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Automation Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

A strong resume is key to landing an automation engineer job. This guide provides an automation engineer resume sample and tips on how to highlight your programming skills, automation tools expertise, and relevant projects. Learn what to include and how to structure your resume to impress employers and increase your chances of getting hired.

Writing a great resume is an important step in getting hired as an automation engineer. But it's not always easy to know what to include or how to make your resume stand out. That's where this guide comes in.

In this article, you'll find practical tips for writing each section of your automation engineer resume, from the summary down to your education and skills. We'll cover what to focus on and what to skip, so you can create a resume that truly shows your value to employers.

Along with the writing guide, you'll see automation engineer resume samples that show these tips in action. Use them as inspiration and a starting point for your own resume. Even if English isn't your first language, this article breaks down the resume writing process into clear, simple steps anyone can follow.

With the help of this guide and examples, you'll be well on your way to an automation engineer resume that grabs recruiters' attention and lands you interviews. Let's dive in and see exactly how to create a winning resume, section by section.

Common Responsibilities Listed on Automation Engineer Resumes

  • Developing and implementing automation frameworks and test scripts
  • Writing and maintaining automation code using programming languages like Python, Java, or Ruby
  • Designing and implementing automated test strategies and plans
  • Collaborating with development teams to ensure seamless integration of automation tools
  • Identifying and prioritizing areas for automation to improve efficiency and quality
  • Executing and analyzing automated test results, and reporting defects or issues
  • Implementing and maintaining continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines
  • Participating in code reviews and ensuring adherence to coding standards
  • Automating deployment processes and infrastructure provisioning using tools like Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet
  • Developing and maintaining documentation for automation processes and frameworks
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest automation tools, technologies, and best practices
  • Troubleshooting and resolving issues related to automation scripts and tools
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure automation requirements are met
  • Providing training and support to team members on automation tools and processes

How to write a Resume Summary

No matter what industry you work in, your resume's summary or objective section is a high-impact tool for grabbing a recruiter or hiring manager's attention. In your case, as an Automation Engineer, there's a need to strategically and distinctly convey your key attributes, skills, and the value you can add to the potential employer to capture their interest swiftly.

Why does the Summary/Objective Section Matter?

The sometime skim-read nature of hiring managers or recruiters indicates the significance of having a clear, concise but powerful summary/objective at the very top of your resume. This front-and-center information often determines whether the rest of your resume is considered or dismissed.

While an objective shows your career goals and aspirations, the summary provides a quick snapshot of your experiences, key skills, and abilities, showcasing possible benefits you can bring. Both are critical in providing a lens through which potential employers view your profile.

The Essentials of an Engaging Automation Engineer Summary/Objective

  1. Be Specific and Direct: Don't beat around the bush. A summary or objective should topically represent who you are as an Automation Engineer. Tailor it to the role you are targeting - be it in QA, software development, process, manufacturing, or any other sub-discipline of automation engineering.

  2. Highlight Key Skills: Are you adept at certain automation software and hardware systems? Do you have strong expertise in designing, testing or implementing automated systems? Make sure that all relevant technical skills, knowledge of particular programming languages, experience in using specific software tools, problem-solving capabilities, and any other core competencies are clearly outlined.

  3. Indicate Value Addition: Tell prospective employers what you intend to achieve if given the role. Whether it's streamlining operations, reducing errors, creating efficient workflows, or any other promising outcome, spell it out.

  4. Brevity and Clarity: The summary/objective is not a venue for lengthy narratives. Stick to the point, use powerful, yet simple language. Dilute industrial jargon where possible and fashion your write-up in a way that makes it accessible to non-technical recruiters as well.

  5. Quality Beats Quantity: Remember, one well-constructed sentence can say a lot more than a paragraph filled with generic statements.

Following these steps should help you create a striking summary or objective, enhancing the opportunity for your resume to gain the attention it deserves in consideration of automation engineering roles.

Strong Summaries

  • Skilled Automation Engineer with over 6 years of experience in designing and implementing automation systems. Proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues and specialize in integrating uniquely tailored solutions with existing systems.
  • Experienced Automation Engineer with a strong background in PLC programming and system automation design. Proficient in Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Rockwell systems, with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry.
  • Results-driven Automation Engineer with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Expert in robot programming and well-versed in the latest high speed assembly technologies, consistently ensuring optimized productivity.
  • Accomplished Automation Engineer with a focus on developing and implementing complex control systems. Known for excellent problem-solving skills using an innovative approach. Familiar with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD.

