One specific CV challenge in aerospace engineering is effectively showcasing complex project experience to non-technical recruiters. Our guide provides clear strategies for translating your technical achievements into engaging narratives that resonate with a broad audience, ensuring your expertise takes centre stage.
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
How to ensure your profile stands out with your aerospace engineering CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your aerospace engineering CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your aerospace engineering CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your aerospace engineering CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a aerospace engineering CV
- Education credentials such as degrees in Aerospace Engineering, to show formal training and knowledge in the field.
- Relevant aerospace experience, to highlight practical skills and previous contributions to the industry.
- Technical proficiency section, to detail specific aerospace tools and software expertise.
- Professional certifications in aerospace, emphasising industry recognition and specialised skills.
- Projects and publications list, demonstrating innovation and thought leadership within aerospace engineering.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight any aerospace-specific projects or experience, showing your direct involvement and the impact you had on the project's success.
- Include any relevant certifications, like a Professional Engineer (PE) license or accreditation from the Royal Aeronautical Society, which can set you apart from other candidates.
- Demonstrate your proficiency with industry-standard software tools such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or ANSYS, as these are crucial for designing and simulating aerospace components.
- Emphasise your knowledge of aerospace standards and regulations, such as those from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as familiarity with compliance is essential.
- Detail your experience with systems engineering and integration as aerospace projects often involve complex, interdisciplinary work requiring coordination among various subsystems.
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How to present your contact details and job keywords in your aerospace engineering CV header
Located at the top of your aerospace engineering CV, the header presents recruiters with your key personal information, headline, and professional photo. When creating your CV header, include your:
- Contact details - avoid listing your work email or telephone number and, also, email addresses that sound unprofessional (e.g. koolKittyCat$3@gmail.com is definitely a big no);
- Headline - it should be relevant, concise, and specific to the role you're applying for, integrating keywords and action verbs;
- Photo - instead of including a photograph from your family reunion, select one that shows you in a more professional light. It's also good to note that in some countries (e.g. the UK and US), it's best to avoid photos on your CV as they may serve as bias.
What do other industry professionals include in their CV header? Make sure to check out the next bit of your guide to see real-life examples:
Examples of good CV headlines for aerospace engineering:
- Lead Aerodynamics Engineer | PhD in Fluid Mechanics | Expert in Computational Fluid Dynamics | 10+ Years’ Experience
- Satellite Systems Design Specialist | MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics | Focus on Orbital Mechanics | Project Management Certified
- Senior Aerospace Materials Engineer | MSc Materials Science | Specialising in Composite Technologies | 15+ Years in Industry
- Avionics Project Leader | BEng Electronic Engineering | In-Flight Systems Integration | 12 Years’ Progressive Experience
- Chartered Mechanical Engineer | Aero-Engine Development | Efficiency Optimisation | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | 8 Years’ Experience
- Aerospace Research & Development Manager | PhD in Control Systems | Innovation in UAV Design | Chartered Engineer | 20 Years
What's the difference between a aerospace engineering CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your aerospace engineering CV summary is a showcasing your career ambitions and your unique value. Use the objective to answer why your potential employers should hire you based on goals and ambitions. The objective is the ideal choice for candidates who happen to have less professional experience, but still meet some of the job requirements.
Before you select which one will be more relevant to your experience, have a look at some industry-leading CV summaries and objectives.
CV summaries for a aerospace engineering job:
- Seasoned Aerospace Engineer with over 10 years of experience specialising in aerodynamics and propulsion systems. Proven track record in leading the design and testing phases of cutting-edge satellite deployment mechanisms for space exploration. Key player in the development of a patented fuel-efficient engine recognized with an industry innovation award.
- Expert in computational fluid dynamics and aircraft structural analysis with 15 years of experience, holding a PhD in Aerospace Engineering. Successfully implemented advanced simulation techniques that enhanced aircraft performance and safety for a renowned aerospace corporation. Instrumental in reducing aircraft weight which led to significant cost savings.
- Mechanical Engineer with 8 years of experience in the automotive industry, seeking to leverage expertise in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to transition into Aerospace Engineering. Drove a 20% increase in engine efficiency for high-performance vehicles, aiming to apply similar innovative solutions within the aerospace sector.
- Electrical Engineer with a decade-long career in the renewable energy sector, aspiring to transfer robust skills in circuit design and power distribution to the realm of aerospace technologies. Award-winning project leader for a grid-scale solar power implementation, eager to apply systems engineering prowess in a new and challenging context.
- Aiming to launch a career in Aerospace Engineering, bringing forth a strong academic foundation with a Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a passion for spacecraft design. Eager to apply theoretical knowledge and research skills to contribute to pioneering aerospace projects while growing professionally within the industry.
