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Product engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Bryant Harrison

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical product engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for product engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.3% of product engineer resumes contained cad as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a product engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 product engineer skills for your resume and career

1. CAD

Here's how product engineers use cad:

Utilized SolidEdge for generating CAD data, and extensively operated in TeamCenter and SAP for documentation and data management.
Provided leadership to CAD operators and verified engineering changes to ensure design integrity and customer specifications are met.

2. Product Design

Product design can be described as a process of imagining, creating, and iterating products that solve user's problems and talk about the specific needs of users in the market. Product design is an engineering disciple and it is the basic design and idea that goes before the mass production of the product.

Here's how product engineers use product design:

Performed concept reviews, product design, verification and certification testing, tooling design and drawing/specification creation in support of manufacturing.
Coordinated product design specifications, vendor selection and manufacturing procedures for producing Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors used in the material handling industry.

3. Project Management

Here's how product engineers use project management:

Applied design methodologies using 3-D software, AutoCAD, generating bill of materials, established engineering specifications and project management.
Project management of production related improvement projects inclusive of scrap reduction, quality improvement and process/ tool cost reduction.

4. 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 product engineers use c++:

Managed and directed development in C++, for diagnostics testing the computer systems on board ships using COTS equipment.
Programmed software using Visual C++ to take GPS coordinates to track and monitor vehicles in a fleet.

5. Solidworks

Here's how product engineers use solidworks:

Utilized SolidWorks to create models of custom computer rack cabinets from customer specifications for estimating contract work.
Designed mechanical components using SolidWorks and assumed responsibility for proper manufacturing of prototype components.

6. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how product engineers use product development:

Develop and recommend controls product enhancements based on customer input, work with new product development in integration of these recommendations.
Provided engineering support for all phases of product development including initial design support for electrical circuit design verification to specification.

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7. 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 product engineers use continuous improvement:

Worked with product design engineers and reliability engineers to conceptualize and refine product designs for new and ongoing continuous improvement projects.
Improved product quality and dimensional integrity of JSF F135 Military Engine turbine products through team engagement and continuous improvement activities.

8. Data Analysis

Here's how product engineers use data analysis:

Delivered critical data analysis support on critical customer quality issue affecting 8.8M units of product across 2 major customers.
Provide application support, product training, and data analysis for customers while ensuring customer satisfaction and company impression.

9. 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 product engineers use java:

Designed, developed, and implemented several tools to improve efficiency and reliability using Java and C#.
Provided AC schematics, Java programming, application markups, and hardware specifications for the device.

10. UL

Here's how product engineers use ul:

Developed and trained production personnel in electrical and mechanical testing procedures and documentation requirements in accordance with UL and CSA Standards.
Established quality standards and testing procedures for various purchased materials including UL considerations in product manufactured overseas.

11. DFMEA

Here's how product engineers use dfmea:

Drafted manufacturing drawings using AutoCAD and defined critical quality standards by conducting DFMEA.
Studied the DFMEA to understand complete design requirement and manufacturing feasibility.

12. Product Quality

Product quality is the basic element of a business. It means to add features in a product or service in such a way that it meets the needs and wants of the customers. Enhancing the product quality also means improve the goods from any existing defects to ensure customer satisfaction.

Here's how product engineers use product quality:

Coordinated Quality Improvement activities between JVC's global factories ensuring a resolution and preventative action for Service and Product Quality matters.
Developed and administered engineering concept, preliminary and final design review process to reduce warranty costs and improve product quality.

13. Sigma

In Greek alphabets, sigma is the 18th letter that means "to sum up". In statistics, the lower case symbol of sigma is the unit of measurement for standard deviation which is used to assess the variability in a given set of data. While the upper case symbol is for summation notation means to add up all the given numbers in the data set.

Here's how product engineers use sigma:

Provided design modification on existing tooling to incorporate Six Sigma and ergonomics concepts, which improved productivity and reduced job-related injuries.
Set up engineering business case methodology to evaluate and track opportunities, exposure to Six Sigma methodologies and LEAN Manufacturing.

14. GD

GD refers to Grade Delay and is often mentioned on report cards or academic records when the instructor of a particular subject decides to hold the grade of a student. This is usually done if the instructor wants the student to improve their grade by retaking the exam or doing something for extra credit that will ultimately enhance their overall grade. Eventually, when the grade is assigned, the GD is then replaced with the original grade.

Here's how product engineers use gd:

Trained in GD & T workbook and in various other industry standards.
Performed mechanical and electrical drafting while using GD & T standards.

15. Failure Analysis

Failure Analysis is a step-by-step process of determining the reason for a particular machine or equipment failure by way of checking, identification, and examination. It means conducting a test within the system and perform a maintenance check that leads you to a conclusion. A failure analysis takes place to prevent further damages.

Here's how product engineers use failure analysis:

Concentrated on product improvement through test program enhancement, die level failure analysis and device characterization and recommended the appropriate solutions.
Teamed with chip designers and failure analysis engineers to identify and correct critical layout errors, thereby eliminating costly customer returns.

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What skills help Product Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on product 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 product engineers possess?

Bryant Harrison

Instructor, Murray State University

Engineers are constantly working with a variety of people on a project. These people could be other engineers in the same department or other departments, managers, stakeholders, and customers. The ability to communicate both on a technical and non-technical level with these people is likely the most important soft skill for a design engineer.

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

Bryant Harrison

Instructor, Murray State University

Designing, prototyping, testing, and iterating are likely the most important skills for a design engineer. This is what we strive to teach at Murray State in our Design Engineering Technology program. Many sub-skills would fall into these categories, such as CAD, design for manufacturing, 3D printing, and destructive/non-destructive testing.

What product 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 product engineers need?

Andy Gerrick

Associate Professor and Chair, Embry-Riddle, Prescott

Most important is the ability to pull together the problem-solving skills learned in the different engineering courses to solve real-world, multidisciplinary, engineering problems. This requires a clear understanding of the problem and the requirements, and it requires a thorough understanding of engineering concepts. Memorizing problem solutions is of no value because no one will pay you to solve a problem that has already been solved. An engineer's ability to communicate is also extremely important. Engineering is a collaborative endeavor, so if you are not able to communicate your ideas, you are not contributing.

What technical skills for a product engineer stand out to employers?

Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.

Program Coordinator and Professor, Pennsylvania State University

Given this trend, employers will be looking for the usual superior engineering knowledge and skill sets, but they will also be interested in those who can prove that they are excellent self-starters and time managers. Being able to demonstrate one's "flexibility" and an ability to think on one's feet will also be highly desirable.

Do you want to know more?

List of product engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a product engineer resume and required skills for a product engineer to have include:

CAD
Product Design
Project Management
C++
Solidworks
Product Development
Continuous Improvement
Data Analysis
Java
UL
DFMEA
Product Quality
Sigma
GD
Failure Analysis
Troubleshoot

Technical Support
R
Product Line
Cost Reduction
FMEA
Dvp R
DVP
Corrective Action
Design Reviews
Test Results
FEA
Customer Service
Lean Manufacturing
Test Procedures
Excellent Interpersonal
BOM

Product Performance
Process Improvement
ISO
Engineering Support
Product Specifications
Design Engineering
Quality Issues
OEM
RF
Windows
Test Equipment
SQL
Design Changes
SPC
PPAP

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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