Top Skills for an Electrical Engineer
Wasim Asghar 
May 8, 2023As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, electrical engineering continues to be a field that is in high demand. Electrical engineers are vital in advancing society, from designing and analyzing complex electrical systems to developing innovative solutions to modern-day problems. However, to be successful in this field, it’s not enough to simply have a degree in electrical engineering. You need the right skills for an electrical engineer role to stand out and excel in your career.
If you’re a young electrical engineer fresh out of college, excited to start your new job at a leading engineering firm, you need some highly demanding and valuable skills to start working on real-life projects. Your lack of expertise in specific areas hinders your career growth, and you struggle to keep up with your colleagues who have honed their skills over the years.
As an electrical engineer, you must have diverse skills to design, analyze, and troubleshoot complex electrical systems. You also need to be able to communicate your ideas effectively, work collaboratively with your team, and manage projects efficiently. These skills for an electrical engineer can help you succeed in your current role and open up opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.
This blog will explore the top skills for an electrical engineer to succeed in the field. From technical skills like circuit design and analysis to problem-solving and analytical skills, we will cover everything you need to know to advance your career in electrical engineering. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into electrical engineering skills.
Top 5 Skills Needed for a Job in Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a dynamic field requiring diverse skills. Below are the top 5 skills essential for an electrical engineer:
1. Technical Skills
As an electrical engineer, you must have a firm grasp of technical skills to design, develop and maintain electrical systems. Some examples of essential technical skills for electrical engineers include:
- Circuit design and analysis – Ability to design and analyze analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits.
- Control systems – Ability to design, model, and optimize control systems, including feedback and open-loop control systems. These skills for an electrical engineer are instrumental in controlling and regulating various systems, including robotics, automation, and power systems.
- Digital signal processing – Ability to design and optimize digital systems, such as communication, audio and video processing, and biomedical systems.
- Electromagnetics – Ability to design, develop, and optimize electromagnetic systems, including antennas, radar, and wireless communication systems.
- Electronics – Ability to design, develop, and optimize electronic circuits for various applications, including power electronics, signal processing, and control systems.
- Power systems – Ability to design, develop, and optimize power systems for various applications, including renewable energy systems, power distribution systems, and electric vehicles.
- Programming languages – Proficiency in programming languages, including C++, Python, and MATLAB. These skills help create software for embedded systems, control systems, and other applications.
- Simulation software – Familiarity with simulation software, including SPICE, PSIM, and PSCAD. These skills for an electrical engineer can help simulate and analyze electrical systems and circuits.
2. Analytical Skills
Electrical engineers need to be able to analyze complex systems and data to make informed decisions. Some examples of critical analytical skills for electrical engineers include:
- Data analysis – Ability to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in large datasets. They use this skill to analyze data from various sources, including sensors, meters, and other devices.
- Fault analysis – Ability to identify and diagnose faults in electrical systems. They use this skill to troubleshoot and repair faulty electrical systems and components.
- Optimization – Ability to find the best solution to a problem by maximizing or minimizing a specific objective function.
- Risk analysis – Ability to identify and assess potential electrical systems and components risks. They use this skill to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Statistical analysis – Ability to analyze and interpret data using statistical methods, including regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and analysis of variance.
- Systems analysis – Ability to identify and analyze a system’s components, inputs, outputs, and interactions. These skills can help understand and optimize complex systems, including power, communication, and control systems.
3. Communication Skills
Besides technical and analytical skills, practical communication skills are critical for electrical engineers to succeed. As an electrical engineer, you must communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders such as clients, managers, and colleagues. Here are some specific communication skills most important for electrical engineers:
- Technical writing – Ability to create technical documentation such as design specifications, user manuals, and test reports. It’s essential to communicate technical information clearly and concisely in writing.
- Presentation skills – Ability to present their work to clients, colleagues, or management. Practical presentation skills for an electrical engineer are crucial to deliver a compelling message and convincing stakeholders of the value of your work.
- Project management – Ability to work on projects with teams of professionals, including other engineers, technicians, project managers, and all key project stakeholders. Communication skills are essential to coordinate project activities, ensure everyone is on the same page, and achieve project goals.
- Team collaboration – Ability to work as a well-collaborated team member on large projects. It’s essential to work collaboratively with other professionals, communicate ideas effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively.
- Verbal communication – Ability to communicate ideas and technical information effectively in person or via video conferencing.
4. Leadership Skills
This IS also necessary for electrical engineers in supervisory or managerial positions. Even if you don’t have direct reports, leadership skills for electrical engineers can help them be more effective team members and contributors. Here are some critical leadership skills for electrical engineers:
- Decision-making – Ability to make decisions based on incomplete or ambiguous information. Practical decision-making skills are crucial to making informed choices that align with project goals and timelines.
- Project management – Ability to take ownership and responsibility for managing projects from start to finish. This requires planning, organizing, and coordinating project activities, managing project risks, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Strategic planning – Responsible for developing long-term strategic plans for their organizations. This requires analyzing industry trends, assessing organizational strengths and weaknesses, and developing plans that align with company goals.
- Team management – Managing teams of engineers, technicians, or other professionals. This requires inspiring and motivating team members, providing feedback and coaching, and ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed.
- Time management – Ability to multi-task while working on multiple projects simultaneously. Practical time management skills for an electrical engineer are essential to ensure that you can prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality work on time.
5. Problem-Solving Skills
In this section, you can discuss the problem-solving skills most important for electrical engineers. Some examples might include:
- Critical thinking – Ability to analyze data, evaluate information, and consider different perspectives to make sound decisions.
- Innovative thinking – Ability to craft new and creative ideas to solve complex problems in the field.
- Troubleshooting – Ability to identify and solve problems with electrical systems, equipment, and machinery quickly and efficiently.
- Root cause analysis – Ability to identify the underlying causes of problems and develop solutions that address those causes.
- Systematic approach – Trained for problem-solving that requires gathering information, analyzing data, and developing and testing solutions.
Attention to detail – Ability to pay attention to details and all aspects of complex electrical systems, circuits, and equipment to avoid errors and ensure safety.
Top Electrical Engineering Skills Listed on Resumes
Now that we have discussed the skills that an electrical engineer must have that employers look for when hiring a candidate, we shall build on what we had mentioned earlier and see which of these are top electrical engineering skills to be listed on your resume.
Here are the top 5 electrical engineering skills that must be present on your resume.
1. Project Management
Project management skills for an electrical engineer are in high demand in today’s job market. Especially for those of you who want to earn a little higher or more than the average salary and eventually become a team leader, this skill is a must.
Employers look for this skill in your resume to ensure that you will become a part of the succession pipeline and have the required competency to lead a team in the future and have a supervising outlook.
2. AutoDesk AutoCAD
You must know how to use AutoCAD and deliver amazing visuals for your electrical engineering ideas using this software. This computer-aided design tool not only brings your ideas to reality but also makes it easier for decision-makers to understand your core concept. You must have command over this if you want to impress your managers and make an impact on your team.
3. Engineering Design
As an electrical engineer, having a design background is essential. Not only should this be represented on your resume, but it’s vital that you demonstrate mastery of the skill as well.
Suppose you need to be more competent in engineering design or the seven steps involved in the engineering design process, starting from the definition of the idea itself and right down to prototype development and its testing and improvements. In that case, your chances of securing a job in today’s competitive market could be brighter.
4. MATLAB
Another essential skill for any electrical engineer is using and understanding MATLAB. In addition, for you to be able to use your algorithms and perform mathematical manipulations, MATLAB and competency in using the same is critical in today’s job environment.
5. Programmable Logic Controllers/Automation
As automation and robotics rapidly become more pervasive throughout various industries, employers are increasingly seeking out individuals with expertise in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or other relevant forms of technology to help streamline the process. These tech-savvy pros can automate procedures while saving time and money through reduced overhead costs – allowing businesses to stay ahead of the curve with advanced approaches.
Best Ways to Improve Skills for an Electrical Engineer
Now that you are aware of all the top electrical engineering skills and their practical application, you must be wondering: how can you achieve the right skills if they’re missing in your profile?
Don’t worry, we have your back! Let’s discuss how you can improve your skills to become indispensable in your niche.
1. Attend Training Sessions
This one is an obvious and the safest choice. To improve a skill or learn a new competency, whether a soft or technical one, you must attend training sessions organized within your organization (if working) and even attend such sessions that are available in the community around you.
Search and look online to find relevant paid and unpaid sessions.
2. Get Relevant Certifications
Getting relevant certifications is critical when you want to top up your skills as an electrical engineer. Securing an AutoCAD or MATLAB certificate can help you further polish your skill set and stand out.
3. Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
Further strengthening your education is one of the best ways to improve your skills as an electrical engineer. Therefore, we recommend that you pursue a Master’s degree in the relevant field to not only get ahead of the pack in terms of professional education but also learn newer concepts and gain a more robust command over the core ones.
4. Gain experience Through Internship Program
This is a striking approach and helps you gain a network within the industry. Therefore, we suggest you secure a relevant internship to get practical experience in electrical engineering, which will help you enhance your skills. We recommend you to check out the list we have combined for the highest-paid internships available.
Conclusion
Now that we have gone through the required top skills for an electrical engineer, in terms of soft, technical, and those present on your resume, one thing is crystal clear. The one thing is that these skills for electrical engineers are not to be taken lightly and are not easy to attain or master.
Success is just around the corner if you’re heading down the path of professional development. Invest in yourself and sharpen your skillset with dedication – soon enough, that dream job or ideal firm will knock on your door!
Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (PE), Florida (PE) and Ontario (P. Eng) with consulting experience in design, commissioning and plant engineering for clients in Energy, Mining and Infrastructure.