Mechanical Engineer Resume Example
A career as a mechanical engineer typically involves designing mechanical systems and conducting FEA simulations. For a successful mechanical engineer application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll showcase resume tips and examples that can help you create a professional mechanical engineer resume that catches the eye of hiring managers.
This complete guide to a mechanical engineer resume will equip you with the tools you need to compete in your applications. The article will take you through the key steps of creating a resume that presents your key skills, qualities and career achievements in a format that employers favor. It will also help you tailor your resume according to your unique skills and experience level. Continue reading to find the best mechanical engineer resume tips from careers experts at Jobseeker.
Key sections for a mechanical engineer resume
Most resumes contain similar key sections, with a mechanical engineer resume being no different.
If you have no work experience as a mechanical engineer or have just started in the industry, you could consider using a functional or skills-based format, which emphasizes your skills and education. Furthermore, a junior resume is more likely to focus on soft and transferable skills, as well as relevant training, internships and volunteer roles.
Work experience is typically the most important resume section for mechanical engineer applicants with some prior experience. As such, it's best to use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
As a highly experienced candidate, you'll want your mechanical engineer resume to showcase your depth of relevant work experience, as well as other achievements. Use a reverse-chronological format and add additional sections to prove you're a strong candidate. It's likely that your senior resume will be longer than a standard resume of one-to-two pages. This is because you'll be listing additional achievements beyond your work experience, such as awards, publications and professional memberships.
While the content and format of your resume may vary depending on your experience levels, it's important to always include the following sections:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your mechanical engineer resume header is the place to add your contact details. Start by adding your full name and underneath, include your email address, phone number and location. Adding your LinkedIn profile, if you have one, can help the employer get a better insight into your skills and industry expertise. You don't need to include any additional personal information or a photo. Keep your header clear and concise, with only the most necessary information included. Opt for a stylish, professional design that creates a strong first impression.
Opt for a professional-looking email address based on your name. If your email address could be construed as unprofessional or inappropriate because it contains nicknames or unsuitable language, create a new, more professional email address for your job applications. Always check your contact details to make sure they're up-to-date before you send your resume.
Madelyn Hill
madelyn.hill@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA
linkedin․com/in/madelyn–hill123
Resume Summary
The next section is the resume summary. The section might also be called 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. This is a brief introduction to you, your key skills and your career achievements and ambitions. While a resume summary focuses on your career achievements and experience, a resume objective typically focuses on your ambitions for the future. Additionally, make sure your resume summary reflects the job description and focuses on qualities that are relevant to working as a mechanical engineer.
Alternatively, focus on introducing your career ambitions, and why this role is a good fit, both for you and the organization.
The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a mechanical engineer, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. See below for some great examples of what to include in your mechanical engineer resume summary.
Good example:
Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer. Skilled in designing, analyzing, and optimizing mechanical systems and components using advanced CAD software. Proven track record in managing projects from concept through to production, ensuring adherence to engineering standards and client specifications. Effective collaborator with strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
Bad example:
Mechanical engineer with some background in engineering and working on designs. Involved in creating and looking at mechanical things using computer tools. Have worked on projects from start to finish, making sure things meet certain rules and what people want. Good at working with others and solving problems, always trying to make things better and come up with new ideas
On the other hand, a resume summary can be ineffective if it lacks specific information about how your skills align with the job description, or fails to paint a picture of your unique qualities and talents. The visual above includes some examples of what not to do with your mechanical engineer resume summary
Work Experience
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for a mechanical engineer position. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
In addition, include a few bullet points under each job, highlighting your key achievements so the hiring manager can see how they led to successful outcomes. Back up each point with evidence to show how you meet the job description.
An effective resume work experience section is one that constantly echoes the skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you used your skills to positive effect in each job. Each bullet point should be carefully crafted to showcase a particular skill or achievement relevant to mechanical engineer jobs, with evidence to show the value you added. There are some examples of strong resume work experience sections below.
