1. Problem solving

Any project, no matter how big or small, will face problems. Engineers must be able to effectively address these as they arise. They must  study the problem, fully understand the impact it has on the project, and  apply their analytical skills in a methodical and efficient way in order to identify the root cause.

To effectively solve problems an engineer must also have the ability to truly listen to the problem ‘owner’. By attentively listening an engineer is able to fully comprehend what the problem consists of and provide solutions from a well-informed standpoint.

2. Logical thinking & Analytical ability

To fully comprehend complex systems an engineer must understand all aspects of the system. An engineer must know how the system works, what can go wrong and how to fix it. This requires an ability to think logically, and evaluate and understand each element that makes it up.

The ability to effectively solve problems goes hand-in-hand with the ability to properly analyse problems. Engineers are required to think analytically in order to create solutions. Analysing a project scope or product specification ensures that an engineer fully understands the relevant requirements and efficiently applies resources to achieve the optimal outcome. Various methodologies may have to be tested before committing resources to guarantee a successful solution.

3. Mathematical ability

Software has replaced almost all of the complex derivative equations engineers used to do manually. Even though engineers are no longer required to do these complex calculations themselves it doesn’t mean that, to be successful, they don’t have to possess excellent mathematical skills.

Engineers must be well-versed in trigonometry and calculus in order to use software packages and be able to interpret the results derived from them. They must be able to understand the type of calculations required to ensure the correct type of simulation is performed, and that models are correctly defined when performing simulations.

4. Communication skills

Communication is more than reading, writing, speaking or listening. For an engineer it means the ability to not only understand technical complexities, but the ability to succinctly and effectively translate technical jargon into layman’s terms without patronising others.

Engineers communicate with people at many different levels, from unskilled workers to directors. The ability to communicate in a respectful, clear and concise manner is critical to ensure that the core message is effectively relayed.

5. Teamworking skills

Teamwork drives the successful completion of a project. No one can complete a project on their own; they need others to contribute. There are functions that can be performed individually, but more often than not, an engineer will be part of a bigger team, and must be able to work well therein.

Courtesy and tact go a long way in building team trust. Project details are often presented to managers and customers, and these interactions may become confrontational. An engineer must understand everybody’s position and should not feel attacked, keep team members informed, and always present facts accurately.

6. Leadership

Leadership ability encompasses many of the characteristics already mentioned on this list. But being a leader is far more than this. It also requires excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to inspire and motivate others to drive a team to achieve success.

Sure, a successful engineer needs to tick all the engineering hard skills boxes listed above, like maths knowledge and analytical ability – but they also need well-developed soft skills so they can smoothly perform non-technical duties. People who are charismatic, articulate and friendly are normally well-liked, and are able to easily garner support.

7. Creativity

It may sound clichéd, but successful engineers have an innate ability to ‘think outside the box’. The engineering industry runs on the ability to creatively solve problems. Engineers able to bring passion, creative solutions and big ideas to the table are more valuable as businesses depend on creativity to efficiently resolve problems or improve the efficiency of existing systems and processes. Simultaneously, a successful engineer needs to be attentive to practicality when proposing a creative solution – which entails being creative in itself.

Engineers are the life line of any technical project and they are the ones who work on it from its inception to its conclusion. These personnel need to have a vast and rounded exposure to turnkey projects for which they need to perform overall. These 7 traits in an engineer gives him the versatility to be an all-rounder.