Job competition in the era of Industry 4.0 is becoming increasingly intense, driven by the replacement of certain roles with artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics. To remain competitive in this evolving job market, individuals must possess distinguishing qualities, particularly strong soft skills. This systematic literature review analyzes 27 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2019 and 2024 to identify the essential soft skills needed in engineering. The review highlights six emerging soft skills that are critical for success in the engineering field: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, critical thinking and decision-making, and creativity. The discussion explores the importance of these skills in enhancing employee performance, particularly in mechanical engineering. The findings underscore the need for educational institutions, especially those focused on vocational training, to equip future graduates with soft skills that are aligned with the demands of Industry 4.0. # 2025 TEMPUS Publications.
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