Automation Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Automation Engineer resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
Automation engineers are responsible for designing and implementing automated systems that can run without human intervention. They’re often called upon to create computer programs that monitor, control, and manage industrial processes like manufacturing, shipping, or distribution.
Automation engineers can work in almost any industry—from aerospace to manufacturing to food services. The possibilities are endless! If you’re ready to take the next step in your career or make a career change, here are some tips and an example to help you write an automation engineer resume that will get you noticed by recruiters.
How to Write an Automation Engineer Resume
Here’s how to write an automation engineer resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
When you’re writing bullet points, it can be tempting to focus on the tasks and responsibilities of your job. But if you want to stand out from other candidates, you need to go beyond that and focus on the results of your work.
For example, rather than saying you “developed new software for manufacturing plant,” you could say that you “developed new software for manufacturing plant that reduced operating costs by 15% and increased production by 10%.”
The second bullet point paints a much clearer picture of what you did and the impact of your work. And that’s what hiring managers want to see!
Related What Is an Automation Engineer? How to Become One
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
Chances are, your resume will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) before it’s seen by a recruiter. This software looks for certain keywords related to the job opening in order to determine whether you’re a good fit. If your resume doesn’t have enough of the right keywords, the ATS might automatically reject your application.
To make sure your resume makes it past the ATS, focus on including keywords that are commonly found in automation engineer job postings. Here are a few examples:
- Automation
- Engineering
- AutoCAD
- Manufacturing
- Electrical Engineering
- PLC Programming
- Process Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Microsoft Project
- SAP Products
- Project Planning
- Plant Engineering
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Project Management
- Lean Manufacturing
- 5S
- Process Automation
- Programming
- SOLIDWORKS
- SCADA
- Root Cause Analysis
- Distributed Control System (DCS)
- Six Sigma
- PLCs
- Project Engineering
- Control Systems Design
- Testing
- Project Management Office (PMO)
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As an automation engineer, you are responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of industrial automation systems. In order to do this job effectively, you need to be proficient in a variety of programs and systems. Some of the most commonly used programs are PLC programming software, HMI software, and SCADA software. Additionally, you need to be familiar with the various types of industrial automation systems, such as process control, discrete control, and batch control.
Related: How Much Does an Automation Engineer Make?
Remember The Basics
As you write your resume, it’s important to keep a few basic rules in mind.
Create Scannable Sections
There are a few things you can do to your resume to make it more skimmable and easier to read. First, left-align all your text and use a standard font type and size. You should also try to keep your bullets under 2 lines each, and use digits for numbers. Finally, leave some white space on the page to help the recruiter easily scan through your information.
Be Concise
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long a resume should be. However, a one-page resume is the ideal length for most job applicants. This gives you enough space to communicate your professional experience and skills without using up too much of an employer’s time. However, if you have more than 10 years of experience or are a senior-level executive, you may want to use a two-page resume to elaborate on your experience and highlight all of your job skills and qualifications. When trimming down a resume, focus on removing irrelevant information and streamlining the content.
Check Your Work
Proofreading your resume is important in order to make sure it looks professional and error-free. Spell checking is a must, as are punctuation and grammar checks. It is also helpful to have someone else proofread your resume for you, as they may catch mistakes that you have missed. Beware of easily confused words, and make sure that your tense is consistent throughout the resume.
Consider Including a Summary
A resume summary statement can be a great way to introduce yourself and your qualifications to a potential employer. It can help to bridge the gap between your past experience and what you’d like to do next, and it can be a valuable tool for explaining your skills and goals to a recruiter. When writing your summary statement, be sure to play up your most relevant skills and experiences, and to clearly state your intentions. Keep it short and simple, and make sure to tailor it to the specific role you’re applying for.
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