Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By adding metrics to describe their accomplishments, such as achieving a 15% boost in process efficiency and $200K cost reduction, the applicant shows the extent of their impact.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: The applicant’s resume highlights specific skills like PLC programming and SCADA systems development, pinpointing their suitability for control system engineering roles.
- Showcases career progression: Progressing from analyst to engineer with increasing responsibility, the applicant demonstrates career growth by leading teams and optimizing critical system processes.
More Control Systems Engineer Resume Examples
Learn to highlight your technical skills, project management abilities, and industry experience with these control systems engineer resume examples. Use these samples to craft a resume that positions you as a strong applicant in engineering roles.
Entry-level control systems engineer
Why this resume works
- Effective use of keywords: Integrating relevant keywords like PLC programming and SCADA systems ensures the resume passes applicant tracking systems.
- Shows digital literacy: By showing they can adeptly use tools like automated dashboards and smart building systems, the candidate proves they have the computer skills necessary for tech-driven workplaces.
- Puts skills at the forefront: Highlighting their skills in automation expertise and process optimization above their work experience works great for entry-level applicants who benefit most from a skills-based resume format.
Mid-level control systems engineer
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: Highlighting achievements like a 20% production boost and $80K in cost savings, the applicant’s focus on measurable outcomes shows their impactful contributions to efficiency and innovation.
- Demonstrates language abilities: With language skills in Spanish, Mandarin, and French, the applicant showcases that they can contribute to cross-cultural communication in diverse work environments.
- Clear contact information: An effective resume header with clear contact details ensures easy outreach from potential employers, paving the way for timely callbacks.
Experienced control systems engineer
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: Listing certifications from ISA and Siemens showcases the applicant’s technical expertise and commitment to staying current in their field.
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume, the applicant’s extensive career experience is clearly outlined, showing a steady progression in roles.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Leading a team to achieve a 40% annual output increase highlights strong leadership skills and the ability to drive significant results through effective management.
Control Systems Engineer Resume Template (Text Version)
Yuki Nguyen
Greenfield, IN 46150
(555)555-5555
Yuki.Nguyen@example.com
Skills
- PLC Programming
- SCADA Systems
- HMI Design
- Process Optimization
- Signal Processing
- MatLab/Simulink
- System Integration
- Control Theory
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- German – Intermediate (B1)
- Chinese – Beginner (A1)
Professional Summary
Experienced Control Systems Engineer with proven expertise in PLC programming and SCADA systems. Fluent in process optimization, reducing project costs by $500K. Effective leader with skills in system integration and automation advancements.
Work History
Control Systems Engineer
Innovative Automation Solutions – Greenfield, IN
January 2022 – July 2025
- Improved process efficiency by 15%.
- Designed control algorithms for HVAC.
- Led a team of 10 engineers on projects.
Automation Systems Specialist
Tech Dynamics Corp – Indianapolis, IN
May 2018 – December 2021
- Increased system uptime by 20%.
- Developed SCADA systems for compliance.
- Reduced project costs by 0K.
Control Systems Analyst
FutureTech Automation – Indianapolis, IN
July 2015 – April 2018
- Optimized PLC performance by 25%.
- Implemented safety protocols saving 0K.
- Managed documentation for audits.
Certifications
- Certified Automation Professional – International Society of Automation
- PLC Programming Specialist – PLCopen
Education
Master of Science Control Systems Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts
May 2015
Bachelor of Engineering Electrical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas
May 2013
Related Resume Guides
- Data Management Trainee
- Database Administrator
- Database Developer
- Enterprise Resource Planning Consultant
- GIS Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- MIS Executive
- Network Administrator
- Salesforce Administrator
- Salesforce Developer
- SAP Basis Consultant
- Solutions Architect
- Technical Business Analyst
- Telecom Project Manager
Advice for Writing Your Control Systems Engineer Resume
Learn how to write a resume tailored for a control systems engineer role and discover how to highlight your engineering skills and passion for automation.
Uncover tips that will help you stand out in designing efficient control systems and advancing technology.
Highlight relevant technical skills
For a control systems engineer, technical skills are key to success. These skills help you design, develop, and manage complex control systems in various industries.
It’s helpful to create a technical skills section on your resume. This section should list important skills that match the job you’re applying for. You can also weave these skills into your work experience section to show how you’ve used them in real projects.
