Crafting your CV to stand out amongst a sea of applicants can be a daunting challenge for a mechanical engineer. Our guide offers tailored advice and strategies to highlight your unique skills and experience, ensuring your application grabs the attention of potential employers.
What information should you include in your mechanical engineer CV? Learn how to create your interview-landing and job-winning profile with our bespoke guide on:
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche mechanical engineer role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
- Project Engineer CV Example
- Structural Engineer CV Example
- Aerospace Engineering CV Example
- Construction CV Example
- Construction Manager CV Example
- Infrastructure Engineer CV Example
- Electrical Engineering CV Example
- Systems Engineer CV Example
- Chemical Engineer CV Example
- Construction Worker CV Example
Structuring and formatting your mechanical engineer CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your mechanical engineer CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
PRO TIP
Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a mechanical engineer CV
- Professional Summary showcases your career highlights and expertise.
- Mechanical Engineering Skills section highlights your technical and soft skills.
- Work Experience details your job history and engineering projects.
- Education & Qualifications list your relevant degrees and certifications.
- Professional Affiliations show membership in engineering societies.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your technical proficiency by detailing your experience with CAD software, simulation tools, and any other relevant mechanical engineering software.
- Emphasise your understanding of mechanical principles and your experience with product design, prototyping, and stress analysis to showcase your comprehensive engineering skills.
- Include any experience with project management and cross-functional team collaboration to demonstrate your ability to lead projects and work well with others.
- Show your commitment to professional development by listing any relevant certifications, continuous learning courses, or attendance at industry conferences.
- Provide examples of problem-solving in real-world engineering scenarios, demonstrating your ability to innovate and apply mechanical concepts effectively.
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How to present your contact details and job keywords in your mechanical engineer CV header
Located at the top of your mechanical engineer 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 mechanical engineer:
- "Mechanical Design Engineer | CAD & FEA Specialist | Chartered Engineer | 8+ Yrs Industrial Experience"
- "Senior Mechanical Engineer | HVAC Systems Expert | Project Management | 12 Years Progressive Experience"
- "Junior Mechanical Engineer | Graduate with Honours | Focus on Renewable Energy Solutions | EIT Certified"
- "Lead Mechanical Engineer | Product Development | Aerospace Sector Knowledge | P.Eng | 15 Yrs Experience"
- "Principal Mechanical Analyst | Advanced Material Science | Ph.D. | 10+ Years R&D Leadership"
- "Mechanical Project Engineer | Construction Industry Expertise | Risk Management | CEng MIMechE | 7 Years Field Experience"
What's the difference between a mechanical engineer CV summary and objective
Why should it matter to you?
- Your mechanical engineer 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 mechanical engineer job:
- Dedicated Mechanical Engineer with over 10 years of experience in automotive design and manufacturing. Skilled in SolidWorks, FEA, and CFD analysis, with a proven track record of reducing production costs by 20% through innovative design solutions.
- Detail-oriented Mechanical Engineer bringing a robust background in aerospace engineering and 8 years of experience in material selection, thermodynamics, and project management. Awarded 'Engineer of the Year' for outstanding problem-solving in cross-functional teams.
- Highly motivated physicist transitioning into mechanical engineering, bringing a strong foundation in thermodynamics and material science. Eager to apply analytical skills and 5 years of research experience to contribute to practical engineering solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Experienced software developer aiming to leverage 12 years of coding expertise in a new career as a mechanical engineer. Proficient in algorithms, data analysis, and automation, and ready to provide unique perspectives to mechanical system designs.
- Recent mechanical engineering graduate with an inquisitive mindset eager to apply academic knowledge. Objective to develop a career by working on challenging projects, while continuously improving technical skills and contributing to successful team outcomes.
- Aspiring Mechanical Engineer with a recent diploma eager to apply theoretical knowledge and enthusiasm for mechanical systems to a hands-on environment. Objective to gain practical experience and grow within a company dedicated to technological advancement and innovation.
The best formula for your mechanical engineer CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Designed and developed new mechanical systems for industrial automation, achieving a 20% increase in process efficiency and a reduction in downtime by 15%.
- Led a team of 5 engineers in the complete redesign of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a 50,000 square foot facility, improving energy consumption by 25%.
- Utilised Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimise designs and validate mechanical components' performance, resulting in a 30% extension of parts' lifespan.
- Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles which streamlined production processes, leading to a reduction of waste by 22% and boosting productivity by 18%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams in product design reviews, contributing mechanical engineering insights that enhanced the overall product reliability and user experience.
- Managed the maintenance schedules and repair workflows for industrial machinery, achieving a 98% availability rate and reducing emergency repairs by 40%.
- Authored detailed technical documentation and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and facilitating knowledge transfer within the team.
- Conducted rigorous stress tests on structural components using CAD and simulation software, successfully identifying critical failure points and improving design robustness.
