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Research engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical research engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for research engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 17.9% of research engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a research engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 research 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 research engineers use python:

Developed software for statistical signal processing applications in Python and C++.
Learned basic Python programming language to achieve aquatic drone autonomy.

2. 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 research engineers use java:

Translated use case models (in UML) into Java code utilizing Rational XDE (Eclipse) and Rational Rose Suite
Created PDA's Java demo, attracting customers like Walt Disney and demonstrating context aware feasibility for CDMA systems.

3. 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 research engineers use software development:

Pursued funded research into distributed, networked computing with the emphasis on innovative software development and debugging tools.
Provided custom software development for a variety of platforms including mobile devices.

4. C

Here's how research engineers use c:

Designed and developed software programs to convert proprietary hydrocarbon intensity data into SEG-Y formatted data using C under UNIX.
Developed C modules on Linux platform for simulating impairment conditions for Multimedia over cellular networks.

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 research engineers use c++:

Identified and documented defects in the c++ production code.

6. Data Analysis

Here's how research engineers use data analysis:

Performed calibration, efficiency tests, and thermodynamic data analysis for gas-fired heating units; data used to develop governmental standards.
Developed visualization packages and data analysis codes to analyze the results of the numerical simulations using IDL.

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7. Research Projects

Here's how research engineers use research projects:

Participate in vehicle safety related research projects including pedestrian safety, vehicle compatibility, and side impact vehicle crashes.
Developed dozens of high-performance point solutions to accelerate computing tasks for sponsored research projects.

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 research engineers use linux:

Performed acoustic model training, optimization and evaluation experiments on computational grid engine (SGE / Linux).
Worked with internal teams, consultants and lawyers to come up with company's Linux licensing strategy.

9. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how research engineers use technical reports:

Document findings by technical reports and peer-review journal papers, and communicate through organization by oral presentation.
Prepared and drafted grant proposals and technical reports according to administrative guidelines.

10. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how research engineers use data collection:

Managed multiple research and development projects involving human subject data collection, requiring compliance with HIPPA and Institutional Review Board regulations.
Facilitated technical meetings and delegated tasks to technicians to support data collection on several projects.

11. Prototyping

Here's how research engineers use prototyping:

Analyzed product requirements, supported development from concept definition to prototyping, testing, and manufacturing.
Balanced multiple embedded system design and prototyping projects related to jet engine diagnostics and prognostics.

12. System Design

System design refers to the electronic structural component of a system.

Here's how research engineers use system design:

Supervised the development & installation of two major capital projects preparing performance specifications & approving system design.
Utilized Six Sigma tools to perform data-based evaluations of prototype system designs.

13. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how research engineers use r:

Worked on various research oriented topics in the following areas of data analytics and computer vision Multimedia R and D group.
Developed a scheduling service using .NET to automate R code and other back-end processes.

14. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how research engineers use windows:

Design and built prototypes of windows with an interior thin mechanical shade for improved energy efficiency.
Performed basic system administration tasks for multiple mixed Windows/Linux network workgroups.

15. Image Processing

Here's how research engineers use image processing:

Developed human machine interface, algorithm, and data control solutions for complex image processing and image analysis applications.
Conducted advanced computer graphic development, including computational geometry algorithms and digital image processing algorithms for 2D/3D facial recognition.

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What skills help Research Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on research 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 research engineers possess?

Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Director, Clinical and Corporate Outreach, University of Delaware

A positive of the remote working environment is that it can ease the logistical burden of conducting in-person meetings, at least in some cases, but the challenge then becomes effective communication. Given the interdisciplinary audience, clear, effective, and professional communication has always been very important in terms of soft skills for biomedical engineers. An ability to communicate effectively, whether in a remote or in-person environment, be creative despite the challenges of a remote environment, and finally, an ability to adapt and pivot, when necessary, are huge advantages. Most students have had this experience over the past few years, and if they can talk about specific examples pertaining to these skills, that can be very helpful.

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

Ashutosh Khandha Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Director, Clinical and Corporate Outreach, University of Delaware

Due to the pandemic and virtual classes, many students may not have received the hands-on exposure to hardware (electrical and/or mechanical, for example) that students generally do. In lieu of that, if students can show that they worked on side projects, whether for labs, companies, or even self-initiated projects, that can help set them apart. These projects could be not only hardware-related but also software-related. It shows that they took the initiative and possess the technical expertise and troubleshooting skills expected of an engineer. Additionally, any experience and exposure pertaining to quality control systems, medical devices and equipment, and the regulatory pathway are extremely useful for biomedical engineers.

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

Matthew Wright Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Physics Department Chair, Director of the Business of Science, Adelphi University

Buy a Raspberry PI or a Beaglebone black and do something amazing with it.
All3dp

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

Sya Kedzior Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Towson University

The ability to understand technical or complex scientific processes and communicate that information with the public is one of the most attractive skills for an entry-level worker to possess. Many employers may not have staff skilled in the latest GIS technologies or social media trends. While the ability to use last year's software or network via Instagram might not seem particularly novel to recent graduates, these are skills less likely to be found in the workforce of even 10 years ago. Geographers are particularly well prepared for today's workforce because they've often had coursework across the "hard" and social sciences, along with training in technical skills (usually GIS or quantitative analysis) and written and oral communication skills. Another skill in high demand today is data collection and analysis. I often talk with potential employers who want to hire people who can develop and administer a public survey, and then analyze and write up the results. That requires understanding human behavior, public communication, and different forms of data analysis. But, these are skills that can be developed in perhaps only a few classes as part of a major or minor in Geography and other cognate fields.

Do you want to know more?

List of research engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Python
Java
Software Development
C
C++
Data Analysis
Research Projects
Linux
Technical Reports
Data Collection
Prototyping
System Design
R
Windows
Image Processing

Simulink
CAD
Signal Processing
Solidworks
Distributed Computing
LabVIEW
DOD
Data Acquisition
Project Management
Visualization
Statistical Analysis
Math
Embedded Systems
Debugging
Laboratory Equipment

RF
Emerging Technologies
Technical Support
Object Oriented Programming
Unix
Ansys
Additive Manufacturing
SQL
CFD
Augmented Reality
Finite Element Analysis
Power Electronics
GPS
FPGA
Remote Sensing

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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