INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Process Engineer positions are at a 1% growth rate, which is little to no change. With that said, there are currently 199,400 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 1,200 to 200,600 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Process Engineer jobs was $66,610 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,380, and the highest 10% more than $114,360.
Our conclusion? The Process Engineer job market is wide open for candidates.
Top process engineer sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to Write a Process Engineer Resume Experience Section
Process engineer resume's job experience checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Process Engineer resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Consultant for Order Management Operations. Responsible for BPR practices
- Manage continual improvement projects using Lean & Six Sigma methodologies
- Coach, Mentor & Develop analysts
- Develop/write test and processing procedures.
- Initiate and complete ECO’s and product variation requests.
- Exposure and experience in manufacturing technologies including but not limited to injection molded and extruded plastics, die cast and extruded aluminum, stamping, forming, and spinning of sheet metal.
- Support development of new products and/or product improvements.
- Set up processes, designed and implemented advanced process monitoring, control methodologies.
- Continuously analyzed process data and conduct Design of Experiment (DOE) to optimize process conditions.
- Initiated and executed process and equipment projects for productivity enhancement and cost competitiveness.
- Actively engaged in technology transfer projects in scale-up test trial to produce potential new products to meet customer needs.
- Led a technical (Process & Maintenance) group to promptly react and troubleshoot production line issue, found root cause and performed corrective & preventive actions to improve product quality.
- Actively liaised with external suppliers and internal professionals to task and support for engineering activities.
- Responsible for qualification of new process / tool to meet manufacturing demands.
- Managed continuous improvement projects and led a cross-functional team to reduce product deficiencies 15% utilizing Six Sigma methodology and statistical process control.
- Increased process capacity 20% by modifying machine programs to shorten tool-paths, redesigning workflow, reducing set-up time and decreasing downtime between product runs.
- Reduced changeover time 40% by allocating dedicated machines for high volume part types, relocating set-up tooling from a centralized location to machining cell, and archiving programs to machine controllers.
- Applied lean and fundamental engineering principles resulting in savings over $500,000.
- Collaborated with vertical customers to successfully solve assembly & quality fit issues with front end modules of SUVs. Resulted in savings over $200,000.
- Collaborated with Product Development team to launch new vehicle launches with planning, requirements, analyze BOMs, costing, developing & monitoring KPI's.
- Improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by over 10% by reducing scrap, cycle times, downtimes & set up times.
- Conduct engineering evaluations of new vehicle launches of Optima & Santa Fe. Estimate component costs including direct & indirect costs.
- Oversee $7.5M expansion including facility, layouts, requirements, equipment installation & process characterization. Completed project 2 months ahead of schedule saving over $250,000.
- Oversee R&D activities with new process development.
- Operated and maintained multiple computer numerical control (CNC) systems ranging from laser cutters to 3D printers.
- Monitored, repaired, and operated over ten Lulzbot Taz 5 3D printers simultaneously to ensure quality prints and low failure rates.
- Analyzed the mechanical and thermodynamic behavior of thermoplastic polymers including standard PLA to carbon fiber blends and matrix composites to be used in client prototypes.
- Worked with a broad clientele base to design, manufacture, and post process 3D printed prototypes.
- Reengineered the Procure to Pay work flow. Recorded standard operating procedures, and identified process improvement and innovation opportunities.
- Introduced the Agency to the use of a strategic purchasing process and the advantage of following best business practices.
- Maintained continuous improvement strategies related to the purchasing process.
- Conducted document quality control and determined key metrics to achieve data accuracy.
- Created the training structure for the Agency's transition into a new e-procurement system.
- Successfully trained and transitioned 400+ users into a new purchasing system.
- Evaluated the feasibility of several projects with the use of collected data and tracking tools.
- Direct quality support for worldwide customers in the automotive assembly industry in countries such as Mexico, Czech Republic, United States, China, Egypt and Brazil.
- Analyze quality issues, problem solving, register and providing a final response to customer using an 8D report, PDCA form or failure and processes presentations.
- On-site visits to customers in Mexico, USA and Canada related to lighting / Steering automotive manufacturers and OEM assembly plants.
- Coordinate sorting activities and material return/replacement due to quality issues in wire harnesses and molded components.
- Analyze PRAS warranty parts/ Ecims and provide final response to customer using a powerpoint presentation / managing the clients quality portal.
- Used Lean techniques to perform process reviews and aid in establishing standardized work procedures.