Good example:
Mechanical Design Engineer, January 2022 - Present
Precision Dynamics Engineering, Reno
- Designed and implemented a cost-effective cooling system, reducing thermal management expenses by 15% and improving efficiency by 20%
- Led the development of a high-performance aerospace component, achieving a 10% weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity
- Developed a modular robotic arm, enhancing assembly line flexibility and increasing production speed by 25%
Bad example:
Mechanical Design Engineer, January 2022 - Present
Precision Dynamics Engineering, Reno
- Contributed to various engineering projects, improving overall outcomes and team performance
- Assisted in the design and development of mechanical systems, enhancing operational efficiency
- Participated in the creation of innovative solutions, supporting project goals and objectives
Above, you can see a weaker example of a resume work experience section to best avoid. Less effective resume work experience sections might take a more vague, descriptive approach to previous jobs. They focus on responsibilities and everyday duties rather than referencing career achievements and the value you've added for previous employers.
Education
The education section provides space to list your highest and most recent academic achievements that are relevant to working as a mechanical engineer.
A mechanical engineer role tends to require candidates to have a university or college degree, so make sure you list yours in your resume. A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree or similar is the most suitable for this job, but you could also include any other relevant qualifications that show your matlab programming skills or thermodynamics knowledge.
For each entry in this section, add the name and level of your qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study. You can also add some bullet points outlining any high grades, awards you won or specialist subjects you studied. Adding this information will show the employer your dedication to learning and your areas of specialist knowledge.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 2017 - 2020
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI
Skills
The skills section is one of the main ways to show employers you've got the skills required for mechanical engineer roles. Whether your skills include CAD software proficiency, time management proficiency or any other useful skills for the role, you'll want to list them here. Once more, review the job description and pick out any key mechanical engineer skills listed that match yours. Focus on these skills and any other key transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for the job.
Showcasing hard skills on your mechanical engineer resume
Hard skills are specific skills related to the job you're applying for. They include particular abilities, technical skills and industry knowledge that relate directly to jobs as a mechanical engineer. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in mechanical engineer roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Include around four or five key hard skills that are listed in the job description. These skills will help to convince the hiring manager that you're a good fit for the position.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a mechanical engineer resume below.
- Finite element analysis
- CAD software proficiency
- Matlab programming skills
Listing soft skills on your mechanical engineer resume
Soft skills are your transferable skills and personal qualities that make you a good match for a mechanical engineer position and the organization. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, and can often apply to multiple jobs and industries. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. Aim to include approximately five soft skills that reflect the skills listed in the job description.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for a mechanical engineer resume.
- Problem-solving ability
- Effective communication skills
- Time management proficiency
Certifications and Training
Your certifications section is the place to mention any relevant professional mechanical engineer certifications, licenses or qualifications. Add any official certifications or accreditations that increase your level of qualification and suitability for working as a mechanical engineer. Therefore, add any necessary licenses and certifications in this section, along with valid dates so employers can see you're still qualified for the job.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a mechanical engineer resume:
- Professional Engineer (PE), 2022
- Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP), 2022
- Six Sigma Green Belt, 2022
Expert Tip:
Optional Resume Sections
To provide further information on your suitability for the role, you could add some optional sections to a mechanical engineer resume. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. Your hobbies and interests are useful for a mechanical engineer resume if you want to show a different side to your personality, or to stand out among other candidates. They can also be valuable if you're a junior candidate without much relevant work experience. Don't include hobbies and interests in your resume unless they showcase a specific interest or aspect of your personality. You'll want them to add something to your application that you can't add elsewhere.
Volunteering
Voluntary work can help you develop useful skills, so it's a valuable addition to your mechanical engineer resume. Write your volunteer section in a similar format to your work experience, including your role, the organization name, relevant dates and the details of your contribution.
References
It's not typical to include references in a mechanical engineer resume, but some employers might ask for them. Don't add references unless requested by the employer. Only include referees that you've had prior approval from, and notify them to expect contact from the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best action words for your mechanical engineer resume
Add strong verbs to your work experience section to show the hiring manager the impact you made in your previous roles. Choose from the list of words below to increase the impact of your work experience section.
