Mechanical Engineer Resume Examples (Template & Guide)

Engineers are always in demand. So, you don’t need to worry about making the best mechanical engineering resume, right? Not so fast. You’ve got a lot of competition to think about. Do you want to make your recruitment process a breeze and snap up the best jobs fast?

Well, then consider putting a little extra effort into writing your mechanical engineer resume. No, it doesn’t involve a lot of writing. It’s about piecing everything together into a well-oiled machine. Keep reading and see a sample mechanical engineering resume that runs like clockwork.

This guide will show you:

• A mechanical engineer resume example better than 9 out of 10 other resumes.
• How to write a mechanical engineering resume that will land you more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a mechanical engineer resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a mechanical engineer to get any job you want.

Here's a sample resume for a mechanical engineer made using our resume builder. 

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Sample resume made with our builder—See more resume examples here.

Writing a resume for a different engineering occupation? Check out these guides:

• Electrical Engineering Resume
• Engineering Resume
• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Resume
• Engineering Internship Resume
• Engineering Student Resume
• Civil Engineering Resume
• Manufacturing Engineer Resume
• Automotive Technician Resume
• CNC Operator Resume
• Software Engineer Resume
• Process Engineer Resume
• Architect Resume
• Quality Engineer Resume
• Industrial Engineer Resume
• Systems Engineer Resume
• Project Engineer Resume
• Science Resume
• Heavy Equipment Operator Resume
• Factory Worker Resume
• Best Resume Examples

Mechanical Engineering Resume Example

1. What’s the Best Format for a Mechanical Engineering Resume?

You know that saying “content is king?” For a marketing job or a sales gig that’s true. Your documents should reflect your ability to brand and sell. 

But when it comes to a standard mechanical engineering resume, the design also matters. That’s because it’s best when your resume reflects a key skill set in action. 

So, let’s start with format and layout. 

There are three standard resume formats for engineers to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological
• Combination 
• Functional or “Skills-based Resume” 

The reverse-chronological format is the most common. At the same time, it’s the best mechanical engineering resume format. 

That’s because your most recent experience or education comes first. It’s a bit like an advert with the selling point at the top of the page. 

The combination resume format is a good choice if you’re switching industries or have had a long career. 

The format allows you to show off your skills before highlighting your experience. All you have to do is use skills as subheadings in the experience section. Mechanical engineering is a skills-based profession after all. 

When it comes to layout and design, choose a clean, straightforward layout or template. Filtering out resumes for mechanical engineers is easy when you start with the ones that look strange.

Use a good mechanical engineering resume template that balances text and whitespace. Use the same font and spacing throughout the document. Finally, make strategic use of bold, caps, and italics.

Pro Tip: Proofread. You can have the most beautiful, impressive resume in the world and fail to land the job. Why? Typos, misspellings, and grammar errors. So, be sure to proofread your mechanical engineer resume before sending it.

Not sure which standard resume format is right for your mechanical engineer resume? Read our guide: “3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]”

2. Mechanical Engineering - Resume Summary or Resume Objective? 

The first thing an employer needs to know is where you are in your career. 

If you’re writing a mechanical engineering resume, you fall into one of three categories:

• You’re applying for an engineering internship and need a professional resume.
• You’re a fresh graduate and are looking for your first permanent job.
• You’re an experienced person who has a lot of value to showcase. 

Interns and fresh graduates should kick off their entry-level resumes for mechanical engineering jobs with resume objectives.  You’ll place this under your contact information. 

A resume objective tells a hiring manager where you are and where you’re going. Plus, it tells the hiring manager why you’ll be a valuable hire and a good fit for the role. 

Take a look at the example mechanical engineer resume objectives below. 

Sample Mechanical Engineering Intern Resume Objective:

Old school resume objectives are not in fashion. Don’t tell hiring managers what you want. Tell them that you’ve got what they want. 

Sample Mechanical Engineering Student Resume Objective:

A professional mechanical engineering resume summary is also a few lines at the beginning of your resume. The difference is that it focuses on work experience tailored to the job description. 

Mechanical Engineering Resume Summary Examples:

Add a couple of tangible skills to the mix. That way the hiring manager can see what you’ve done right away.

Making a resume with our builder is incredibly simple. Follow our step-by-step guide, use ready-made content tailored to your job and have a resume ready in minutes.

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When you’re done, our professional resume builder will score your resume and our ATS resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Pro Tip: Let’s say you’re applying in response to a job offer full of technical skills and software requirements. You can start your experienced mechanical engineering resume sample with a profile summary. A profile summary is a bullet point list of your best skills and experience at the very top of your resume.

Want to see more resume summaries? Want to see a resume profile in action? Read our guides: “How to Write a Resume Summary: 21 Best Examples You Will See” AND “+20 Resume Objectives Examples - Use Them on Your Resume (Tips)”

3. How to Describe Your Mechanical Engineering Experience

Start with your most recent job and list up to six responsibilities under each one. Tailor the information to the job description. 

Back up your duties with technical skills. And don’t be afraid to be technical. Yours is a technical world. Details are good.

At the same time, avoid jargon. The exception is if it’s in the job offer. Otherwise, remember that a non-technical HR recruiter might read your resume first.

In that case, it’s best to tailor your resume for a mechanical engineering job to match the language of the job offer. 

Pay attention to details. As the architect, Le Corbusier, once said, “God is in the details.” 

So spell out names. Don’t use jargon. Be precise, concise, and honest.

Sample Mechanical Engineering Resume Entry:

Mechanical Engineer October 2013 - Present

Bystronic 

• Plan, design, and develop tools, engines, and mechanical equipment - resulting in 18% uplift in efficiency.
• Meet with clients to oversee installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment for all local plants.
• Plan workforce use, space requirements, and equipment layouts to optimize workflows. 10% increased workflow in year one.
• Establish and reinforce maintenance and safety procedures.
• Work with planning and design teams to drive product development and review tooling specifications.
• Develop CAN and LIN drivers and communication protocols.

Another thing to remember is to use the active voice opposed to the passive. 

Also, notice that in the sample above each line starts with an action verb. 

Don’t underestimate the power of words.

Yes, you’re a tech person, not Shakespeare. But look at it like this:

How many times have you used “responsible for” on your mechanical engineer resume so far? 

More than once? Then consider swapping them out for action verbs. The added benefit? 

Companies are on the lookout for candidates who are not only talkers but doers. Action verbs help you project that image. 

Sample Mechanical Engineering Resume Action Keywords:

• Manage
• Facilitate
• Consult
• Organize
• Resolve
• Assist
• Motivate

Pro Tip: One thing you’ll want to do is highlight accomplishments. If some of your activities have contributed to a company’s success - be it efficiency or cost savings - highlight it. Explain how your role played an important part.

Want more action words for an engineering resume? Take a look at our guide:  “+80 Examples of Resume Power Words for Every Profession”

4. Is Your Education Section Underperforming? It Might Be 

Everyone here has a higher degree - whether it's a Bachelor of Science or a Master's of Science. Some of you might even have a Ph.D. 

That’s makes adding your education pretty simple. 

Start by deciding where to put your education on your mechanical engineer resume. If you’re a engineering college student, you might want to put it first after your resume objective.

Did you complete lots of engineering internships?

Are you an experienced engineer?

Then consider putting your experience section first and your education second.  

Then all you have to do is include the name of your university, your degree, and the year you graduated. Start with your most recent degree. 

Sample Mechanical Engineering Student Resume Entry (Education in Progress)

BSc Mechanical Engineering

Expected to graduate in 2019

Toledo University, Toledo, OH

Sample Mechanical Engineering Student Resume Entry (Education Complete)

BSc Mechanical Engineering 2016

Toledo University, Toledo, OH

GPA 3.5

Pro Tip: Only add your GPA to your college mechanical engineering resume sample if you graduated in the last three years. Also, do not add your GPA if it was below a 3.5 average.

Want more examples of how to beef up your education on an engineering resume? Read our guide: “How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]”

5. How to Put Mechanical Engineering Skills on a Resume

Before you start listing your skills, take a good look at the job description. 

It might look something like this:

Mechanical Engineering Qualifications:

• Proficiency using 3-D CAD modeling software to design (Inventor preferred).
• Familiarity with FEA.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD  2-D design software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Verbal and written communications is essential.
• Ability to create machine manuals and assembly procedures.
• Proficiency with motor, drive train, and bearing analysis and application.

