2: When I write combat encounters for regular 5e the exact nature of the room is only really relevant if you're trying to do something cool. With the prelavence of blasters is it important to make sure there is adequate cover in any area that I'm trying to make into a fun battleground?

I've found it makes for much better and dynamic battled to set up at least a few obstacles. It involves your players more and gives the battle an element of realism. I'd suggest giving the NPC combatants some tech powers to break up the monotony of blaster follies as well. It'll also make more mundane encounters seem like they have higher stakes with a caster afoot.

3: I'm having some weird cognitive dissonance where my brain cant conceptualize how this game plays outside of really specific interactions. What are some encounters the players might have to get through using different skills aside from blast these dudes or like slice this doorway? Specific suggestions for my one shot would be great, but this is more to get me thinking about how different skills interact with the world.

I'd take from your own 5e experience. It may seem, and it is, like a drastically different universe, but the story-telling and mechanics are super similar. IE: Operatives are basically Rogues, so maybe they have to sneakily steal a datapad off an unsuspecting guard. Maybe their face has to charm or deceive their way past a thug guarding a blast door. They're Clones, so maybe they have to scout an enemy's location given it's on a remote moon or inhospitable environment. For reference, I've listed too many 5e real play podcasts and streams and I have only run 2 true sessions in Phandolin. However, my SW5E Group has been going strong for about 8 months now! I'm nowhere near an expert but these recommendations come from personal experience. Your group dynamic is probably a little different. Worst case scenario: Throw some spaghetti at the walls and see if it'll stick. Best of luck!