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Operations engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical operations engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for operations engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.2% of operations engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills an operations engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 operations engineer 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 operations engineers use python:

Created and maintained inbound and outbound data integration projects utilizing custom SQL, XML, XSLT, and Python scripting.
Developed installer scripts using Ant, Python and UNIX for various products to be hosted on Application Servers.

2. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how operations engineers use cloud:

Suggested tools and related implementation to engineering teams regarding cloud based services.
Developed a prototype Android application using cloud messaging services to automate entries from field crew log observations into field production reports.

3. AWS

Here's how operations engineers use aws:

Implemented Amazon IAM to grant fine access of AWS resources by policies to users and groups as per requirement.
Worked on provisioning and maintaining the AWS and Azure instances and storage for builds, build deployments etc.

4. 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 operations engineers use linux:

Managed over 30 high-availability Windows and Linux servers in a Microsoft Hyper-V environment.
Supported Classified and Unclassified network operations within a primarily Linux environment.

5. 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 operations engineers use troubleshoot:

Position required extensive travel to troubleshoot engineering and operational problems at Gulf's production facilities world-wide.
Initiated and facilitated meetings with management to troubleshoot problems with materials requisition planning.

6. HVAC

Here's how operations engineers use hvac:

Lead Engineer overseeing operation maintenance and repairs for over fifty pieces of reciprocating HVAC equipment supporting critical data center.
Pursue electrical certification, HVAC repair training/certification, UPS and or generator certifications and training.

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7. 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 operations engineers use java:

Used ANT and MAVEN as build tools on Java projects for the development of build artifacts on the source code.
Automated the process of Building and deploying Java codes to web application server in Agile Continuous Integration environment.

8. Plumbing

Here's how operations engineers use plumbing:

Maintained all refrigeration equipment, plumbing, electrical and pneumatic equipment.
Executed basic general maintenance: mechanical, electrical, plumbing and painting

9. GIT

Here's how operations engineers use git:

Designed Configuration Management POC using Chef-solo and Git.
Worked on integrating GIT into the continuous Integration (CI) environment along with AnthillPro, Jenkins and Subversion.

10. Jenkins

Jenkins is an open source automation server that is free to use. It aids continuous deployment and execution by automating the aspects of product creation related to building, analyzing, and deploying. It is a system based on the server that runs in servlet containers like Apache Tomcat. Jenkins is a Java-based fully accessible automation platform with plugins designed for Continuous Integration.

Here's how operations engineers use jenkins:

Created Jenkins pipelines involving several Downstream/Upstream job configurations based on dependencies from other applications & based on Release methodologies.
Used Build Forge and Jenkins for enterprise scale infrastructure configuration and application deployments.

11. SQL

Here's how operations engineers use sql:

Gathered specification requirements, created, sustained SQL Server Reporting Service reports empowering business owners to make decisions based on data.
Administered SQL databases, maintaining server availability and backup management.

12. Docker

Docker is a software that assists with application development and is used by companies such as Netflix, Verizon, Target, and PayPal. The software's claim to fame is a unique method for packaging code called a container that allows the application to adapt to the user's home operating system.

Here's how operations engineers use docker:

Packaged our enterprise security application in Docker.
Worked on various Docker components like Docker Engine, Hub, Machine, Compose and Docker Registry.

13. Azure

Here's how operations engineers use azure:

Led expansion deployment projects into Edge Sites for Azure's ECN.
Demonstrate an understanding of Azure architecture from a networking standpoint.

14. Preventive Maintenance

Here's how operations engineers use preventive maintenance:

Performed analysis testing, maintained logs, & prioritized/documented preventive maintenance with software to justify cost resolution on repair/replacement
Coordinated and Scheduled Preventive Maintenance Contacted Vendors For Pricing, Availability, and Scheduling of Products and Services

15. Ladders

Here's how operations engineers use ladders:

Set up, arranged and removed decorations, tables, chairs, ladders and scaffolding to prepare facilities for large events.
Stooped, climbed ladders and lifted heavy loads during set-up for events.

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What skills help Operations Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on operations engineer resumes?

Charles Jenckes

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student

What soft skills should all operations engineers possess?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Communication, teamwork.

What hard/technical skills are most important for operations engineers?

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 operations engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Villanova University

In a gap year, graduates could consider retooling themselves by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills. Graduate school provides a perfect avenue for this. Enrolling in a Masters's program that aligns with one's interests and aptitudes can be an excellent investment. Many graduate schools also offer shorter certificate programs targeted to specific sub-disciplines within mechanical engineerings, such as robotics, sustainable energy, or additive manufacturing. Certificates can be obtained in a calendar year, or less, and can significantly bolster one's resume in preparation for exploring the job market after the gap year. Several programs offer online graduate classes, thereby providing convenience and accessibility to students.

What type of skills will young operations engineers 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 operations engineer stand out to employers?

Rob Hayes

Associate Professor, North Carolina State University

Each discipline will have their own specificities which are characteristic of the degree title required (e.g., dental, electrical, mechanical, etc.) but they all prefer someone with experience. Basically, they assess each candidate by how much money the candidate can make them in terms of how long will they have to wait for them to be productive, how productive they will be and how long they will be productive (yes, it is a profit driver in the end). This has elements such as them being able to also be a team player or do projects alone as the taskings may require various flexibilities to make whatever product they sell to their customer (even in consulting). In STEM this is largely assessed by historical accomplishments (grades, awards, volunteer activities etc.) as your past performance is almost always the primary indicator that will be used to predict your future performance.

Do you want to know more?

List of operations engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Python
Cloud
AWS
Linux
Troubleshoot
HVAC
Java
Plumbing
GIT
Jenkins
SQL
Docker
Azure
Preventive Maintenance
Ladders
IP

Technical Support
PowerShell
VMware
General Maintenance
Amazon Web Services
Configuration Management
Perl
Unix
Jira
Ruby
Nagios
Terraform
DNS
Cooling Towers
Lean Manufacturing
SAN

Plant Operations
Building Systems
Cloud Computing
Switches
Windows Server
Production Environment
Virtualization
Water Systems
OS
Mechanical Systems
Strong Analytical
Pulleys
Mechanical Equipment
QA
Process Improvement
Management System

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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