up what we do. The resume is a copy and paste and isn't personalized to the specific position, Group, or company. That stands out like a sore thumb.

What soft skills should all engineering managers possess?

Dr. John Ballato

J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and Professor, Clemson University

To me, the most important soft skill has always been communication. And, due to the pandemic where people have had to isolate and possibly quarantine, effective communications are even that much more critical. We're spending less face-to-face time and more screen-to-screen time, which gets boring quickly. So, paying attention, being clear and concise in your communications since you don't have the opportunities as often now to simply walk into someone's lab or office and talk through ideas and next steps. Effective communications are also especially important in materials science and engineering because our field is innately interdisciplinary. This means that you might be the only materials scientist on a team that includes marketing, sales, manufacturing, etc. Knowing your audience, including your project team, and learning how to communicate with them is critical.

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

Dr. John Ballato

J. E. Sirrine Endowed Chair and Professor, Clemson University

Important hard/technical skills really depend on the nature of the job/position and the organization. This really relates back to the What Skills Stand Out question. Employers want to know that employees have the requisite "toolbox" of basic skills and a willingness and aptitude to learn on the job. No person comes out of school with all the skills and experiences needed for a given job, so organizations inevitably continue to provide training on product-specific skills. Knowing how to learn, wanting to learn, and admitting what you don't know are as important, if not more so, than any hard/technical skills one gains during their education.

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

Yi Yang PhD

Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University - Abington

In the next 3-5 years, I believe management skills will become increasingly important. Engineers who can bridge the gap between technical complexity and business strategy, driving innovation and growth in their organizations will be very valuable.

What type of skills will young engineering managers need?

Randy Jacobs

Instructional Assistant Professor, Construction Management, Professional Practice Coordinator, Illinois State University

Many of the skill sets will remain the same: problem solving, communication and leadership. CM graduates are accustomed to being mobile moving from job to job and working at off-site locations. But some of those skill sets will be put to the test as the need for more "digital presence" is required of companies and construction projects.

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

Patrick Atkinson

Professor, Kettering University

Broadly speaking, employers are looking for employees who can jump in, take on a project and move things forward. Since engineers are data-driven, knowing how to read and interpret findings from a variety of sources is key. This can be very challenging if the data conflicts between sources or the data is unclear. Whether the data is from a mathematical model, a physical test laboratory, or from the field, learning how to synthesize the findings and balance the strengths/weaknesses of a given data source are key. At the end of the day, every project needs a way forward and it is the engineer's job to optimize a design to meet the objectives for the product.

Do you want to know more?

List of engineering manager skills to add to your resume

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

Java
Project Management
Continuous Improvement
Software Development
C++
UL
Customer Service
Direct Reports
Azure
Emerging Technologies
SEO
Opportunity Management
Strong Project Management
Technical Support
CAD

Program Management
Digital Marketing
Linux
Product Development
Amazon Web Services
Visualization
Pre Sales
Product Design
Process Improvement
Math
R
Customer Satisfaction
Sigma
Ruby
Performance Reviews

Windows
Cloud Computing
Jenkins
QA
Lean Manufacturing
Microservices
Management System
Solidworks
ISO
Business Development
ERP
Engineering Support
Capital Projects
HVAC
Product Quality

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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