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Hardware engineering internship skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Bruce DeRuntz Ph.D.,

Janet Kolodner Ph.D.

Hardware engineering internship example skills

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical hardware engineering internship skills. We ranked the top skills for hardware engineering interns based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.7% of hardware engineering internship resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a hardware engineering internship needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 hardware engineering internship skills for your resume and career

1. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use python:

Utilized Python to program an unmanned autonomous vehicle.
Developed scripts using Python for GPS systems used in fleet vehicles, dealership cars, and personal assets.

2. Solidworks

Here's how hardware engineering interns use solidworks:

Used SolidWorks to create part and assembly drawings and released them into Agile database and SolidWorks PDM.
Designed and manufactured stand for flexible canister via Creo 2.0, SolidWorks, and CNC machining.

3. CAD

Here's how hardware engineering interns use cad:

Organized CAD drawings for ATS final assembly.
Performed Schematic capture design using the ZUKEN CAD tool for WLAN/BT RF front-end subsection.

4. Cadence

In music, a cadence is a rhythmic pattern that is not structured metrically. It is the combination of at least two chords that close a section, a phrase, a movement, or an entire piece of music. It is a definitive resolution to indicate that the piece is finished.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use cadence:

Performed schematic and component check review using Allegro Physical Viewer, and Cadence Concepts schematic software.
Changed characteristics of Cadence library parts to simulate designs and testing.

5. C

Here's how hardware engineering interns use c:

Optimized existing embedded C code by rewriting key inner loops, partially in assembly language.
Implemented the C Standard Library (ISO C99), for a subset of processors.

6. 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 hardware engineering interns use c++:

Programmed software-based self-test generator for OpenRISC1200 microprocessor using SVA and C++.
Developed a programmable simulator using C++ for various operating system scheduling algorithms.

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7. PCB

The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) refers to the hardware part housing all of the device's electrical connections.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use pcb:

Reviewed schematic designs and pcb gerber files before production Tested prototype hardware for functionality and longevity.
Created schematics and provided guidance of PCB layout fabrication including signal integrity and power distribution.

8. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use linux:

Handled various modifications of Linux file systems and installed applications on Linux machines.
Received training and hands-on work experience with Linux server appliance installation and configuration.

9. Signal Integrity

Here's how hardware engineering interns use signal integrity:

Work also included checking power, signal integrity measurements and running diagnostic tests.
Performed high speed mixed signal integrity test to verify board design requirements.

10. LabVIEW

Here's how hardware engineering interns use labview:

Captured data using LabVIEW and processed camera calibration.
Programmed National Instruments LABVIEW software applications to conduct automated 90-day reliability and Out of Box audit tests for company products.

11. Firmware

Firmware is a software, tangible electronic component, which contains necessary instructions for the hardware to work with the operating system. Firmware is embedded software instructions that are used to tell an electronic device on how to operate.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use firmware:

Developed application specific firmware for LED video displays and digital signage.
Worked as a team member to gather, classify, and document the software, hardware, and firmware requirements.

12. Circuit Design

Circuit Design is the process of designing how an electrical circuit will be constructed. These designs can be used to create complex electrical systems or smaller systems with individual circuits integrated within a transistor. Simpler systems may only require a single designer, whereas larger and more complex designs require entire teams dedicated to the design and construction.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use circuit design:

Transferred circuit design to a PCB for the purpose of integration into a FIAT (Fault Isolation Automated Test) station.
Excelled in circuit design and hardware implementation while all others failed.

13. Perl

A Practical Extraction and Report Language, or simply PERL, is a programming language used for a script intended for syntax. You can see this when a particular web programmer or a junior developer creates a script for servers. It is used to manipulate text and utilize tasks such as web development, programming, and system administration.

Here's how hardware engineering interns use perl:

Developed a Hardware-in-loop (HIL) interface for automated validation of test cases using Perl scripts for ECU verification and testing.
Developed Perl scripts to bin tests according to the error messages, to auto compare with the AEM simulation.

14. RF

Here's how hardware engineering interns use rf:

Collaborated with RF Engineer to troubleshoot customer devices exhibiting LTE Carrier Aggregation performance issues.
Verified the matching circuit for the E-Call RF path and explored options to improve the current matching circuit.

15. Thermal Analysis

Here's how hardware engineering interns use thermal analysis:

Prepared engineering data on new designs which included thermal analysis, AC power requirements, and mechanical stability.
Worked in electrical hardware group to provide tools for thermal analysis of PCBs for commercial laser printers.

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What skills help Hardware Engineering Interns find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on hardware engineering internship resumes?

Dr. Bruce DeRuntz Ph.D.

Director, Leadership Development Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

There are three skills that I think will be the most valuable: mastery of online collaboration, interpersonal skills, and taking initiative.

Many of the organizations today are adapting to online meetings and work, but aren't very good at mastering the new online meeting platforms and integrated tools. This is where new grads can excel. Just as everyone lists MS Office as a skill, the graduate who can demonstrate that they can make an organization more productive by having a mastery, and not just a proficiency, of online meeting platform. Employers have been asking for people with interpersonal skills for a decade because building trusting relatinships are what gets work done. Moving online only exacerbates this relationship problem. I believe that this current generation has potential to pivot off of their social media experiences but they won't be able to ghost their co-workers when conflict arrises. Taking initiative is the third skill that organizations value especially during these times. Because they are trying to figure out how to work remotely and develop new business processes, they will have less time for hand holding with new employees. New graduates who understant that they have a tremendous opportunity to excel when they take the initiative to go beyond what is expected of them and help their managers create business solutions to the new work environment.

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

Janet Kolodner Ph.D.

Professor of the Practice and Co-Director of the program, Boston College

Communication skills, collaboration skills, imagination skills, project skills, computational (computer) skills related to what they are interested in doing. There are plenty of online classes for computaional skills; communication, collaboration, project, and imagination come through getting involved with others on projects. Getting involved in something that helps them feel a sense of purpose and that has them working towards goals with others will do the trick.

What type of skills will young hardware engineering internships need?

Dr. Mustafa Mashal Ph.D.

Civil Engineer, Idaho State University

Taken all design classes, graduated from an ABET accredited engineering program, familiar with engineering software, taken the Fundamental of Engineering (FE) exam, Engineer-In-Training status, and master's degree

What technical skills for a hardware engineering internship 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 hardware engineering internship skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a hardware engineering internship resume and required skills for a hardware engineering internship to have include:

Python
Solidworks
CAD
Cadence
C
C++
PCB
Linux
Signal Integrity
LabVIEW
Firmware
Circuit Design
Perl
RF
Thermal Analysis
Debugging

Microprocessors
FPGA
Verilog
Analog
PC
Prototype
Test Equipment
Prototyping
VHDL
Lab Equipment
GPU
ASIC
Debug
RTL
Embedded Systems
SOC

CPU
Troubleshoot
Synthesis
Signal Processing
Test Results
DSP
Design Verification
Java
Windows
VLSI
Visualization
Bluetooth
I2C
Ethernet
Circuit Boards

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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