10 Controls Engineer Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Controls engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems that ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. Highlight your experience with programming languages such as PLCs, your familiarity with control system design software, and any successful projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Including technical skills like automation, troubleshooting, and data analysis will strengthen your résumé. Mentioning your ability to improve system performance and reduce downtime will clearly illustrate your contributions to previous employers.

Result-driven Controls Engineer with 10 years of experience specializing in bespoke automated system design. Proven record of implementing innovative solutions, improving system efficiency and accuracy. Excited to tackle complex automation challenges and contribute to clients' industrial success.

Successfully resolved complex design issues in automation projects, resulting in increased efficiency

Proactively liaised with cross-disciplinary teams and clients to deliver technical presentations, improving overall project outcomes

Led a team of 5 engineers in developing bespoke automated systems, enhancing team productivity by 20%

In-depth course by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) covering key aspects of controls engineering

All resume examples in this guide

Resume Guide

• Simple guide to your controls engineer resume format
• Strategies for crafting your controls engineer resume experience section
• Spotlighting your controls engineer hard and soft skills
• Highlighting certifications and education on your controls engineer resume
• Choosing between a resume summary or objective based on your experience
• Four additional sections to consider for your controls engineer resume
• Key takeaways

One significant resume challenge faced by Controls Engineers is effectively demonstrating their technical skills and experiences in a way that's understandable to HR professionals who may not be familiar with the terminology. Our guide offers clear instructions on how to translate complex engineering tasks into simple, yet impactful language, enabling prospective employers from varying backgrounds to appreciate your capabilities and expertise.

Dive into our concise guide to learn how to:

• Show your controls engineer career's brightest moments through your resume's summary, objective, and experience sections.
• Explore top-notch controls engineer resume examples to understand how to distinguish yourself from other candidates.
• Identify the most sought-after controls engineer skills and certifications in the industry.
• Design a structured yet unique resume layout.

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Simple guide to your controls engineer resume format

Successful controls engineer resumes all have something in common - candidates invest in a simple resume layout . One that is easy to read, makes a good first impression, and is adapted to their professional experience.

There are three distinct resume formats , which help you focus on different aspects of your resume. Those are:

• A reverse-chronological resume format - puts your most recent experience in the spotlight
• A functional skill-based resume format that makes your transferrable skills the center of attention
• A hybrid resume format - it combines skills and experiences.

What's more, keep in mind that your resume usually goes through an ATS (Applicant Tracker System) (i.e. the software used by companies in the hiring process).

The controls engineer resumes that suit the ATS:

incorporate exact match keywords and skills from the job description;

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Pro tip

Make sure your resume is ATS compliant and catches the recruiters' attention by tailoring your experience to the specific job requirements. Quantify and highlight why you're the best candidate for the role on the first page of your resume.

Don't forget to include these six sections on your compensation analyst resume:

• A header for your contact details and a summary that highlight your alignment with the compensation analyst job you're applying for
• An experience section that explains how you apply your technical and personal skills to deliver successful results
• A skills section that further highlights how your profile matches the job requirements
• An education section that provides your academic background
• An achievements' section that mentions any career highlights that may be impressive, or that you might have missed so far in other resume sections

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Experience with control system design and analysis: Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, Simulink, or equivalent is highly valued.
• Knowledge of PLC programming: Proficiency in languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagrams is crucial for many controls engineering roles.
• Understanding of control theory: This includes knowledge of PID controllers, state space models, frequency domain techniques, etc.
• Hands-on experience with automation systems: Experience with SCADA, DCS, or other industrial automation systems can be a major asset.
• Certifications and education: A degree in electrical engineering or a related field, along with relevant certifications (like Certified Control Systems Technician), can demonstrate formal training and commitment to the field.

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Strategies for crafting your controls engineer resume experience section

When detailing your controls engineer resume experience, it's essential to pair responsibilities with tangible achievements.

• Key responsibilities, emphasizing their significance to your role, team, or organization.
• Experiences that have fostered your technical acumen or professional growth.
• Metrics that underscore your contributions and successes.
• Challenges you've addressed and the solutions you've implemented.
• Strategies you've devised and their measurable impact on growth.

Your experience section is pivotal in making a lasting impression on recruiters. To inspire you, we've curated real-world controls engineer examples:

Developed and implemented control strategies for industrial automation systems resulting in a 20% increase in production efficiency.

