Remote work can be an ideal choice for many engineers. It offers flexibility and freedom. And with a good employer, you’ll be assessed on your work product rather than the time it takes you to complete (as long as you hit your deadlines). But if you want to make the most of your remote engineering career, you’ll want to brush up on a few skills.

Organization

When you’re working remotely, you are responsible for your entire process. While your boss may set deadlines, you’ll need to figure out how to get from here to there. That means creating and sticking to calendars, planning out each piece of every project, and presenting status reports to your supervisor and team members. Strong organizational skills will keep you on track. And they’ll also make it far easier to find a specific document if a colleague or manager asks for it.

Time Management

A remote engineering role can rapidly engulf your life if you don’t set and stick to schedules. You’ll be responsible for deciding your own work hours and making yourself log out at the end of your workday. Conversely, you’ll also need to find the motivation to get things done, even when you would rather be doing something else. The ability to schedule work hours, be fully present during them, and then put your work away at the end of the day is essential.

Collaboration

Overcommunication isn’t a bug in the remote work ecosystem. It’s a feature. Document everything to create a digital paper trail. Keep your boss and coworkers in the loop regarding what you’re working on and where you are in the process. Virtual meetings, instant messaging, and other real-time communications have their place. Still, much collaboration will occur asynchronously (not in real-time) through a designated cloud-based repository.

Flexibility

Remote engineering teams tend to be highly diverse. Team members may be spread across the country or around the globe. You’ll need to be comfortable with adapting your processes to find common ground with others. You may need to occasionally change your schedule to attend a meeting that works for everyone. And you should have a backup plan for emergencies, such as your internet going down or your computer dying at an inconvenient time.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968, PEAK has helped engineering professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.

If you are looking for employers and opportunities to take your engineering career to the next level and help you achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.