Creating a standout CV as an engineer will help you differentiate yourself in a competitive job market. Your CV should highlight your engineering expertise, technical skills, and ability to solve complex problems. It should also showcase your proficiency in various engineering disciplines, such as design, analysis, and project management, as well as your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and meet tight deadlines.

This guide offers valuable insights, templates, and engineering CV examples to help you create a CV that catches the attention of employers. Keep reading for:

  • Engineering CV sample
  • Engineering CV templates
  • The best engineering CV format
  • A step-by-step engineer CV writing guide
  • Dos and don’ts for your engineering CV

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    Engineer CV sample

    engineers cv

    Edward Wallace
    07912 345678
    edward.wallace@example.co.uk
    5 Kendell Street, Sheffield, LS2 3ZR

    PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

    A highly motivated and results-driven Mechanical Engineer with over 4 years of experience in product design, process optimisation, and project management. Proficient in using CAD software, conducting structural analysis, and applying engineering principles to deliver innovative solutions. Adept at managing teams, collaborating with cross-functional departments, and ensuring timely project completion within budget.

    WORK HISTORY

    April 2021 – January 2025
    Arup Group – London

    Mechanical Engineer

    • Worked in a team of 8 engineers in the design and development of gas turbine components, achieving a 15% reduction in production costs.
    • Utilised SolidWorks and AutoCAD to develop 3D models and detailed engineering drawings.
    • Conducted structural and thermodynamic analysis, resulting in a 25% improvement in component durability and reliability.
    • Collaborated with suppliers to source materials, reducing material costs while maintaining performance standards.
    • Managed a £3M budget for the development of a new turbine model, delivering the project 5% under budget and 10% ahead of schedule.

    June 2018 – March 2021
    Buro Happold – London

    Junior Mechanical Engineer

    • Assisted in the design and testing of mechanical systems for over 10 residential and commercial buildings, contributing to a 10% increase in overall system efficiency.
    • Supported senior engineers in conducting feasibility studies that reduced operational costs.
    • Produced technical reports and presentations, contributing to 5 successful client presentations per quarter, each resulting in repeat business or new contracts

    SKILLS

    • Mechanical Design & Analysis
    • CAD Software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
    • Project Management & Coordination
    • Product Development & Prototyping
    • Structural & Thermodynamic Analysis
    • Budget Management & Cost Reduction
    • Strong Communication & Collaboration

    EDUCATION

    July 2017
    Imperial College London UK
    Master of Science | Mechanical Engineering
    Merit Honours

    June 2015
    University of Manchester UK
    Bachelor of Science | Engineering
    First Class Honours

    Certifications and Licenses

    Chartered Engineer (CEng), Engineering Council UK – 2019

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    Engineering CV templates

    A professional engineering CV template helps you showcase your qualifications and technical expertise effectively, ensuring you make a strong first impression. Edit one of the engineering CV templates below or explore our library of CV templates to find the perfect match for your skills and experience.

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    The best engineering CV format

    A well-organised engineering CV is key to making a strong impression on potential employers. A clear structure allows your technical expertise and accomplishments to stand out in the competitive engineering job market.

    For most engineers, a chronological CV format is often the best choice. This layout highlights your career progression, emphasising your most recent roles and technical achievements. It allows you to showcase your growth in the engineering field, from hands-on technical work to leading engineering projects or teams.

    A skills-based CV format might be more suitable if you’re a recent engineering graduate or transitioning from another field. This approach highlights your core engineering competencies, such as problem-solving, technical design, project management, and proficiency in engineering software. A skills-based CV is perfect for showcasing your strengths when your work experience is limited.

    Here are some key tips for structuring your engineering CV:

    • Keep it concise: Limit your CV to one or two pages, focusing on the most relevant engineering experience and skills.
    • Organise your CV into sections: Include contact details, a brief personal summary, work experience, skills, and education.
    • Use bullet points: Bullet points make it easier for hiring managers to assess your achievements and technical expertise quickly.
    • Tailor your CV for each role: Ensure that you adapt your CV to match the specific requirements of each engineering job you’re applying for.

    Choose your format now

    How to write an engineering CV step by step

    Writing an impactful engineering CV is more than just listing your qualifications; it’s about showcasing your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and ability to deliver results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a standout CV.

