What are the most important keywords for electrical engineers?

Focus on specific technical standards (NEC, IEEE), software (AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, MATLAB), and hardware skills (PLC, PCB Design, SCADA) relevant to your niche.

How do I list PLCs on my resume?

Don't just write 'PLC'. List specific brands and models, such as 'Allen-Bradley ControlLogix,' 'Siemens S7,' or 'Modicon,' along with the programming languages used (Ladder Logic, Structured Text).

Should I include soft skills?

Yes, but prioritize technical skills. Use soft skills in the context of project leadership, such as 'Cross-functional collaboration with mechanical teams' or 'Vendor management'.

How do I check if my resume has the right keywords?

Upload your resume and the job description to ResumeAdapter. Our AI will instantly identify missing technical keywords and standards that the ATS is scanning for.

Is P.E. certification required for keywords?

It depends on the role. If the job description mentions 'P.E.' or 'E.I.T.,' it is a mandatory keyword. Always spell it out (Professional Engineer) and include the abbreviation.

Electrical Engineer Resume Keywords (2026): 60+ Technical Skills for Power & Controls

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🚨 Not getting Electrical Engineering interviews? Your resume is missing critical technical standards.

In 2026, over 97% of engineering firms use ATS to filter candidates by specific hardware, software, and compliance codes. If your resume lists "Circuit Design" but the ATS wants "Altium Designer" or "PCB Layout," you are invisible.

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Why These Keywords Matter

Electrical engineering is one of the most keyword-sensitive fields in recruiting. Unlike general roles, engineering job descriptions contain rigid technical requirements—specific voltage levels, regulatory codes (NEC, ISO), and proprietary software.

ATS algorithms are programmed to look for exact matches. A human hiring manager knows that someone who knows "AutoCAD" can probably figure out "AutoCAD Electrical," but an ATS might not. Missing these specific terms is the #1 reason qualified engineers are rejected instantly.

This guide covers the essential keywords for Power Systems, Controls, Embedded Systems, and PCB Design to help you pass the scan and land the interview.

What Are Electrical Engineer Resume Keywords?
Core Electrical Engineering Keywords
Power Systems & High Voltage Keywords
Controls & Automation Keywords
Electronics & PCB Design Keywords
Software & Simulation Tools
Soft Skills for Engineers
Resume Examples: Weak vs. Strong
Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Electrical Engineer Resume Keywords?

Electrical Engineer resume keywords are the specific technical hard skills, software names, industry standards, and certifications that recruiters and ATS software search for.

These typically include:

Design Software: Altium, AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, SPICE.
Hardware: PLC (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), FPGA, Microcontrollers.
Standards: NEC (National Electrical Code), IEEE, ISO 9001, UL Standards.
Methodologies: Root Cause Analysis, Six Sigma, Agile.

If you don't list these exactly as they appear in the job description, your application may never reach a human eye.

Core Electrical Engineering Keywords

These are the foundational skills expected of almost every modern Electrical Engineer.

Category	Keywords
Fundamentals	Circuit Analysis, Signal Processing, Analog/Digital Design, Electromagnetics, Power Distribution
Analysis & Math	Root Cause Analysis, MATLAB, Simulink, MathCAD, Python, C++, Statistical Analysis
Standards	IEEE Standards, NEC (National Electrical Code), UL (Underwriters Laboratories), ISO 9001, ANSI, IEC
Documentation	BOM (Bill of Materials), Schematics, One-Line Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Writing

Power Systems & High Voltage Keywords

For engineers working in utilities, generation, or industrial power distribution.

Category	Keywords
Power Distribution	Switchgear, Transformers, Substations, Load Flow Analysis, Short Circuit Analysis, Arc Flash, Protection Relays
Analysis Tools	ETAP, SKM Power*Tools, PSS/E, ASPEN
Equipment	VFD (Variable Frequency Drives), MCC (Motor Control Centers), Generators, UPS Systems
Renewables	PV (Photovoltaics), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Inverters, Grid Interconnection

Why Specificity Matters

Writing "Power Systems Experience" is often not enough. Recruiters search for "Arc Flash Calculation" or "ETAP Modeling." Specificity proves your expertise.

Controls & Automation Keywords

Critical for manufacturing, robotics, and industrial process roles.

Category	Keywords
PLC & HMI	Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), Siemens (S7, TIA Portal), Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Wonderware, Ignition
Languages	Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram (FBD), C/C++
Communication	Modbus (TCP/RTU), EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, BACnet, RS-232/485
Hardware	VFDs, Servos, Sensors, Actuators, PID Controllers, SCADA Systems

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Electronics & PCB Design Keywords

For roles in consumer electronics, hardware startups, and embedded systems.

Category	Keywords
PCB Design	Altium Designer, Eagle, KiCAD, OrCAD, Allegro, Multi-layer Design, High-Speed Routing
Simulation	SPICE, LTspice, PSpice, Signal Integrity, Power Integrity, Thermal Analysis
Testing	Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, Multimeters, Logic Analyzers, EMI/EMC Testing, Debugging
Embedded	Microcontrollers (STM32, PIC, AVR), FPGA (Xilinx, Altera), Verilog, VHDL, RTOS, I2C, SPI, UART

Software & Simulation Tools

Modern electrical engineering heavily relies on software simulation before prototyping.

MATLAB / Simulink (Systems modeling)
AutoCAD Electrical (Schematics)
SolidWorks Electrical (3D integration)
LabVIEW (Testing and automation)
Python / C++ (Scripting and embedded logic)

Soft Skills for Engineers

While technical skills get you the interview, soft skills get you the job. Position these around project success.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (Working with Mechanical/Software teams)
Project Management (Budgeting, Scheduling)
Vendor Management (Sourcing components)
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
Technical Presentation

Resume Examples: Weak vs. Strong

❌ Weak Example (Vague):

Designed circuits for new products.
Used PLCs for automation.
Worked with power systems.

✅ Strong Optimized Example (Specific):

Designed 4-layer high-speed PCBs using Altium Designer for a consumer IoT device, reducing board size by 15%.
Programmed Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs using Ladder Logic for a packaging line, improving throughput by 20%.
Conducted Arc Flash Analysis and Load Flow studies using ETAP for a 480V industrial distribution system, ensuring NEC compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many keywords should I include?

Aim for 15–20 hard skills that are highly relevant to the specific job description. Don't keyword stuff, but ensure the core tools (e.g., "Altium") appear in your Skills section and your Experience bullets.

2. Is "AutoCAD" enough, or do I need "AutoCAD Electrical"?

If the job asks for AutoCAD Electrical, list that exact phrase. ATS systems often treat them as different keywords. Use the most specific version of the software name you know.

3. How do I list certifications?

Create a dedicated "Certifications" section. List the full name and abbreviation: "Professional Engineer (P.E.)" or "Engineer in Training (E.I.T.)". This ensures both variations are caught.

4. Should I list old software versions?

Generally, no, unless specifically requested. Listing "AutoCAD 2010" might make you look outdated. Just "AutoCAD" is usually sufficient unless a specific modern version is required.

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