Designed and executed complex PLC programming to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce downtime by 15%.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate motion control systems, leading to a 30% reduction in cycle time.

Performed troubleshooting and diagnostic analysis of control systems, identifying and resolving issues to minimize production interruptions.

Managed the installation and commissioning of control systems for a new production line, ensuring timely project completion within budget.

Developed and maintained HMI/SCADA systems, enhancing operator visibility and reducing system response time by 25%.

Led the upgrade of legacy control systems to modern platforms, resulting in improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

Collaborated with electrical engineers to design and implement control panels for new equipment installations.

Conducted thorough system testing and validation to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Provided technical support and training to operations personnel on control system functionality and troubleshooting procedures.

Designed and programmed PID control algorithms for temperature, pressure, and flow control systems, resulting in precise and stable operation.

Collaborated with mechanical engineers to develop control strategies for robotic systems, improving accuracy and reducing cycle time by 10%.

Implemented safety interlock systems to ensure compliance with industry standards and prevent hazardous conditions.

Performed system optimization and tuning to maximize equipment performance and minimize energy consumption.

Led a team in the successful integration of a new control system for a large-scale industrial project, meeting strict project deadlines.

Developed customized software tools for data analysis and reporting, streamlining decision-making processes.

Assisted in the installation and commissioning of control systems at client sites, ensuring seamless system integration.

Provided technical expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex control system issues, minimizing downtime.

Supported customer requirements by developing and delivering training programs on control system operation and maintenance.

Designed and implemented PLC-based control systems for small-scale manufacturing processes, increasing productivity by 15%.

Conducted field inspections and audits to assess control system performance and identify improvement opportunities.

Collaborated with suppliers to select and procure control system components within budgetary constraints.

Assisted in the design and programming of PLC control logic for conveyor systems, ensuring efficient material handling.

Performed system troubleshooting and resolved software and hardware issues to maintain optimal system performance.

Collaborated with maintenance teams to develop preventive maintenance procedures for control system equipment.

Supported project managers in the execution of control system projects, ensuring adherence to scope and schedule.

Conducted acceptance tests on control panels and components to ensure compliance with design specifications.

Assisted in the installation and wiring of control panels and field devices as per engineering drawings and schematics.

Performed routine maintenance and calibration of control system instruments to ensure accurate measurement and control.

Supported the procurement process by preparing and reviewing technical specifications for control system components.

Supported the controls team in general administrative tasks, such as organizing documentation and filing.

Designing and implementing advanced control strategies utilizing machine learning algorithms to optimize manufacturing processes.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and integrate IoT-enabled control systems for smart factories.

Leading the implementation of cybersecurity measures to protect critical control systems from potential threats.

Conducting feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis for control system upgrades and modernization projects.

Providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior controls engineers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Quantifying impact on your resume

Addressing a lack of relevant controls engineer experience

Even if you lack direct controls engineer experience, you can still craft a compelling resume. Here's how:

• Highlight projects or publications that demonstrate your relevant skills or knowledge.
• Emphasize transferable skills, showcasing your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
• In your objective, outline your career aspirations and how they align with the company's goals.
• Consider a functional or hybrid resume format, focusing on skills over chronological experience.

Recommended reads:

• Resume Action Verbs
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Pro tip

Boost your resume by focusing on the practical aspects of each job requirement. While it's good to have job-related keywords on your resume, ensure they're backed by action verbs and quantifiable data. This gives recruiters a clear picture of your controls engineer professional journey.

Spotlighting your controls engineer hard and soft skills

Hard skills denote your technological proficiency and expertise in specific tools or software. These skills are often validated through certifications and hands-on experience.

Soft skills, on the other hand, reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you navigate workplace dynamics. These skills are cultivated over a lifetime and can be more nuanced.

Why the emphasis on both? Hard skills demonstrate your technical competence and reduce training needs. Soft skills suggest adaptability and cultural fit.

To optimize your skills section:

• Forego basic skills like "Excel" in favor of more specific proficiencies like "Excel Macros".
• Highlight core values and work ethics as soft skills, indicating what you prioritize in a professional setting.
• If relevant, create a distinct section for language proficiencies.
• Balance hard and soft skills by crafting a strengths or achievements section, illustrating outcomes achieved through both skill sets.

To assist you, we've curated a list of skills highly sought after by recruiters. Ensure you integrate those that resonate with your expertise and the prospective employer's needs: