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Programming engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Mike DeVore Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical programming engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for programming engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.6% of programming engineer resumes contained project management as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a programming engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 programming engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Project Management

Here's how programming engineers use project management:

Project engineering lead for cargo barrier relocation which involved cross-functional coordination and full responsibility for the design engineering and project management.
Gained project management skills working cross-functionally with marketing and manufacturing engineers.

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 programming engineers use c++:

Designed, implemented, and unit tested the radar control software utilizing Visual C++ on a Windows platform following CMMI guidelines.
Worked on C++, SQL and excel VBA to optimize tools and prepared data requirement specification documents for such tools

3. Program Management

Here's how programming engineers use program management:

Report to and coordinate with program management to accomplish development project priorities.
Program Management / Engineering position.

4. PowerPoint

Here's how programming engineers use powerpoint:

Provided written documentation and PowerPoint design review presentation of modeling analysis to Navy customers.

5. 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 programming engineers use continuous improvement:

Led product development activities from concept to launch and ensured continuous improvement, compliance with customer requirements and legal regulations.
Support business continuous improvement goals by integrating capacity planning lessons from completed projects into ongoing and planned projects.

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 programming engineers use product development:

Consult and advise on the in house manufacturing capability and feasibility of potential projects with product development engineers.
Provided design qualification and engineering support throughout all phases of product development and the manufacturing life cycle.

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7. CAD

Here's how programming engineers use cad:

Developed CAD (computer aided dispatch) system for several police departments including the LAPD.
Process engineering change orders, including all supporting documentation, 2D/3D CAD and engineering drawings.

8. HVAC

Here's how programming engineers use hvac:

Led the start-up, growth, and management of a marketing plan that boosted GE HVAC motor sales by 15%.
Participated in design / upgrade of vehicle HVAC ducts with engineering teams for product enhancements.

9. UI

Here's how programming engineers use ui:

Designed and developed Master Pages and User Controls to develop the UI.

10. 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 programming engineers use technical support:

Provide technical support and deliver technical presentations.
Coordinate technical support with suppliers and

11. Prototype

A prototype is a model or sample of a product, created prior to its release with the goal of testing the product and observing its behavior and effectiveness in use. The results of this testing are then used to further alter and improve the product in question, often redesigning it, fixing any issues which may have come up, and otherwise upgrading the already existing design.

Here's how programming engineers use prototype:

Conducted engine fit and function tests with prototype electrical hardware to ensure product meets customer requirements in performance and durability.
Participated in the production package transfer review to highlight design-related issues and concerns encountered during the processing of prototype.

12. 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 programming engineers use java:

Studied mainly on Java basic/Web/Enterprise Architecture development related technologies.
Improved skills in using Java, Socket, XML, and IO input and output control.

13. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how programming engineers use dod:

Provided DOD PPBE support to NAVAIR program manager for the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser System (CMDS).
Work combined various DoD data sources; reformatted to meet JWARS input requirements, utilizing Access and ORACLE jointly.

14. Design Reviews

A dеѕіgn review іѕ a mіlеѕtоnе wіthіn a рrоduсt dеvеlорmеnt рrосеѕѕ іn whісh a design іѕ evaluated bаѕеd on іtѕ rеԛuіrеmеntѕ. Thе рurроѕе of dеѕіgn rеvіеwѕ іѕ tо examine thе overall design or a ѕресіfіс аѕресt оf a dеѕіgn аt еасh ѕtаgе of the development оf a nеw оr еxіѕtіng рrоduсt.

Here's how programming engineers use design reviews:

Engage customer/internal design reviews and also the development of concurrent opportunities for new business.
Conducted Design Reviews and configuration audits.

15. Solidworks

Here's how programming engineers use solidworks:

Mastered SolidWorks to design fixtures for vibration testing and create drawings for manufacturing.
Created assembly and layout drawings using AutoCAD and SolidWorks software.

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What skills help Programming Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on programming 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 programming engineers possess?

Mike DeVore Ph.D.

Professor & Program Chair, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College

Our employers frequently mention the importance of good communication skills, both written and oral. The ability to work in a team is also an important skill.

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

Mike DeVore Ph.D.

Professor & Program Chair, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College

-Computer-Aided Design

-Knowledge of manufacturing processes

-A good mathematics foundation

-Technical communication

-Problem solving

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

Dr. Richard Onyancha

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Department Head, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

For students who would like to consider taking a gap year, depending on what their goals after graduation are, they could consider enhancing their skills in any of these areas:
- Technical hands-on skills such as CAD/CAM, simulation, design, and fabrication
- Global competency
- Public policy
- Job shadowing
- Preparing for and taking professional exams if, for example, considering medical school or law school

What type of skills will young programming 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 programming 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 programming engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Project Management
C++
Program Management
PowerPoint
Continuous Improvement
Product Development
CAD
HVAC
UI
Technical Support
Prototype
Java
DOD
Design Reviews
Solidworks
Data Analysis

Sigma
Quality Issues
CNC
R
GD
Business Development
Windows
Corrective Action
Process Improvement
Engineering Development
Construction Projects
Engineering Support
FAA
Design Engineering
EHS
Product Design

Lean Manufacturing
FEA
Technical Issues
SQL
Customer Satisfaction
PLC
IP
Provide Engineering Support
JavaScript
APQP
DOE
Failure Analysis
Prototyping
FMEA
Cam

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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