Some important technical skills for a control systems engineer include:
- Knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and DCS (Distributed Control Systems)
- Understanding automation software like MATLAB or LabVIEW
- Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) tools and circuit analysis
- Experience with networking protocols and cybersecurity measures for industrial systems
When you write about your technical skills, use simple words that everyone can understand. Think about the main tasks of a control systems engineer and focus on the tools and techniques you’ve mastered.
Also, try to give examples of how you’ve used these skills in past jobs to solve problems or improve processes. This approach shows employers that you’re ready to handle the challenges of their specific role.
Example of a technical skills section
- PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
- SCADA systems
- PID control tuning
- HMI design and development
- DCS configuration and maintenance
- Industrial network protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus)
- Control system troubleshooting
- Motion control systems
- Embedded systems programming (C/C++, VHDL)
Employers look for more than just job skills—highlight soft skills like teamwork and communication to show you’re ready to fit in and lead when needed.
Quantify your accomplishments
Quantifying accomplishments transforms a resume from a basic list of tasks into a powerful showcase of impact and results. For a control systems engineer, this means highlighting how your work improved system efficiency, reduced downtime, or improved operational performance.
When hiring managers review resumes, they look for evidence of success and value added to past roles. Including measurable outcomes—like reducing system failures by 30% or saving 15 hours per week through automation—helps them immediately understand your capabilities.
In the work experience section, each entry should include your job title, employer name, location, and employment dates as standard details. However, the real key is turning duties into achievements using action verbs and metrics.
Instead of saying you “maintained control systems,” write that you “optimized control systems to improve production accuracy by 25%.” Numbers and percentages make your contributions more tangible and show the actual difference you made in your role.
Using quantifiable achievements not only highlights specific skills but also shows how effectively you apply them in real-world situations. This approach makes it easy for hiring managers to assess your potential impact on their team quickly.
By focusing on results-driven descriptions throughout your work experience section, you strengthen your resume and stand out as an accomplished professional in control systems engineering.
5 control systems engineer work history bullet point examples
- Developed advanced control algorithms for industrial machinery, increasing operational efficiency by 25%.
- Programmed PLC and HMI systems to optimize production workflows, reducing cycle time by 15%.
- Conducted system integration tests for automated processes, achieving a 98% accuracy rate.
- Designed and implemented feedback control systems for temperature regulation, improving product quality consistency by 20%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot system malfunctions, decreasing downtime by 30%.
Looking for a job? Check out our professional resume examples to see how others highlight their skills and experiences.
Write a powerful professional summary
A professional summary is a key part of your resume that introduces you to hiring managers. It helps them decide if they want to learn more about you. You can choose between a summary or an objective, depending on your experience and career goals.
A professional summary is a short paragraph where experienced applicants highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements. It’s best for those who have been in the workforce for a while and want to show off their professional identity and value. This section tells employers what you’ve accomplished in your career so far.
On the other hand, resume objectives are statements focusing on career goals. They’re ideal for entry-level job seekers, people changing careers, or those with employment gaps. Think of it as “what I’ve accomplished” versus “what I aim to contribute.”
Next, we’ll provide examples of both summaries and objectives tailored to different industries and experience levels to help guide you in crafting your own powerful introduction as a control systems engineer.
Control systems engineer resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, focusing on control systems design and analysis. Proficient in MATLAB and Simulink, with completed coursework in automation and process control. Eager to apply foundational knowledge in a dynamic environment while pursuing certification as a Certified Automation Professional (CAP).
Mid-career
Control systems engineer with over seven years of experience in developing and implementing control strategies for manufacturing processes. Skilled in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and HMI development across various industries including automotive and aerospace. Successfully led projects that improved system efficiency by 15%. Known for problem-solving abilities and collaborative work ethic.
Experienced
Senior control systems engineer with two decades of expertise in designing complex automation solutions for high-stakes environments such as oil & gas and pharmaceuticals. Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams to deliver projects within time and budget constraints. Expert in advanced DCS configurations, predictive maintenance strategies, and implementing IoT technologies to improve operational performance.
Control systems engineer resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Detail-oriented and driven recent engineering graduate with a focus on control systems, eager to launch a career as a control systems engineer. Aims to apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills in developing efficient automation solutions and contributing to innovative engineering projects.
Career changer
Proactive professional with a background in software development transitioning into control systems engineering. Possesses foundational knowledge in programming and system integration, seeking to bring technical expertise and creativity to designing automated solutions that improve operational efficiency.
Entry-level applicant
Aspiring control systems engineer with hands-on experience from academic projects involving PLC programming and circuit design. Seeking an entry-level position to contribute technical knowledge and enthusiasm for learning towards optimizing industrial processes within a collaborative engineering team.
