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Staff engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Bryant Harrison

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical staff engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for staff engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 14.7% of staff engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a staff engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 staff engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 staff engineers use java:

Completed Java and Linux Administration training.
Developed Traveler editor in java.

2. 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 staff engineers use python:

Developed automated data processing platform using Python to correlate in-line performance metrics to final system level acoustic performance.
Added features to python based framework integrating ClearCase and ClearQuest for in-house configuration management platform.

3. Architecture

Here's how staff engineers use architecture:

Generated and defined systems requirements and architecture for GPRS-based mobile cellular handset products using inputs from customers and marketing.
Improved system efficiency by specifying test tool system architecture / requirement for performance, stability and automation testing.

4. 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 staff engineers use software development:

Assessed the Space Station software development efforts at NASA centers - Developed an activity based software development estimating system
Analyzed feasibility of adoption of innovative Eclipse technology as the organization-wide software development platform.

5. Project Management

Here's how staff engineers use project management:

Project Management - Budget development, project initiation, planning and management of Regeneration and Amplification construction projects.
Integrated the utilization of project management tools and methodologies to align with product Design Control Guidelines.

6. API

Here's how staff engineers use api:

Developed and documented communication stack API, enabling parallel development of third-party stack and UI interface.
Stabilized mobile application ingestion API.

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7. CAD

Here's how staff engineers use cad:

Configured custom engineering workstations for CAD applications and assisted in quality control as needed.
Created new or modified existing manufacturing drawings using CAD methodology.

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 staff engineers use linux:

Designed and implemented a Wi-Fi Display Sink reference application on an embedded Linux multimedia platform from Sigma Designs.
Designed and implemented Linux control modules to configure and provide core functionality of device.

9. 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 staff engineers use product development:

Lead quality assurance programs for all new product development projects and new manufacturing process implementation projects.
Led cost reduction efforts and streamlined product development cycles that maximized profitability and improved time-to-market.

10. Data Analysis

Here's how staff engineers use data analysis:

Developed new validation process using live data analysis for enhanced problem detection and designed new product evaluation matrix.
Coordinated team tasks during hardware production including assembly, documentation management, testing, data analysis/trending and qualification.

11. 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 staff engineers use windows:

Build Windows servers: ensure security requirements are met, test servers/systems/software/hardware, and integrate/install them into the production environment.
Designed Windows software for match configuration, troubleshooting, monitoring and control, and application process development.

12. System Design

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

Here's how staff engineers use system design:

Played an instrumental role in identifying the cause of system design issues by actively bringing up systems that used UltraSPARC-III.
Supported Technical Interchange Meetings as well as the ECLSS Subsystem Design Review as part of the Orion Preliminary Design Review.

13. Microservices

Microservice is an application architecture in which a large application or software project is broken into loosely coupled service components that communicate with each other through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) compared to traditional monolithic architecture.

Here's how staff engineers use microservices:

Developed MicroServices using Spring Boot technology.
Installed Tomcat and Swagger and used for deploying Microservices.

14. JavaScript

Here's how staff engineers use javascript:

Developed unique JavaScript framework that allows collaborative modules to be developed and instantiated dynamically for asynchronous single page applications.
Web pages contained HTML and JavaScript.

15. Civil 3D

Civil 3D is computer software that allows architects and engineers to plan and design structural engineering projects. An architectural design crafted through civil 3D software is also supported by Computer-Aided Designs (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). The software makes it easy for architects and engineers to correct any potential flaws and make changes in the structural design of a building quickly and efficiently.

Here's how staff engineers use civil 3d:

Performed horizontal and vertical track alignment along with associated grading design using AutoCADCivil 3D.
Created and edited construction documents utilizing Civil 3D.

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What skills help Staff Engineers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 a staff 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 staff engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Java
Python
Architecture
Software Development
Project Management
API
CAD
Linux
Product Development
Data Analysis
Windows
System Design
Microservices
JavaScript
Civil 3D

Debugging
C
C++
Virtualization
UI
Technical Reports
Geotechnical
Math
RF
Control Systems
Technical Support
Engineering Design
R
Jenkins
SQL

Sigma
QA
Cost Estimates
Data Collection
Lifecycle Management
Design Reviews
Android
FDA
IP
Engineering Support
Unix
ISO
Prototyping
CPU
Test Results

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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