Why these are strong?

These examples are a good practice as they embody all the necessary information such as experience, areas of expertise, technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and achievements. They also highlight the specific skills needed for an Automation Engineer such as system design, PLC programming, robot programming, problem-solving and more. This kind of concise but informative summary catered to the specific role is likely to catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

Weak Summaries

  • Reliable Automation Engineer with 10 years experience and just love automating things. Known to be practical.
  • I have worked with multiple clients as an Automation Engineer. Known for my troubleshooting skills.
  • Hardworking individual with strong desire to automate processes. Looking for a job where I can make things automated.
  • Experienced Automation Engineer seeking job. Have worked with many tools and clients.
  • Seeking a job as an Automation Engineer to enhance my career.
  • Automation Engineer with broad knowledge in various tools and techniques.
  • Innovative Automation Engineer with passion for making things easy.

Why these are weak?

These examples are not suitable for a Professional Summary on a resume for an Automation Engineer for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they are vague and do not specify what type of tasks the engineer has accomplished or the methods they used. They also avoid discussing any achievements or contributions the candidate has made to previous employers. Some are too personal ('just love automating things') instead of professional, while some fail to provide any information beyond the job title being sought ('Seeking a job as an Automation Engineer'). A good summary should be concise but comprehensive, summarising the individual's skills, experiences, developed projects and personal params if needed in a clear, succinct way.

Showcase your Work Experience

Creating a high-quality Work Experience section for your resume as an Automation Engineer can seem challenging, but it's quite manageable once you grasp the essentials elements that have to be present. With a mindful approach, you can compile a clear and inviting description of your professional history.

Let's start by understanding that the Work Experience section is not a mere listing of job titles and dates. Rather, it paints a picture of your professional journey, showcasing the roles you've held, the responsibilities you've managed, and, most importantly, the tangible results of your work.

Understand Your Audience

Before you begin to draft this section, it's important to understand who will be reading it. Typically, it's a mix of HR professionals and technical experts in your field. The grouping of experiences and tasks needs to flow in a way that's easily comprehensible for HR folks, yet detailed enough to capture the attention of expert eyes.

Showcase Your Roles

Start by listing your positions in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first. Include your job title, company, and duration of employment, expressed in month/year format.

Expert Tip

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

One common pitfall is that professionals often list what they were supposed to do, rather than what they accomplished. For an Automation Engineer, this means not just sharing that you designed or programed automation equipment, but discussing the outcomes of this design or programming. Did you help to improve processes? Did you work on a project that led to a decrease in machine downtime or a significant increase in productivity? These are the storylines that will attract the attention of potential employers.

Use Quantifiable Metrics

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. The more measurable your contributions, the more prospective employers can appreciate the scope of your results. As an Automation Engineer, think about using percentages, time frames, or financial metrics where appropriate.

Include a Breadth of Skills

In this section, you can also highlight a breadth of technical and soft skills. As an Automation Engineer, you might possess talents in robotics, machine learning, and project management, as well as problem-solving and team leadership. By incorporating these skills into your work experience descriptions, you can underscore their practical application in your roles.

Navigating through the creation of a work experience section for an Automation Engineer might initially seem overwhelming, but with these guidelines, you can craft a comprehensive and captivating overview of your professional path.

Strong Experiences

  • Developed and implemented a complex automated testing system, resulting in a 30% decrease in testing time.
  • Initiated an automation project that replaced manual effort, reducing downtime by 25%.
  • Designed and enacted extensive scripting of automated processes, streamlining testing procedures and increasing efficiency.
  • Spearheaded automation of production plants sparking a 20% increase in productivity.

Why these are strong?

These examples reflect the use of actionable verbs (Developed, Initiated, Designed, Spearheaded) to start each bullet point, an important approach for capturing attention. They also use specific metrics to highlight the candidate's accomplishments and impact in their previous roles, which is a crucial aspect of demonstrating not just what they did, but how well they did it.

Weak Experiences

  • Worked on things related to automation engineering
  • Involved in automation tasks
  • I did a lot of automation stuff
  • Supported the automation infrastructure
  • Experience with coding, not specifying what languages or tools
  • Gained exposure to automation tools
  • Made automation stuff better
  • Used automation software A and B but not specifying on what projects
  • Tasked with automation engineering duties

Why these are weak?

