Mechanical engineering
resume examples
What makes this a great mechanical engineer resume sample
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Focus is put on skills
This applicant is applying for an entry-level position, and they have smartly picked a functional format, which emphasizes skills rather than work history.
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Uses a resume objective
When you’re new to the industry, you should write an objective statement that lays out your career goals, much like the candidate above.
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Highlights hard and soft skills
The best mechanical engineers benefit from having a mix of technical skills and soft ones like collaboration and problem-solving.
What makes this a great mechanical engineer resume sample
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Work history is near the top
For an experienced candidate, there’s no better way to wow an employer than listing your most recent accomplishments at work.
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Achievements are data-driven
Most of the bullet points on this resume include a metric, from the number of items designed to customers served every quarter.
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Includes professional certifications
Show your commitment to your career by including a section on professional certifications — as long as they’re relevant to the job at hand.
Looking for a specific job title? Check out more resume examples related to your career field:
Choose the right resume format for your mechanical engineer resume
Job seekers should choose a resume format that aligns with their career — and that goes for mechanical engineers, too. Each format serves a different purpose based on the applicant’s career history and goals.
Here are the three formats to choose from:
- Chronological: Focuses on work history, beginning with the most recent job and working backward.
- Functional: Makes skills and qualifications the centerpiece of the resume, often downplaying work experience.
- Combination: Balances work experience with a prominent skills section.
Anyone who has consistent experience would be best served by the chronological resume, which is easily the most popular. Applicants with little to no experience should opt for a functional format, which emphasizes transferable skills. And, mechanical engineers with three to five years of experience should consider a combination format.
Once you select your format, check out our resume-formatting guide for ideas on how to handle the margins, font and more.
Select an appropriate mechanical engineer resume template
While every template includes the basic resume sections, the designs come in many different flavors. You can choose a creative resume template that pops with color, a modern template that’s clean and sleek, or a simple template that gets straight to the point.
Ultimately, you should choose a design that matches your career. A mechanical engineer, for example, may want to select a more straightforward and professional style. That being said, your template is your choice, and you can balance professional concerns with your personal style.
By the way, you can also download resume templates for Word or use Google Doc resume templates if that’s more your speed.
Next, let’s discuss how you’d make an excellent resume, from the resume outline to the finishing touches.
How to write a mechanical engineer resume in 5 simple steps
Let’s get to the core of how to write a great mechanical engineer resume. When all is said and done, there are only five steps to creating the kind of perfect resume that will have employers calling.
STEP 1
Study the mechanical engineer job description
First, pull up the job listing. Read it closely and highlight all of the skills and qualifications. These are the keywords the employer expects to see in your resume. In fact, many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to screen out resumes that don’t include the right keywords. That’s why this initial step in the process is so important.
STEP 2
Write a professional summary or resume objective
Next, you’ll want to write the opener for your resume — a resume profile.
There are two types of resume profiles: professional summaries and objective statements. Professional summaries offer a high-level overview of the most relevant and impressive skills and experiences the candidate offers, making them a perfect fit for anyone who’s been in the workforce for more than a few years. Resume objectives focus on the applicant’s career goals and transferable skills, making it a better option for entry-level candidates.
Let’s check out how each of these would look on a mechanical engineer resume:
Mechanical engineer professional summary example:
Passionate mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience designing and implementing mechanical systems and components. Proficient in CAD software and skilled in leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. Adept at optimizing designs for performance, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Capable of resolving complex engineering challenges and communicating technical concepts effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
Mechanical engineer resume objective example:
Recent mechanical engineering graduate seeking an entry-level position in a dynamic company that values innovation, creativity and collaboration. My academic background provided practical experience in designing, testing and analyzing mechanical systems. Combined with strong analytical thinking and attention to detail, my success in solving complex engineering problems would make me a valuable addition to any team.
STEP 3
Highlight your most relevant mechanical engineer skills
After you finish your summary, you should move on to the core of your argument on why you’re the best candidate — your mechanical engineer resume skills. Your candidacy will sink or swim based on the skills section of your mechanical engineer resume.
Mechanical engineering is a highly technical field, so of course you’ll want to include the hard skills that show your technical prowess. But, just as important to your success are soft skills. These are the intangible qualities and personality traits that make someone a good colleague and valuable employee. Keep reading for a side-by-side comparison of hard and soft skills so you can easily see the difference.
Hard and soft skills for a mechanical engineer resume
Here is an example of a strong mechanical engineer skills section:
- Excellent understanding of engineering principles and mathematics
- Knowledgeable in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD
- Ability to manage time effectively, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines
- Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills
Pro Tip
Even for a job as highly technical as mechanical engineering, soft skills are a major asset. Employers cherish talented engineering candidates who are great teammates and collaborators.
STEP 4
Write a strong mechanical engineer work experience section
Ultimately, the key to getting noticed is crafting an impressive work history section. Here’s where you list your top achievements, highlight your skills and show how you’ve added value in your previous positions.
Here’s an example of a great work history entry:
Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Inc.
Miami, FL
July 2018 – Present
- Conducted analyses of designs to optimize safety, reliability and performance, reducing costs by 30%.
- Led four cross-functional teams that included product managers, quality engineers and manufacturing engineers to improve the reliability of our core products.
- Received an award for helping design an engine that increased the energy efficiency by 10%.
- Maintained project budgets, timelines and deliverables, sharing regular, formalized updates with project stakeholders.
- Contributed to product validation, conducting dozens of tests on engine products and decreasing the issue rate by 20%.
Pro Tip
Give your engineering credentials some oomph by using action words and quantifiable metrics.
STEP 5
Showcase your mechanical engineering education and training
Every hiring manager wonders — does this candidate have the education and training we’re looking for?
You can answer that question in the education section of your resume.
Serious candidates for this role have at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Many go on to get a master’s degree or PhD. Keep in mind — once you have an advanced degree, you’ll want to drop earlier education from your resume (high school, for example).
How to list your mechanical engineer education:
Education
Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Graduated: May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Graduated: May 2015
Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)
Pro Tip
Make sure to include any professional certifications or special trainings you’ve done over the years. They’ll fit well in your education section — or a separate section if you prefer.
Optional sections for your mechanical engineer resume
Awards and Certifications
Adding honors and awards to your resume is a great way of showing employers that you’re capable of exceptional work. Some awards focus on soft skills like leadership and collaboration. Others showcase technical achievements in your field. All awards are welcome on your resume as long as they’re relevant.
Certifications have a similar power. They indicate a level of achievement and a commitment to your professional growth. Adding relevant certificates to your resume is highly recommended.
How to list awards on your mechanical engineer resume:
2022 Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty
2019 ASME Burt L. Newkirk Award
Received for making notable contributions to the field of tribology.
Projects
Employers want to know they’re hiring someone who has a proven track record of delivering quality work on tight deadlines. Projects are an excellent way to show how you’ve applied your theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Projects also offer concrete examples of the types of skills — from problem-solving and communication to technical abilities — valued by an employer. Not to mention an important project can show you’ve been deeply committed to a subject outside the workplace.
How to list projects on your mechanical engineer resume:
Projects
- Achieved a top 10 placement in a university-sponsored competition to design and optimize a solar powered vehicle by optimizing aerodynamics and energy usage.
- Delivered a functional prototype of a robotic arm capable of lifting up to 100 pounds for a demonstration at school.
- Designed an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of transmitting data in remote areas to demonstrate to university faculty and staff.
Languages
Adding a foreign language to your resume will make you more competitive. You’ll be able to communicate with a wider range of customers and clients. Also, learning a second or third language shows employers you’re mentally sharp and committed to bettering yourself.
Foreign languages also give you a greater cultural competency, a highly prized trait in a globalized job market.
How to list languages on your mechanical engineer resume:
- Fluent in English and Spanish.
- Proficient in Portuguese.
Interests and Hobbies
Experts often advise against including hobbies on your resume, but the truth is employers want to know what interests you — as long as it’s relevant.
Hobbies show that you’re a well-rounded person who finds enjoyment outside the workplace. Plus, you can use the hobbies section to touch on your talents and interests that aren’t captured by your work experience or summary statement.
How to list interests and hobbies on your mechanical engineer resume:
- Automotive enthusiast
- Designing prototypes for 3D printing
- Passionate about home renovation
Add a cover letter
One more way to stand out from the crowd is by writing a cover letter. Why? A cover letter gives you extra real estate to convince the employer that you’re who they’re looking for. You can get started with your letter by familiarizing yourself with the six basic sections and what goes into each: Header, salutation, introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, conclusion and signoff.
For more insight on exactly how a cover letter should look, see our cover letter examples. Then, when you’ve mastered the overall structure of a cover letter, our formatting guide will show you how to set the margins, decide on font size and more.
Finally, if you’re eager to create a cover letter that matches your resume but aren’t looking forward to the writing process, you can use our Cover Letter Builder. We’ll help you overcome your fear of the blank page by providing auto-generated text suggestions you can use as-is or customize to your liking.
Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.
