To maximize ships:
Engineering 5 - max power core.
Electronics 5 - max CPU.
Energy Management 5 - max capacitor capacity.
Energy Systems Operation 5 - max rate capacitor recharges.
Energy Grid Upgrades 5 - reduce CPU needs of pwr modules.
Shield Management 5 - max shield capacity.
Shield Operation 5 - max rate shield recharges.
Hull Upgrade 5 - max armor.
Repair Systems 4 - best repair modules.
Mechanic 5 - max hull strength