Engineer Resume Examples and Writing Tips

Key Sections To Include in an Engineer Resume

Let’s start with the basics. Most engineering resume templates include a header, a summary, work experience, education, and skills. If you have space left over after the essentials, some professionals add extra sections, like certificates and completed projects.

Looking for a few examples? See the order and structure of these sections in our resume templates.

Header

Your resume header is the first element the hiring manager sees, so it needs to be clear and attention-grabbing. It also needs to contain everything a recruiter needs to contact you.

This section should include:

• Full name
• Job title
• Phone number
• Email address
• Location (city and state)
• LinkedIn URL

Here’s an example header for an engineer resume:

Alan Neil
Mechanical Engineer
555-6438
alanneil91@example.com
Chicago, Illinois
linkedin.com/alanneil/

Resume objective or summary

This section should be a 2- to 4-sentence summary of your experience, relevant qualifications, and achievements. It should also briefly describe the benefits you can bring to the company.

Here’s a quick example:

“Dynamic and results-driven mechanical engineer with a strong background in design, analysis, and project management. Expert in enhancing productivity, improving product quality, and implementing cost-effective solutions. Looking to lead successful teams and enhance project outcomes at EcoMetal Works.”

Work experience

Now it’s time to detail your history and accomplishments at previous companies. This is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd by using engaging language and actual achievements, not just listing out dull responsibilities.

Start by providing your job title, then add the company name, location, and dates of employment. Then end with a bullet list of 3 to 4 achievements.

Here’s an example:

Mechanical Engineer
Elite Tech, Peoria, IL 
September 2012 – October 2018

• Spearheaded the implementation of a new manufacturing process, increasing production output by 25%
• Led a cross-functional team to identify and rectify design flaws, resulting in a 30% reduction in product defects
• Introduced a design modification that optimized material usage, leading to a 10% reduction in material expenses without compromising product quality.

Education

Education is usually second in importance to work experience, but it’s just as critical in an engineer resume. Most engineering positions have strict educational requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree, which means you need to list your education clearly and succinctly.

Simply list your degree name, the name and location of your institution, the years you attended, and your GPA (if it’s above 3.5).

Here’s a sample education section:

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL
2008 – 2012
GPA: 3.9

Hard skills

Hard skills are abilities that are specific to certain roles and they’re the bread and butter of engineering positions. 

However, different engineering roles require unique skills. Chemical engineers need knowledge of fluid dynamics and software engineers need programming skills. This means you need to consider your own field, while also examining the job description to discover which skills the role needs.

Here are a few examples of common hard skills for engineers:

• Project management
• Project planning
• Equipment installation
• Machine design
• Manufacturing processes
• Fluid mechanics
• AutoCAD
• Quality assurance

Soft skills

Soft skills are abilities that transfer from role to role, such as problem-solving and communication. Although hard skills are the main capabilities that people associate with engineers, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of your soft skills.

Here are some common soft skills for engineers:

• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Critical thinking

Optional sections

If you have any extra space, consider adding one or two optional sections. This includes languages, certifications, volunteer work, hobbies and interests, and projects.

The most valuable sections for engineers are certifications, volunteer work, and personal (and school) projects – especially for students, recent graduates, and those with little work experience.

The best optional sections depend highly on the role you’re shooting for. For more ideas on how to use these sections, check out our resume examples.

Tips for Writing an Engineer Resume

You’ve laid the perfect foundation for your engineer resume, so now let’s go over some best practices to take it to the next level.

Use chronological format

A chronological resume lists your most recent work experience and education and works backward from there. It’s the most common resume structure, which means that hiring managers are able to quickly and easily digest the information.

Showcasing your most recent achievements first also ensures that recruiters see powerful accomplishments, such as senior projects, rather than seeing your first internship before anything else.

Tailor your resume to each job application

Each job posting has different requirements, so edit your resume each time you submit it. One job description might say that communication is essential, while another stresses that time management is the most critical soft skill.

This is also an important tactic when trying to get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

These platforms scan resumes for specific keywords in a job description, such as “Bachelor of Science.” If a job post uses this term, a proper ATS resume should use it instead of abbreviating the degree as “BS.”

Quantify your achievements

Quantified achievements are work accomplishments that use measurable metrics to define their impact. These achievements are much more powerful than listing standard responsibilities – they grab the recruiter’s attention and convey your qualifications clearly.

Quantified achievements are especially important for highly technical jobs, like engineering roles.

Here’s an example of quantified achievements vs. standard responsibilities:

• Quantified achievement: Achieved a 20% increase in production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing principles and process optimization
• Standard responsibility: Implemented key manufacturing principles, optimized processes

Use simple terminology

Engineers understand complex technical terminology, but hiring managers aren’t engineers. Your peers may understand tech jargon, but it’s critical to simplify the language on your engineer resume.

Proofread your resume a few times to check it for complicated terms and do your best to simplify them. We recommend you have a friend or family member double-check it for you – especially if they aren’t an engineer. They’ll be able to tell you right away if something’s too confusing.

Looking for more advice to help you craft the ultimate resume? Learn even more tips and tricks by browsing our resume articles.

Build an Engineer Resume That Works

Crafting an engineer resume requires a lot of detail and expertise, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Use a resume template to lay out the basics for you, add in your information, and then use our top tips to make it unique.

Try making your technical achievements pop by adding numbers and percentages, and ensure you tailor each resume to the job you’re applying for.

Ready to use your inspiration to build the perfect resume? Use CVwizard’s Resume Builder to build a professional resume in minutes.