- As a fresh graduate with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a fervent interest in space technology, the objective is to secure an entry-level role in Aerospace Engineering. Motivated to utilise a solid background in mechanics and materials science to support innovative aerospace design and development projects
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your aerospace engineering CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Designed and implemented aerodynamic analyses using CFD and wind tunnel testing to optimise aircraft performance, which led to a 5% reduction in drag for a medium-sized commercial airliner.
- Managed the integration of avionics systems for a multi-national satellite launch vehicle project, ensuring compliance with both FAA and EASA standards.
- Conducted detailed structural analysis on wing and fuselage components using finite element methods, resulting in a 10% weight reduction while maintaining structural integrity.
- Led a team of engineers in the development of a patented propulsion system, improving fuel efficiency by 8% and reducing emissions for next-generation jet engines.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot propulsion system anomalies during test flights, shortening the diagnostic process by 30% and enhancing system reliability.
- Authored and presented technical reports and documentation to key stakeholders, effectively communicating complex engineering concepts and progress milestones in the development of a UAV system.
- Developed and executed test plans for experimental aircraft components, achieving a 100% safety record and advancing the project's timeline by staying ahead of critical deadlines.
- Implemented Lean manufacturing techniques in the assembly of aerospace systems, increasing productivity by 15% and significantly reducing overhead costs.
- Expertly utilised MATLAB and Simulink for the design and simulation of flight control systems, substantially improving aircraft stability and handling characteristics.
- Led the design team for a new winglet structure, improving fuel efficiency by 3.5% for our mid-range commercial aircraft models.
- Managed cross-functional collaboration between aerodynamics and materials science departments to integrate composite materials, which reduced aircraft weight by 2,000 kg.
- Developed and implemented a modified maintenance procedure that enhanced aircraft availability by 12% and reduced ground time.
- Conducted aerodynamic simulations for high-speed aircraft, leading to a 15% reduction in drag over previous models.
- Spearheaded a collaborative R&D project with international partners, resulting in a patented control system for turbulence management.
- Mentored a team of junior engineers, improving team efficiency by 20% and fostering professional development.
- Designed advanced propulsion systems that led to a 30% increase in engine efficiency for next-generation commercial aircraft.
- Pioneered the adoption of machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance, reducing system failures by 40%.
- Authored technical specifications for multi-million pound aerospace contracts, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Orchestrated the development of an innovative satellite deployment mechanism, increasing payload capacity by 25% without compromising structural integrity.
- Championed a sustainability initiative to incorporate eco-friendly materials in manufacturing, reducing the carbon footprint by 10% annually.
- Presented key findings on material fatigue at a leading aerospace conference, influencing industry-wide best practices.
- Enhanced flight control algorithms for unmanned aerial vehicles, achieving a 50% improvement in precision during critical missions.
- Directed a high-stakes project under strict deadlines to retrofit older aircraft, ensuring they met new emission regulations.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing workshops, significantly upskilling the engineering department's capability in software development for flight systems.
- Integrated cutting-edge avionic systems into military aircraft, substantially increasing data processing speed by 40%.
- Established a critical incident response protocol which minimized risk and ensured 96% mission success rate under challenging operational conditions.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality components, resulting in a 10% cost reduction without sacrificing system reliability.
- Developed a computational fluid dynamics model that optimises aircraft surface designs, reducing manufacturing costs by 15% while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
- Implemented a state-of-the-art quality assurance protocol that detected and rectified 98% of defects prior to final assembly.
- Represented the company in international standards committees, influencing the direction of new aerospace regulations.
- Oversaw the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system tailored to aerospace manufacturing needs, heightening operational throughput by 20%.
- Executed a digital transformation in the engineering department, incorporating VR for virtual testing that reduced prototype costs by 30%.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with tech firms to co-develop an AI-driven predictive maintenance platform, enhancing fleet reliability by 25%.
What to add in your aerospace engineering CV experience section with no professional experience
If you don't have the standard nine-to-five professional experience, yet are still keen on applying for the job, here's what you can do:
- List any internships, part-time roles, volunteer experience, or basically any work you've done that meets the job requirements and is in the same industry;
- Showcase any project you've done in your free time (even if you completed them with family and friends) that will hint at your experience and skill set;
- Replace the standard, CV experience section with a strengths or achievements one. This will help you spotlight your transferrable skills that apply to the role.
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Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your aerospace engineering CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your aerospace engineering CV:
Aerodynamics
Propulsion Systems
Aircraft Design
Structural Analysis
Flight Mechanics
Systems Engineering
CAD Software
Thermodynamics
Material Science
Avionics
Problem-Solving
Critical Thinking
Teamwork
Communication
Leadership
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Adaptability
Creativity
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Further professional qualifications for your aerospace engineering CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your aerospace engineering CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
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If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your aerospace engineering CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