Make sure that you match the employer’s requirements with your qualifications.

Employers like to be able to see at a glance what technical skills candidates have. 

Notice that there are both hard and soft skills listed in the job offer.

Hard skills are the technical skills needed for mechanical engineering jobs.

Soft skills are the essential people skills required for you to work well.

So, what skills do you need to be a mechanical engineer? 

Here are some other key skills for a mechanical engineering resume with experience:

So, what might your experienced mechanical engineering resume skills section look like?

You don’t have to list all your skills and abilities in your skills section. Scatter them throughout your resume. Use your skills section to show off your best skills and to plug the most mandatory skills.

Remember that your employer may scan your resume using Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software. The software scans your resume for keywords and phrases from the job description.

That’s why it is best to add some phrases from the job description in their entirety.

For example, instead of “AutoCAD,” the job description mentions “AutoCAD 2D design software.”

So, it’s best if you list it on your resume for a mechanical engineer the same way.

6. How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

Adding other sections to an experienced mechanical engineering resume sample is an effective way to organize your information. 

Here are some examples of other sections you might want to add:

• Awards and Honors
• Extracurricular Activities (Students)
• Certificates or Licenses
• Software
• Publications
• Conferences 
• Languages
• Achievements
• Projects
• Hobbies and Interests

Mechanical engineering is both a technical and academic pursuit. That means most professionals can come up with something extra that would shine on a resume. Whether it be awards, software, or languages.

Just make sure that you don’t over do it. You still want to aim for a one-page mechanical engineer resume if possible.

Pro Tip: Consider adding hobbies and interests to your model mechanical engineering resume template. Why? You can match them to reflect the company’s work culture to show that your personality is a good fit. Many employers are looking beyond technical skills to personality.

Not sure which of your hobbies and interests you should include? Read our guide: “+20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)”

7. Here’s the Most Common Myth About Cover Letters

Some will say that sending a cover letter with your engineering resume is a waste of time. Why? Because most employers don’t read them. 

And besides, you work with machines, not with people. Right?

So, why should you have to write something? Well, writing skills happen to be some of the most valued in any profession.

And cover letters are a great way to show off yours. Plus, cover letters are a great way to go into things that you couldn’t with your mechanical engineering resume. 

And let’s not forget the simple fact that there are still an awful lot of employers out there who do read cover letters. 

Dos and Don’ts for Your Mechanical Engineer Resume Cover Letter

A cover letter shows commitment and energy. It’s a way of saying, “I really do value this opportunity, and I’d love to work for you.”

Aim to be conversational in tone, but don’t ramble or try to be funny. 

At the end of the day, this is a business proposition. So it should be reasonably business-like. 

Make your points, outlining why you think you are perfect for the role. 

Avoid hyperbole. Don’t oversell yourself. Just convey the facts behind your experience or career.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

Create my cover letter now

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Check this out for more: Mechanical Engineer Cover Letter: Samples, Format & Writing Guide

Key Takeaway

Writing a solid mechanical engineering resume example isn’t as difficult as it may first seem. 

And even with opportunity knocking, the tinkering and fine tuning are well-worth it.  Think about it like this - you can get a job, or you can get THE job.

It’s all in the details. All you need is a bit of know-how (it’s not rocket science), and you can take your job hunt to a whole new level of fast and easy. Get it right, and you’ll be motoring. 

• Personalize, Personalize, Personalize. Mention the company in the resume heading. Make yours stand out.
• You want to join them, so make them need you. Touch it up with action verbs and impressive achievements to wow them. Paint the best picture of yourself.
• Double- and triple-check. Spend an extra few minutes making sure that your mechanical engineering resume and cover letter are up to par.
• Now. You should have a resume that’s mechanized to perfection and engineered just right. Time to attach the final mech eng. cover letter and resume to an email and send it off!

Did we miss anything? If you are still struggling with how to write a mechanical engineering resume, let us know in the comments, and we will do what we can to help.

Thanks for reading!

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Sources

• Bls.gov, "Mechanical Engineers"
• Cathy Cecere, "From Professional Services to Manufacturing, ME Compensation is Up"
• D. Jeffress, "What Factors Affect a Mechanical Engineer Salary?"