Resume Writing Tips for Controls Engineer

Introduction

In the controls engineering field, employers look for candidates who can design, implement, and optimize control systems that improve efficiency and reliability. Your resume is often your first introduction to a hiring manager or recruiter, making it critical to communicate your technical skills, accomplishments, and industry experience clearly and persuasively. An effective resume highlights your unique qualifications and aligns with the specific requirements of the controls engineering role you want, ensuring you pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and capture attention.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should be a brief, impactful paragraph that highlights your years of experience, core competencies, and key achievements relevant to controls engineering. Focus on your expertise in automation, system integration, and problem-solving. A well-crafted summary grabs an employer’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Example: "Results-oriented Controls Engineer with 7+ years of experience designing and implementing industrial control systems. Proven track record in optimizing PLC and SCADA systems to enhance manufacturing efficiency by 20%. Skilled in multi-disciplinary collaboration, project management, and leveraging advanced automation tools to reduce downtime."

2. Key Skills

Highlighting your technical skills in a dedicated section makes it easy for recruiters and ATS to identify your qualifications. Include both hard and soft skills relevant to controls engineering.

• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) Programming
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Development
• Instrumentation and Control Systems Design
• PID Control Loop Tuning
• Electrical and Mechanical System Integration
• Industry Automation Standards (IEC 61131, ISA)
• Robotics and Motion Control
• System Troubleshooting and Maintenance
• Project Management and Cross-functional Collaboration

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Instead of listing generic job responsibilities, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Highlight quantifiable results such as cost savings, efficiency improvements, successful project completions, or system uptime increases. This approach makes your resume more compelling and measurable.

For example, replace “Maintained PLC systems” with “Reduced system downtime by 15% through proactive PLC maintenance and real-time diagnostics implementation.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each application by carefully reading the job description and aligning your skills and experiences with the employer’s needs. Incorporate keywords from the posting and emphasize relevant achievements that match the role’s requirements to increase the chances of passing an ATS scan and impressing recruiters.

5. Tools

• Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC
• Siemens SIMATIC Step 7
• Wonderware InTouch HMI
• Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk
• ModICON PLC Systems
• MATLAB & Simulink
• LabVIEW
• AutoCAD Electrical
• Schneider Electric EcoStruxure
• Python (for automation scripting)

6. Metrics

• Percentage improvement in system efficiency (e.g., “Improved process efficiency by 22%”)
• Reduction in downtime or fault occurrence rates (e.g., “Cut downtime by 15% via enhanced diagnostics”)
• Cost savings achieved (e.g., “Saved $150K annually by optimizing control algorithms”)
• Number of projects completed on time and within budget (e.g., “Led 5 major automation projects, all delivered on schedule”)
• Uptime percentage improvements (e.g., “Achieved 99.8% system uptime in production facilities”)

7. Education

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (specializing in Controls/Automation)
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or similar certifications

8. Format

• Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial or Calibri, sized between 10-12 points
• Organize content into clearly labeled sections with consistent headings and bullet points for readability

9. Concise

Keep your resume to two pages maximum. Focus on the most relevant information that supports your qualifications for the controls engineer role. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and redundancy to maintain the reader’s attention.

10. Bonus

• Include links to your LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio showcasing projects or certifications
• Highlight leadership experience, such as mentoring junior engineers or leading cross-functional teams

Examples

• Example Achievement Bullet: “Designed and implemented a PLC-based packaging control system that increased throughput by 18%, reducing labor costs by $50K annually.”
• Example Summary: “Detail-oriented Controls Engineer skilled in automation system design and implementation, with a proven record of increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs through innovative control strategies.”

Conclusion

An outstanding controls engineer resume must showcase your technical expertise, analytical thinking, and leadership qualities with clear, metrics-driven examples. Emphasizing your impact on efficiency, cost savings, and project success positions you as a valuable asset to potential employers. Following the structured tips above ensures your resume is both human-friendly and ATS-optimized, maximizing your chances of landing your ideal controls engineering role.