    Here are the key areas we will cover:

    How to present your contact details

    The contact details section of your CV should be placed at the top, as this is the first thing recruiters will see. Ensure your contact information is accurate, clear, and easy to find. Here’s how to format it effectively:

    • Full Name: Include both your first and last name.
    • Location: Mention your city or country, and specify if you’re open to relocation.
    • Phone Number: Provide a reliable number where you can be easily reached.
    • Email Address: Use a professional and simple email address.

    Example

    Edward Wallace
    07912 345678
    edward.wallace@example.co.uk
    5 Kendell Street 
    Sheffield, LS2 3ZR

    How to write a professional summary for your engineering CV

    Your professional summary (personal statement) is one of the first sections hiring managers will read on your engineering CV, so making a strong and positive impression is essential. In just three to four sentences, sum up your work history, educational background, and key achievements. This is your chance to highlight what sets you apart as an engineer and why you’re the ideal candidate for the role. Here’s how to structure your professional summary:

    • Quick introduction: Start with a brief overview of your background as an engineer, emphasising your areas of expertise, such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering.
    • Key achievements: Mention significant accomplishments, like completing major projects on time, improving operational efficiency, or contributing to innovative designs. These highlight your impact and results-driven mindset.
    • Tailor to the job requirements: Customise your professional summary to align with the job description. For example, if the role requires project management, coding, or design expertise, focus on mentioning these skills in your statement. 

    Example of an engineering professional summary

    A highly skilled and solutions-oriented mechanical engineer with over 7 years of experience designing and optimising manufacturing systems. Proficient in CAD software, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. In my last role, I led a project that reduced production downtime by 15%, resulting in a 10% increase in overall efficiency.

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    How to show your work experience as an engineer

    The work experience section of your engineering CV is crucial for demonstrating your technical expertise, project management skills, and the impact you’ve had in previous roles. This section allows employers to assess your ability to apply engineering principles, solve problems, and lead projects successfully. Here’s how to structure this part of your engineer CV effectively:

    • Use a chronological format: Start with your most recent engineering roles and work backwards. This format makes it easier for employers to see your career progression and growing technical expertise. For each position, include the organisation’s name, your job title, and dates of employment.
    • Highlight key responsibilities: Focus on tasks demonstrating your technical skills, such as design work, system optimisation, troubleshooting, or managing engineering teams.
    • Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, include metrics to showcase your achievements. Quantifying results shows your value to potential employers.
    • Tailor your experience: Customise your work experience to match the specific engineering job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and responsibilities that are most relevant to the role.
    • Be concise: List your key duties and achievements using bullet points to make your engineering CV format easy to read.

    Example of an engineer CV work experience

    Mechanical Engineer
    XYZ Engineering Solutions, London
    January 2020 – Present

    • Led a team of 5 engineers to develop a new HVAC system, improving energy efficiency by 25% and reducing operational costs by £150,000 annually.
    • Managed and coordinated a project that redesigned manufacturing processes, resulting in a 20% increase in production capacity.
    • Implemented advanced CAD modelling techniques, which decreased design time by 15% while ensuring precision and reducing production errors.
    • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet tight deadlines and ensure seamless project delivery, consistently exceeding client expectations.

    Mechanical Engineer
    ABC Industrial Ltd., Manchester
    June 2017 – December 2019

    • Designed and tested mechanical systems, improving product durability and performance, leading to a 10% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
    • Worked on optimising production lines, cutting downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
    • Assisted in developing a new automated system that reduced labour costs by £50,000 per year.
    • Provided technical support to junior engineers, helping to streamline workflows and improve team productivity.

     

    Essential skills to include on your engineer CV

    Your engineering CV should effectively showcase a combination of technical expertise and key soft skills. To make the most impact, include six to eight relevant skills, ensuring they align with the job description. Many companies rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan CVs for specific keywords. By incorporating the right keywords from the job posting, you increase the chances of your CV getting noticed and successfully passing through these systems to reach the hiring manager. Consider these important skills when building your engineering CV:

    Engineer-specific skills

    • Technical drawing and CAD software
    • Problem-solving and troubleshooting
    • Project management
    • Data analysis and statistical tools
    • System design and optimisation
    • Engineering simulations and modelling
    • Knowledge of industry regulations and standards

    General skills

    • Communication skills
    • Team collaboration
    • Attention to detail
    • Time management
    • Leadership and mentorship
    • Adaptability
    • Critical thinking and innovation

    How to highlight your educational background effectively

    Your engineering CV should highlight your educational background, as it demonstrates the technical knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your studies. While practical experience plays a key role, showcasing your academic qualifications can significantly boost your CV, especially if you’re a recent graduate or transitioning into a new engineering field.