These bullet points are considered bad practices because they are vague and non-descriptive. They fail to convey the specifics about the individual's roles, responsibilities, and achievements in the field of automation engineering. Also, using generic phrases like 'did a lot of automation stuff' does not provide any insight into the competencies and skill sets of the candidate. Using terms like 'supported' and 'involved in' doesn't explain the actual work they did, were they leading a project or just assisting? They also lack the use of metrics or tangible results that can support their claim of experience and efficiency. Lastly, there is no mention of specific technologies or tools that the candidate has utilized, which is crucial information in technical roles like automation engineering.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

Understanding the importance of hard and soft skills in an Automation Engineer resume is crucial. It's more than just listing your competencies. It's about showing potential employers how you can contribute to their team and projects. With the rise of Applicant Tracking System (ATS), knowing about keywords and matching skills is vital. Therefore, let's take a deeper look at these elements.

Hard Skills for an Automation Engineer

Hard skills mainly involve technical knowledge and training. For an Automation Engineer, these could range from knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to expertise in different programming languages. Highlighting relevant hard skills on your resume shows the hiring manager that you possess the technical abilities required for the job.

Soft Skills for an Automation Engineer

Soft skills might seem less crucial than your technical skills, but they are equally important. These skills reflect your personality traits and abilities to interact effectively with others. For an Automation Engineer, relevant soft skills may include problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and diligent project management.

The Connection Between ATS, Keywords, and Skills

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software that many companies use to filter through resumes and find the best candidates. It picks up specific keywords from resumes and compares them to the job description. The resumes that have more keywords matching the job description are considered more fit for the job.

This is why having the right skills and keywords on your resume is crucial. If your resume does not contain the keywords that the ATS is looking for, it may not pass the screening process, and the hiring manager will likely not see it.

Matching Skills with Keywords

Matching your skills with the right keywords is more than just copying terms from the job description into your resume. It's about understanding which skills are crucial for the job you're applying for and then showcasing those skills in your resume. Use the precise technical terms that reflect your hard skills and industry-specific jargon, like specific programming languages or software you are proficient with.

Remember, including soft skills is also essential. Exemplify soft skills by using strong action verbs that reflect your traits. Terms like "cooperated," "managed," or "resolved" can underscore your soft skills effectively.

Remember, a well-crafted resume doesn't just list skills—it combines hard and soft skills with the right keywords, making your resume ATS-friendly and significantly increasing your chances of getting an interview.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard Skills

  • Programming
  • Scripting
  • Test Automation
  • Continuous Integration
  • Continuous Deployment
  • Version Control
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • Quality Assurance
  • Debugging
  • Database Management
  • Networking
  • Security Testing
  • Agile Methodologies
  • DevOps
  • Virtualization
  • Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Creativity
  • Critical Thinking
  • Leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Flexibility
  • Organization
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Decision Making
  • Top Action Verbs

    Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

  • Automated
  • Developed
  • Tested
  • Implemented
  • Debugged
  • Deployed
  • Collaborated
  • Optimized
  • Scripted
  • Integrated
  • Managed
  • Analyzed
  • Resolved
  • Documented
  • Configured
  • Monitored
  • Designed
  • Evaluated
  • Maintained
  • Solved
  • Reviewed
  • Deployed
  • Enhanced
  • Validated
  • Supported
  • Identified
  • Configured
  • Executed
  • Automated
  • Verified
  • Secured
  • Updated
  • Implemented
  • Troubleshooted
  • Collaborated
  • Optimized
  • Education

    As an Automation Engineer, showcasing your education and certificates is essential. Start by creating a section in your resume titled "Education" and then list your degrees and certifications chronologically, from the most recent down. Include the name of the degree or certification, the name of the educational institution, and the years you attended. To highlight any specialized training, create a sub-section under education labeled "Certifications". Include details of the certificates, ensuring to cite the issuing authority and date of issuance.

    Resume FAQs for Automation Engineers

    question

    What is the ideal resume format for an Automation Engineer?


    Answer

    The most recommended resume format for an Automation Engineer is the reverse-chronological format. This format highlights your work experience and achievements in a clear and organized manner, which is crucial for technical roles like Automation Engineering.

    question

    How long should an Automation Engineer's resume be?