- Optimised material selection for production processes, balancing cost, performance, and sustainability, which resulted in a 10% cost savings on raw materials.
Work Experience
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Caterpillar Inc.
03/2016-08/2019
- Led the design and implementation of a new hydraulic system for an industrial excavator, improving efficiency by 15%.
- Coordinated a team of engineers and technicians in the retrofitting of HVAC systems in commercial buildings, reducing energy consumption by 22%.
- Spearheaded the development of a proprietary vibration isolation system for heavy machinery, which extended equipment lifespan by an average of 3 years.
Work Experience
Lead Mechanical Engineer
General Electric
06/2020-Ongoing
- Overseeing the integration of IoT devices into manufacturing equipment, boosting predictive maintenance capabilities and reducing downtime by 30%.
- Restructured the product development pipeline, resulting in a 20% acceleration of time-to-market for new machinery models.
- Implemented a continuous improvement program that involved cross-functional teams, realizing a 10% improvement in overall production efficiency.
Work Experience
Mechanical Design Engineer
Ford Motor Company
01/2012-05/2015
- Managed the redesign of an automotive transmission system, which enhanced vehicle performance while meeting stringent emissions regulations.
- Authored and received approval for three patents related to novel cooling systems for high-performance engines.
- Led cross-border collaboration with international partners to standardize component manufacturing, yielding a 15% cost reduction.
Work Experience
Manufacturing Mechanical Engineer
Whirlpool Corporation
09/2015-12/2019
- Initiated and managed the transition to automated assembly lines for consumer appliances, increasing output by 25% while maintaining quality standards.
- Conducted comprehensive failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) on new product lines, effectively doubling the warranty period due to increased reliability.
- Developed a supplier quality assurance protocol, which reduced defective parts received by 18%.
Work Experience
Environmental Mechanical Engineer
Veolia North America
02/2013-04/2017
- Optimized fluid dynamics simulations for large-scale water treatment plants, enhancing system throughput by 20% without additional costs.
- Collaborated with environmental scientists to design eco-friendly waste management systems for chemical processing plants.
- Directed the engineering team in the upgrade of industrial boilers, leading to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.
Work Experience
Mechanical Project Engineer
Caterpillar Inc.
11/2011-10/2014
- Conceived and executed a project to redesign machinery gearboxes in mining equipment, achieving a 12% increase in torque capacity.
- Implemented a company-wide initiative to utilize advanced materials for product enhancements, such as corrosion-resistant composites.
- Played a key role in establishing a new testing lab for product endurance under extreme conditions, improving product reliability by 20%.
Work Experience
Aerospace Mechanical Engineer
Lockheed Martin
05/2017-02/2020
- Designed, prototyped, and tested components for aerospace applications, maintaining compliance with FAA regulations throughout the process.
- Masterminded an energy-saving initiative by redesigning the compressed air systems in the plant, saving an estimated $50,000 annually.
- Mentored four junior engineers, improving project delivery times by streamlining collaborations and knowledge sharing.
Work Experience
Mechanical Process Engineer
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
07/2014-01/2017
- Developed a state-of-the-art heat exchanger for data center cooling systems, which improved thermal efficiency by 17% while cutting operational costs.
- Orchestrated the modernization of an automotive production facility, incorporating robotics and automation, and increasing production capacity by 30%.
- Engaged in rigorous testing and quality assurance, slashing the defect rate in critical components by 40%.
Work Experience
Renewable Energy Mechanical Engineer
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
08/2009-06/2012
- Played a pivotal role in the design of a novel wind turbine blade profile, increasing energy capture by 8% compared to existing models.
- Championed a corporate-wide waste heat recovery program that was implemented in all manufacturing facilities, cutting energy costs by 12%.
- Orchestrated the upgrade of industrial control systems to improve the precision and consistency of product manufacturing lines.
Work Experience
Mechanical Systems Engineer
Northrop Grumman Corporation
03/2014-03/2016
- Led development of thermal management systems for electronic devices, increasing overall durability and performance under high-load conditions.
- Designed custom engineering solutions for clients in the defense sector, optimizing for weight while maintaining structural integrity under combat conditions.
- Conducted in-depth research and resolved complex fluid flow challenges associated with unique sub-sea oil extraction equipment.
What to add in your mechanical engineer 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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PRO TIP
Talk about any positive changes you helped bring about in your previous jobs, like improving a process or helping increase efficiency.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your mechanical engineer 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 mechanical engineer CV:
HARD SKILLS
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
Material Science
Mechanical Systems Design
Robotics
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Project Management
Technical Reporting
SOFT SKILLS
Problem-Solving
Communication
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Creativity
Time Management
Leadership
Adaptability
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
PRO TIP
If there's a noticeable gap in your skillset for the role you're applying for, mention any steps you're taking to acquire these skills, such as online courses or self-study.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your mechanical engineer CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your mechanical engineer CV:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional mechanical engineer CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:
- Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
- Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
- Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
- List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
- Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.