Choose a simple resume template with clear sections and easy-to-read fonts. Avoid fancy designs or crowded layouts so your work experience and skills stand out clearly.
Showcase your credentials
Listing certifications and specialized training is important for a control systems engineer because it shows employers that you have the skills needed to handle complex technical tasks. Certifications prove you’ve learned specific skills, which can be critical in fields where safety and precision matter.
A dedicated certifications section makes these credentials easy to find and understand, boosting your resume’s impact. It also complements your education section, giving a more complete picture of your abilities.
Here are examples of helpful certifications for a control systems engineer:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Google Professional Cloud Engineer
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
- CompTIA Security+
These certifications help demonstrate expertise in areas like cloud computing, security, and system design, all of which are key for a control systems engineer.
By showcasing them prominently on your resume, you make it clear that you’re prepared for the challenges of the role. This focus on credentials can set you apart from other applicants.
Example of a certifications section
Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
Issued by: International Society of Automation (ISA)
Issued 2022
Professional Engineer (PE) License
Issued by: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
Expires 2025
Control Systems Technician (CST) Level III
Issued by: International Society of Automation (ISA)
Issued 2020
Siemens Simatic S7-1200 PLC Programming Certificate
Issued by: Siemens
Issued 2023
Rockwell Automation ControlLogix System Certificate
Issued by: Rockwell Automation
Expires 2026
When listing your certifications, include either the issue date or expiration date of each to show that your credential is current.
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my control systems engineer resume?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to include a cover letter with your control systems engineer resume.
A cover letter lets you highlight specific skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for the role, like your expertise in designing and implementing control systems.
You can also use it to explain why you’re particularly interested in the company or project, showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on that align with their needs.
Additionally, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your communication skills and attention to detail, both of which are important in engineering roles.
You can use a Cover Letter Generator to streamline the process.
Consider referencing cover letter examples from other engineers’ letters to help craft a compelling narrative that complements your resume.
How long should a control systems engineer’s resume be?
For a control systems engineer, aim for a concise one-page resume to showcase key skills like PLC programming, SCADA systems, and experience with automation processes. This length keeps your qualifications clear.
If you have extensive industry experience or significant project achievements, expanding to a two-page resume is acceptable. Ensure every detail is relevant—emphasize recent projects and specialized certifications that match the job description.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be for more examples and tips tailored to your career stage.
How do you write a control systems engineer resume with no experience?
To create a control systems engineer resume when you have no experience, emphasize your education, relevant projects, and skills that fit the role. For guidance on this process, check out these tips on writing a resume with no experience.
- Emphasize your education: Highlight your degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering (or a related field) prominently. Include details such as coursework in control systems theory, automation, or robotics.
- Leverage academic projects: Showcase any class projects or lab work that involved designing or simulating control systems. Detail your role and any tools or software you used like MATLAB or Simulink.
- Include internships or volunteer work: If you’ve done internships or volunteered in roles involving engineering principles, describe those experiences clearly. Focus on tasks where you applied technical skills relevant to control systems.
- Highlight transferable skills: Emphasize analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, which are valuable for this role.
Check out resources on entry-level resumes for more detailed examples and strategies to effectively present your background.
Rate this article
Control Systems Engineer
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
More Articles by Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRWAdditional Resources
Audio Engineer Resume Guide + Tips + Example
Seeking a job as an audio engineer? A well-written Resume is a great place to start, and we’re here to help! This guide to writing an effective audio engineer Resume
Piping Engineer Resume Examples & Templates
Piping engineers are pivotal in ensuring the seamless operation and efficiency of project environments, supporting teams and spearheading the engineering solutions that lead to the success of complex industrial projects. With
Mechanical Design Engineer Resume Guide + Tips + Example
Seeking a job as a mechanical design engineer? A well-written Resume is a great place to start and we’re here to help! This guide to writing an effective mechanical design
Maintenance Engineer Resume Guide + Tips + Example
Propel your career with an effective maintenance engineer Resume. We have created the perfect guide to help you create an effective maintenance engineer Resume, with tips on what to add,
Computer Systems Consultant Resume Guide + Tips + Example
A well-written Resume is a great place to start if you seek a computer systems consultant position. Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry! Our guide to crafting an excellent
Quality Control Analyst Resume Guide + Tips + Example
Propel your career with a well-written quality analyst Resume. With our guide, you can create a professional quality analyst Resume to showcase your skills and present you as a desirable