    A degree in engineering or a related discipline shows your firm foundation in the technical aspects of the profession. Additionally, mentioning relevant courses, certifications, or specialised training programmes will help set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and growth.

    Example of an engineer education section

    Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
    University of Bristol | 2021 – 2023

    Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
    University of Leeds | 2017 – 2021

    Dos and don’ts for an engineering CV

    DO
    DO tailor your CV for each job application

    Engineering is a broad field with various specialisations, each requiring different skill sets and qualifications. Whether you’re applying for roles in civil, mechanical, electrical, software, or another area of engineering, customising your CV to align with the job’s specific requirements will help you stand out to hiring managers. Focus on highlighting the experience, certifications, and technical skills most relevant to the role you’re applying for. By tailoring your CV to the job, you show that you’ve done your research and are a perfect fit for the position.

    DO demonstrate leadership and teamwork

    Engineering often involves working as part of a team and showing your ability to lead or collaborate on projects is crucial. Highlight instances where you’ve led teams, managed projects, or worked cross-functionally with other departments. Engineers who can lead a team and communicate effectively with other professionals are highly valued.

    DON’T
    DON’T overcomplicate the layout

    A cluttered or overly complex CV layout can distract from your key accomplishments and make it harder for hiring managers to focus on your qualifications. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read format with clear headings and bullet points. Ensure that the most important information, such as your key skills, education, and work experience, is easy to access. In the UK, there is no need to include a photo on your CV, so focus on content rather than personal images. 

    DON’T make your CV overly technical

    While it’s important to showcase your technical skills, make sure your CV is not too jargon-heavy. Remember that hiring managers may not be engineers themselves, so it’s essential to present your experience clearly, concisely, and understandable to a broad audience. Focus on how your technical expertise can add value to the company and explain complex concepts in simple terms.

    Your engineering CV questions answered

    Can I use a CV template for my engineering CV?

    Absolutely! Using a CV template can help you create a clean, professional engineering CV that highlights your skills and experience. Choose a straightforward template that showcases your technical expertise in the best light. Remember to tailor the template to suit the specific engineering role you’re applying for, ensuring it reflects the qualifications and experience that align with the job’s requirements.

    What if I’m a recent engineering graduate with limited work experience?

    If you’re a fresh graduate, focus on creating a skills-based CV to showcase your academic strengths and technical abilities. Emphasise any relevant coursework, engineering projects, or internships demonstrating your practical knowledge. Highlight transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and proficiency in key engineering tools or software. This approach will help you stand out, even if you don’t have much professional experience yet.

    Should I include references on my engineering CV?

    References are not always necessary to include directly on your CV, especially if space is limited. Instead, you can simply note that references are available upon request. However, if you have strong references from previous employers, professors, or mentors who can vouch for your engineering skills and work ethic, feel free to include their contact details, with their permission. This can help bolster your application and provide employers with additional assurance of your capabilities.

    What if I have gaps in my engineering career?

    If you have career gaps, be honest about them but focus on how you used the time productively. Whether it was for further studies, personal projects, or other professional development activities, mention these in your CV. Employers will appreciate your transparency and the fact that you took the initiative to improve your skills or knowledge during this time.

    Do I need to submit a cover letter with my engineering CV?

    While a cover letter isn’t always compulsory, it is highly recommended. A well-written cover letter allows you to highlight why you’re passionate about the job and further explain how your skills and experience align with the role. A good cover letter increases your chances of standing out among other candidates.

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    Creating a standout engineering CV is crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. By following the expert tips and examples provided, you can create a CV that showcases your strengths and helps you stand out in a competitive job market. Ready to take the next step? Use our CV builder today to personalise and download your engineering CV instantly.

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