- Design
- Analyze
- Develop
- Implement
- Troubleshoot
- Optimize
- Fabricate
- Simulate
- Assemble
- Innovate
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Sample resume for mechanical engineer positions
The mechanical engineer resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights, CA
•
madelyn.hill@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/madelyn–hill123
Results-driven Mechanical Engineer with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer. Proven expertise in designing, developing, and optimizing complex mechanical systems and components. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in CAD software, and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and materials. Adept at leading cross-functional teams, managing projects, and delivering innovative solutions to meet client requirements and industry standards. Passionate about leveraging technical knowledge to drive efficiency and product excellence
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
2020
-2022
Vertex Dynamics Ltd (Fort Wayne)
- Led design and development of a high-efficiency HVAC system, reducing energy consumption by 30%
- Managed cross-functional team to deliver a new automotive component, improving performance and reducing costs by 15%
- Spearheaded implementation of advanced CAD software, enhancing design accuracy and reducing project timelines by 20%
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
2017
-2020
University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD)
Finite element analysis
CAD software proficiency
Matlab programming skills
Problem-solving ability
Effective communication skills
Time management proficiency
Professional Engineer (PE)
Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Quick tips for a mechanical engineer resume
Tips to write the best resume
- Choose a resume format that's clear, professional and makes your resume as readable as possible. Pay particular attention to the font, line spacing, heading and margins to make your document as easy-to-read as possible for employers.
- Use action words that show how you've made an impact in different mechanical engineer jobs (e.g. analyze, optimize, assemble).
- Use reverse-chronological order for your work and education, starting with your most recent employment and education.
- Mention key skills that show you're suited to the job throughout your resume, as well as in the dedicated skills section.
- Quantify your achievements and show evidence of how you've used your skills to bring positive outcomes in your career to date.
Avoid these common mistakes on your resume
- Don't use jargon or acronyms when you can use simple, straightforward language to say the same thing.
- Don't mention hobbies or interests unless they help you prove a skill required for the role, that you haven't included elsewhere.
- Don't list unrelated work experience unless you can show you used skills that are valuable to the job you're applying for.
- Don't crowd your mechanical engineer resume with too many unnecessary details. Focus on only the most critical skills and achievements.
- Don't use an email address with offensive, funny or casual connotations. Instead, create a professional email address based on your name.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are increasingly taking responsibility for the management and processing of job applications, helping hiring practices to become more efficient. This can include screening resumes by scanning and ranking each application according to how closely it matches the job description. There are several things you can do when writing your mechanical engineer resume, to give yourself the strongest chance of ranking highly in the ATS stage and progressing through the recruitment process.
Here a some simple tips to follow for an ATS-friendly resume:
- Opt for an established, traditional resume format such as a reverse-chronological or functional structure. These will ensure your resume includes all the necessary details ATS systems scan for.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Include clear headings that make it easy to identify each section of your resume. This will help any ATS software navigate your resume during the scanning process.
- Use a resume design that includes clean, professional design elements to give your content space to breathe. This might include clear, readable fonts, subtle color accents and simple design elements.
- Make sure your resume is as concise as possible, so ATS applications can easily scan and identify the required details.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
Frequently Asked Questions for a mechanical engineer resume
Alongside your mechanical engineer resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Firstly, think about whether you want to write a full, formal cover letter or whether a brief email to introduce yourself and draw attention to your resume will suffice.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the mechanical engineer job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates were created by experts to help you make a strong impression with your applications. Follow the simple steps to create a winning cover letter today.
Even if you have little or no relevant work experience, it's still possible to write a mechanical engineer resume that makes a strong impression on employers. Select a resume format that emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience, such as a functional format. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
Use a resume headline to make it easy for the reader to start assessing your suitability for mechanical engineer positions at first glance. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Write a concise headline including the job title, a reference to your experience or track record and one or two key skills.
You can use this example resume headline as a template for creating your own:
- Junior Mechanical Engineer Seeking Opportunities
- Innovative Mechanical Design Engineer
- Senior Mechanical Engineering Professional
The best resume format for you depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on your experience level. Secondly, it depends on the type and level of position you're applying for. If you're applying for a junior position or changing careers, you might want to consider a functional resume. This highlights your skills and education over your work experience. If, however, you have relevant work experience in the industry, it's typically best to use a reverse chronological resume format. This highlights your achievements in work, which is probably the most important factor for hiring managers to consider.
Key takeaways for your mechanical engineer resume
The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Remember, Jobseeker resume templates and other tools make it easy to create a resume and cover letter that leaves a positive impression on hiring managers. Sign up now to start building your perfect resume. Whether you're a junior or senior candidate, a professional cover letter can help to grab the attention of the employer. Jobseeker's cover letter examples were created by careers experts to provide useful tips and ideas for your cover letter.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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