- FMEA Go and See analysis perform in the manufacturing lines in order to improve/ implement effective poke yokes.
- Increased throughput of filling machine by 21% after reducing static buildup on reagent bottles
- Researched maintenance management software and led effort to implement the best system
- Modeled new lab space in AutoCAD and worked with contractors to budget the project and begin construction
- Explored options for automating the box opening process used in specimen processing lab
- Carry out process optimization & improvement including planning and supervising in production trials and in determining areas requiring process improvements.
- Assist with development of short and long term capital plans. Conducts feasibility study and cost estimates on capital projects and capital equipment to be submitted to management for approval.
- Designs process concepts to meet the product specification of the project. Performs equipment sizing and computes operating conditions. Prepares costs estimate of project proposal.
- Gained Technical Experience to maintain product quality.
- Developed long term steam power strategy to minimize operation cost and optimize steam consumption resulting in reduced EII by 4%
- Optimized Catalyst Loading duration resulting in early startup and cost savings of $1.3 MM.
- Enhanced performance analysis skill by investigating repetitive failures and identified bad acting equipments and proper resolution.
- Developed comprehensive understanding for different operating facilities.
- Created monthly score sheet for deviating targets with analysis.
- Worked with the Hydrocracker team to sustain record breaking on-stream operation 560 days.
- Redesigned the Procure to Pay work flow. Recorded standard operating procedures, and identified process improvement and innovation opportunities.
- Led demo presentations on the use of a strategic purchasing process and the advantage of following best business practices.
- Created the training structure for transitioning into a new procurement system. Including system demos, test scripts, and training materials.
- Conducted document quality control and developed key metrics to achieve data accuracy.
- Evaluated project effectiveness with the by comparing current vs. historical performance.
- Was instrumental in setting up the strategy, overall plan and execution for Project Management Office at organizational level.
- Partnered with Delivery teams right from kick off till Project closure.
- Reported key insights about critical projects to Senior Leadership.
- Led a team of 10 freshers.
- Managed multiple projects totaling CAPEX of $10M+
- Managed the front end development of a pilot plant re-instrumentation to operate on DCS ($2.5M)
- Managed a Pilot Plant Turnaround ($500K)
- Led Process Engineer activities for the Shell Houston Technology Center ($20M+)
- Received a Shell Special Recognition Award (SRA) for meaningful contributions for RAPT Project (Bio-fuels Pilot Project)
PRO TIP
The person reading your Process Engineer resume will be busy, make sure you never waste their time with fluff.
Action verbs for your process engineer resume
Recommended reads:
Process Engineer Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume skills section checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top skills for your process engineer resume
Math
Data Analysis
Process Improvement
Technical Documentation
Task Management
Data Management
BI
Troubleshooting
Workflow Development
Planning
Budget Management
Influence
Delegation
Negotiation
Motivation
Conflict management
Adaptability
Resourcefulness
PRO TIP
Avoid getting sidetracked by Applicant tracking software by including a tech skills' section matching the job description and your own qualifications.
Recommended reads:
Process engineer resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices
Checklist for your process engineer resume header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your Process Engineer resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Process engineer resume summary best practices
Checklist: What to include in your Process Engineer resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
Read the job description carefully and understand what the hiring company is exactly looking for. After that, write your summary accordingly while highlighting your potential and ability to be the best at that job.
Recommended reads:
Listing your education, certifications and courses
Resume education section checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top certifications for your process engineer resume
Introduction to PROCESS ENGINEERING
Learn about Process Engineering like a PRO
Process Flowcharts & Process Mapping - The Beginner's Guide
Learn how to use business analysis to model process flows via real-world examples & project-based hands-on activities
Process Capability Analysis | For Engineers
Full Course | All Topics Covered | Six Sigma Analysis Tool | Easy & Simplified
Python ETL: Data Processing/Transformation for Data Engineer
ETL | PYTHON | PANDAS | KNIME | DATA TRANSFORMATION
Master Hydraulics as a Chemical/Process Engineer (4 in 1)
Understand hydraulics of pipes, pumps, compressors and control valves as a process engineer
Recommended reads.":
PRO TIP
If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.
How to write a process engineer resume
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job which requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical Process Engineer resume layout, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout might help you get invited for an interview as most of other accountants have boring resume designs.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Process Engineer resume:
Process engineer resume: how to make yours more creative & stand out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Process Engineer resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What makes a great process engineer resume: key takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