    Answer

    An Automation Engineer's resume should typically be one page long for candidates with less than 10 years of experience, and no more than two pages for those with more extensive experience. Concise and focused resumes are preferred in the technical field.

    question

    What are the most important sections to include in an Automation Engineer's resume?


    Answer

    The most important sections to include in an Automation Engineer's resume are: a summary or objective statement, technical skills, work experience, projects, and certifications (if applicable). These sections showcase your relevant expertise and accomplishments.

    question

    How can I effectively highlight my automation skills on my resume?


    Answer

    To effectively highlight your automation skills, create a dedicated 'Technical Skills' or 'Automation Skills' section and list the specific tools, programming languages, frameworks, and methodologies you are proficient in. Additionally, quantify your achievements and provide examples of successful automation projects you have worked on.

    question

    Should I include personal projects on my Automation Engineer resume?


    Answer

    Yes, including personal projects on your Automation Engineer resume can be beneficial, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited professional experience. Personal projects demonstrate your passion, initiative, and practical application of automation skills, which can make your resume stand out.

    Automation Engineer Resume Example

    Automation Engineers design and implement automated systems to streamline processes. For your resume, highlight skills in programming, testing, and process optimization. Detail experience with automation tools and scripting languages. Quantify achievements through metrics like efficiency gains or cost savings. Tailor your resume to each role by studying job requirements.

    Antonio Simmmons
    antonio.simmmons@example.com
    (871) 949-3458
    linkedin.com/in/antonio.simmmons
    Automation Engineer

    Highly motivated and results-driven Automation Engineer with a proven track record of optimizing processes and improving efficiency in complex manufacturing environments. Skilled in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that streamline operations and reduce costs. Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive continuous improvement and deliver exceptional results.

    Work Experience
    Senior Automation Engineer
    01/2019 - Present
    Boeing
    • Led a cross-functional team in the development and implementation of an automated assembly line, reducing production time by 30% and increasing output by 25%.
    • Designed and deployed a machine vision system for quality control, resulting in a 50% reduction in defects and saving the company $500,000 annually.
    • Collaborated with software engineers to create a custom IoT platform for real-time monitoring and control of automated systems, improving overall equipment effectiveness by 20%.
    • Conducted regular training sessions for production staff on the operation and maintenance of automated systems, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal downtime.
    • Initiated and managed a predictive maintenance program, leveraging data analytics to identify potential issues before they occurred, reducing unplanned downtime by 40%.
    Automation Engineer
    06/2016 - 12/2018
    General Motors
    • Developed and implemented a robotic welding system, increasing production speed by 50% and improving weld quality consistency.
    • Designed and deployed a material handling system using AGVs, reducing labor costs by 30% and improving inventory accuracy to 99%.
    • Optimized PLC programming for a high-speed packaging line, increasing throughput by 20% and reducing changeover times by 40%.
    • Collaborated with the maintenance team to develop a comprehensive spare parts management system, reducing inventory costs by 25% and minimizing production downtime.
    • Conducted feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses for proposed automation projects, presenting findings to senior management and securing funding for high-impact initiatives.
    Automation Engineer
    09/2014 - 05/2016
    ExxonMobil
    • Designed and implemented a DCS upgrade for a refinery process unit, improving process stability and reducing energy consumption by 10%.
    • Developed a custom HMI solution for a pipeline monitoring system, enhancing operator situational awareness and reducing response times to potential issues.
    • Optimized control loops for a distillation column, increasing product yield by 5% and reducing variability by 30%.
    • Collaborated with process engineers to develop and implement advanced process control strategies, resulting in a 3% increase in overall plant efficiency.
    • Provided technical guidance and mentorship to junior automation engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
    Skills
  • PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
  • HMI/SCADA Development (Wonderware, FactoryTalk)
  • Robotics Integration (FANUC, KUKA)
  • Machine Vision Systems
  • Industrial Networking (Profibus, EtherNet/IP)
  • DCS (Honeywell, Emerson)
  • Advanced Process Control
  • Data Analytics and Visualization
  • Project Management
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving
  • Technical Writing and Documentation
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Training and Mentorship
  • Safety and Compliance
  • Education
    Master of Science in Automation Engineering
    08/2012 - 05/2014
    Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
    Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
    08/2008 - 05/2012
    University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX