Following our comprehensive examination of electrical engineer salary trends, a critical question emerges: What specific skills are required for electrical and electronics engineers to become top candidates and command those higher salaries?
We recognize that knowing what to learn is as important as knowing what you’ll earn. That’s why we’ve conducted an in-depth analysis of over 2,576 electrical engineering jobs to identify the most in-demand electrical engineering skills and tools employers are actively seeking in 2025.
Top 12 Electrical Engineering Skills Required Globally
Our analysis of job postings reveals clear patterns in employer requirements. The following electrical engineer skills and tools were frequently mentioned across electrical engineer job descriptions, highlighting what skills are required to be an electrical engineer in today’s evolving market.
Microsoft Excel – Mentions: 491
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program that allows users to organize, analyze, and visualize data through formulas, functions, charts, and pivot tables, essential for electrical load calculations, project tracking, and data analysis.
This skill appears in approximately 19.1% of job listings and is used for:
- Load calculations and circuit analysis
- Power consumption tracking and optimization
- Project scheduling and resource allocation
- Cost estimation for electrical installations
- Data visualization for system performance
- Integration with electrical design software outputs
Engineers who master Excel’s advanced features, including VBA programming for automation and complex electrical formulas, significantly enhance their value to employers.
AutoCAD – Mentions: 446
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application widely used for creating detailed electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts. AutoCAD proficiency is mentioned in approximately 17.3% of job listings.
AutoCAD is particularly valued for:
- Creating detailed electrical schematics and single-line diagrams
- Developing panel layouts and conduit routing plans
- Generating construction documentation and as-built drawings
- Coordinating electrical systems with other disciplines
- Ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety regulations
- Facilitating design modifications and revisions
The software’s electrical-specific toolsets, such as AutoCAD Electrical, provide specialized features for circuit design and automated reporting.
Project Management – Mentions: 185
Mentioned in approximately 7.2% of job listings, project management skills underscore the expanding role of electrical engineers as technical leaders and coordinators. This skill set encompasses:
- Planning and scheduling electrical installations
- Coordinating with contractors and subcontractors
- Managing material procurement and delivery schedules
- Conducting risk assessments for electrical hazards
- Ensuring compliance with electrical codes and safety standards
- Leading commissioning and testing procedures
Electrical engineers with formal project management certification (PMP, CAPM) or demonstrated experience managing complex electrical projects are increasingly sought after.
PLC Programming – Mentions: 169
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Programming involves creating, testing, and maintaining software that controls automated industrial processes and machinery through specialized hardware controllers. PLC programming expertise appears in approximately 6.6% of job listings, and is valuable for:
- Developing control logic for industrial processes
- Programming safety interlocks and emergency systems
- Troubleshooting automation system failures
- Optimizing process efficiency and reliability
- Integrating PLCs with SCADA and HMI systems
- Supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives
Proficiency in major PLC platforms like Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Schneider Electric is particularly valuable in manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Revit – Mentions: 163
Revit is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that enables electrical engineers to design, model, and coordinate electrical systems in 3D while managing project information throughout the building lifecycle. Revit proficiency appears in 6.3% of job listings, particularly in building design and construction sectors. This BIM software enables:
- 3D modeling of electrical distribution systems
- Automated clash detection with mechanical and structural elements
- Generating coordinated electrical drawings and schedules
- Performing lighting calculations and analysis
- Creating accurate material takeoffs
- Facilitating collaborative design workflows
Revit’s parametric modeling capabilities make it essential for modern building electrical design and coordination.
Python – Mentions: 160
Python is a high-level programming language increasingly used in electrical engineering for data analysis, automation, simulation, and developing custom engineering tools. Python skills appear in 6.2% of job listings and is valued for:
- Automating repetitive design calculations
- Analyzing power system data and smart grid information
- Developing custom simulation tools
- Processing and visualizing sensor data
- Machine learning applications in predictive maintenance
- Interfacing with test equipment and data acquisition systems
Python’s extensive libraries for scientific computing (NumPy, SciPy) and data visualization (Matplotlib) make it particularly powerful for electrical engineering applications.
Control Systems – Mentions: 121
Control Systems engineering involves designing, implementing, and optimizing systems that regulate and manage electrical processes, from simple feedback loops to complex industrial automation.
Control systems expertise appears in 4.7% of job listings, underlining its importance in modern electrical engineering. This skill encompasses:
- Designing PID controllers and feedback systems
- Implementing motor control strategies
- Developing power electronics control algorithms
- Programming variable frequency drives (VFDs)
- Integrating sensors and actuators
- Optimizing system stability and performance
Knowledge of control theory, coupled with practical implementation skills, is essential for roles in industrial automation and power systems.
ETAP – Mentions: 113
Definition: ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) is a comprehensive electrical power system analysis software used for design, simulation, operation, and optimization of power systems.
Learn more: https://etap.com/
ETAP proficiency appears in 4.4% of job listings, particularly in power systems and industrial electrical engineering roles. This specialized software enables:
- Load flow and short circuit analysis
- Arc flash hazard analysis and safety compliance
- Protective device coordination studies
- Motor starting analysis
- Harmonic analysis and power quality studies
- Reliability and contingency analysis
ETAP expertise is particularly critical in utility, industrial, and infrastructure projects where power system reliability and safety are paramount.
Troubleshooting – Mentions: 110
Troubleshooting in electrical engineering encompasses the systematic approach to diagnosing, isolating, and resolving electrical system failures, malfunctions, and performance issues.
Learn more: https://www.nfpa.org/
Troubleshooting skills appear in 4.3% of job listings, highlighting the practical problem-solving abilities employers seek. This skill set includes:
- Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized test equipment
- Reading and interpreting electrical schematics
- Applying systematic diagnostic procedures
- Understanding failure modes and root cause analysis
- Implementing corrective actions and preventive measures
- Documenting findings and solutions
Strong troubleshooting skills are essential for field service, maintenance, and commissioning roles.
Electrical Design – Mentions: 106
Definition: Electrical Design involves creating comprehensive electrical systems from concept through detailed documentation, ensuring functionality, safety, efficiency, and code compliance.
Learn more: https://www.ieee.org/
Electrical design skills appear in 4.1% of job listings, representing core competencies for design engineers. This encompasses:
- Developing electrical system architectures
- Sizing conductors, conduits, and protective devices
- Creating lighting layouts and emergency systems
- Designing grounding and bonding systems
- Ensuring National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance
- Optimizing energy efficiency and sustainability
Proficiency in electrical design principles combined with software tools creates highly valuable skillsets.
Electrical Systems – Mentions: 106
Definition: Electrical Systems knowledge encompasses understanding the interconnected components, operation, and maintenance of complete electrical installations from generation to end-use equipment.
Learn more: https://www.nema.org/
Comprehensive electrical systems knowledge appears in 4.1% of job listings, reflecting the need for holistic understanding. This includes:
- Power distribution architecture and equipment
- Emergency and standby power systems
- Lighting and control systems
- Fire alarm and life safety systems
- Building automation integration
- Renewable energy systems integration
This broad knowledge base is essential for roles requiring system-level thinking and integration capabilities.
Power Systems – Mentions: 104
Power Systems engineering focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical power, including grid stability, protection, and optimization. Power systems expertise appears in 4.0% of job listings, particularly in utility and heavy industrial sectors. This specialization includes:
- Transmission and distribution system design
- Substation engineering and protection schemes
- Grid stability and power flow analysis
- Renewable energy integration
- Smart grid technologies
- Power quality and reliability optimization
Power systems engineers are increasingly important as the electrical grid evolves to accommodate renewable energy and distributed resources.
Developing Your Electrical Engineering Skills Portfolio for the Global Market
To maximise employability in the global electrical and electronics engineering sector, consider these strategic approaches:
Certification and Formal Training
Many of the top electrical engineering skills identified in our research have associated certification programs. Employers often prioritise formal qualifications such as:
- AutoCAD Electrical Certified Professional
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
- PLC Programming Certifications (various manufacturers)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- NFPA Electrical Safety Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
Additionally, pursuing an electrical engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program remains fundamental for career advancement. Electrical engineering schooling typically takes 4-5 years for a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level positions.
Practical Application and Portfolio Development
Beyond certification, demonstrate your capabilities through:
- Personal automation or control system projects
- Open-source contributions to electrical engineering tools
- Documented case studies of system improvements
- Energy efficiency projects with quantifiable results
- Published technical articles or conference presentations
These experiences showcase both technical competence and innovation, key attributes that distinguish top electrical engineering candidates.
Industry-Specific Skills Breakdown
Understanding which skills are most valued in different industries helps tailor your career development strategy. Based on our analysis of 2,576 job postings, here’s how the top electrical engineering skills align with major industry sectors:
- Power & Utilities: ETAP, Power Systems, AutoCAD, Control Systems, Project Management, Excel
- Manufacturing & Industrial: PLC Programming, Control Systems, Troubleshooting, AutoCAD, Python, Excel
- Construction & Buildings: Revit, AutoCAD, Electrical Design, Project Management, Electrical Systems, Excel
- Technology & Data Centres: Python, Power Systems, Electrical Systems, Troubleshooting, Project Management
- Renewable Energy: ETAP, Power Systems, Python, Control Systems, Project Management, Excel
- Transportation: Control Systems, PLC Programming, Electrical Systems, Troubleshooting, AutoCAD
This breakdown illustrates where electrical engineers work across various sectors and the specific competencies required in each industry.
Conclusion
The electrical and electronics engineering landscape continues to evolve rapidly with increasing emphasis on automation, sustainable energy, and digital transformation. By focusing on in-demand skills like Excel for analysis, AutoCAD for design, and emerging technologies like Python programming, aspiring electrical engineers can position themselves for success. The integration of traditional electrical knowledge with modern digital tools and project management capabilities creates the most valuable skill profiles.
The electrical engineering job outlook remains robust, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting steady growth driven by infrastructure modernization, renewable energy expansion, and increasing electrification across all sectors. According to the BLS electrical engineer data, the field is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Electrical engineers who combine technical expertise with project management skills and stay current with industry software tools will find abundant opportunities. Important skills for electrical engineers also include critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, as they often work in teams and need to communicate complex technical information effectively.
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