What programming language should I know to impress employers in engineering?

Pareidolon 6,o: What programming language should I know to impress employers in engineering?
I am in an awkward position, but basically trying to find a job in engineering (not computer engineering, possibly product development or signals processing) and I thought maybe if I pick up a mainstream programming language I would be more suitable for the work environment. Don’t worry about my ability to learn it, I have some familiarity with programming already. Thanks!

Answers and Views:

Answer by Eric
C is by far the most common language for signal processing, etc. If you consider it a language, Matlab is also very important for mechanical engineering (Matlab is based on java).
If you know C, java/Matlab should come easy.

Answer by Rouse
I wouldn’t spend any time learning a programming language to impress a potential employer. In most work environments you will likely use some specialized software applications but you would not be likely to develop applications using a programming language.

Answer by Ιρατυς Ορχυς
C++ for computers or NC for machines.

Answer by Steve
Knowing a programming language may no be part of a prospective employers requirements. When doing a job search you should check out what the job requirements are. Do a little research on your prospective employer and the skills that employer is looking for. In almost every case the job description will tell you what skills you need to have to perform the job.

Unless you are specifically applying for a programmers position or the employer expects proficiency in a programming language, you may be wasting your time.

Generally in design work, a position you seem to be looking at, you will find more of a need to use dedicated design software such as OrCad, AutoCad, Pro-Engineer and/or other design programs. Most of these programs do not require conventional programming skills, but often do require a knowledge of the software specific programming. You may even be able to download demo programs to become familiar with the software.

Just be sure you know what you are doing when you go into the interview, you will most likely be tested on your proficiency with the software used by the company you are interviewing with.