10 Must-Have Controls Engineer Resume Skills

Just as skilled controls engineers use a wide-ranging expertise to keep systems and machinery operating efficiently and safely, a well-crafted resume employs every available tactic to capture a recruiter’s attention. When it comes to promoting yourself, try to apply the same strategies that make you a successful controls engineer.

Here are 10 essential skills that should appear prominently on any controls engineer resume.

PLC Programming

Programmable logic controllers (PLC) are the heart of automated systems. Display your proficiency in PLC programming for designing, developing, and implementing control systems.

Control Systems Design

Your experience designing control systems reveals that you understand how to develop architecture and harness automation. You want to show employers that you can handle complex projects from inception to completion.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

HMI involves using a variety of programming languages and hardware tools to enable and configure ways for human operators and machines to communicate and work together. HMIs control devices and display real-time data in industrial settings, among other functions.

Electrical Engineering

As a controls engineer, your foundation in electrical engineering principles, including a solid understanding of electrical schematics and circuit design, should be reflected throughout your resume.

Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving

Employers value engineers who can diagnose and resolve issues quickly and competently. They know it’s critical to maintain uptime and ensure the smooth operation of control systems, so let them know you’ll be their hero when troubleshooting is needed.

Technical Documentation

Creating clear and comprehensive documentation is a key part of a controls engineer’s job. From writing manuals to formulating user guides to documenting system designs, your aptitude for producing effective documentation helps your clients sleep well at night.

Software Proficiency

Which computer-aided design (CAD) software have you worked with for system layouts or simulation software for testing control systems? Include them all in your skills section and at least one or two bullets.

Compliance and Standards

Demonstrate that you can develop compliant and safe systems, a core requirement of your profession, by emphasizing your grasp of safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry-specific guidelines.

Project Management

Now we’re into soft skills. Many controls engineers become involved in projects that require coordinating with multiple stakeholders. This is where your project management skills—like planning, scheduling, and allocating resources—can tip the scales in your favor.

Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration is vital in any job, but being able to convey complex scientific information to non-technical stakeholders, especially in cross-functional settings, is a very valuable skill. Promote your ability to communicate clearly with people both above and below you in the hierarchy.

Final Thoughts

Even after your base resume is plussed up with these elements, don’t forget to tailor it to the specific job description you’re going for. Identify the most important keywords and key phrases in the posting and insert them into your resume wherever possible (along with the terms we bolded above). Also, if you’re a candidate who’s looking to expand upon a fairly long work history, emphasize how much you embrace continuous learning and remain excited to evolve and stay abreast with the latest technologies.