You have the raw materials of a great process engineer resume. Now you need to turn it into a product that will help you reach your goal: a fabulous new job. That’s where Resume.io comes in.
We are a powerful resource for job seekers with our bank of resume guides and resume examples for 300+ professions, as well as our easy-to-use resume builder.
In this guide, along with our process engineer resume example, we will detail the following:
- What does a process engineer do?
- Tips for getting the most out of your process engineer resume
- Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
- Professional resume layout and design hints.
What does a process engineer do?
Process engineers design and implement processes that are used to turn raw materials into products. Process engineers fall under the umbrella of chemical engineers, but their focus is mostly on the math and physics of products as opposed to the chemistry of the raw materials.
These specialized engineers work in the chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, mineral processing, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries. At the forefront of their responsibilities lies the duty of making sure that safety guidelines are met, while innovative techniques are implemented to enhance productivity.
They design new equipment and industrial processes and assess them for risk. Process engineers may also be responsible for coordinating plant processes, supervising employees, and making sure that safety guidelines are followed at all times.
Job market and salary
Because process engineers are a category of chemical engineers, they fall within the statistics of that profession. The demand for these specialists is expected to rise 9%, about average, from 202-2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says. Median reported salary varies depending on the source. Here are some examples:
- $73,639 (Salary.com)
- $75,263 (Payscale)
- $87,830 (Talent.com)
- $96,745 (Glassdoor)
Your salary will depend on your location, experience, industry and other factors.
How to write a process engineer resume
Most resumes contain the same standard sections. Your process engineer CV should be no different. The basic sections are:
- The resume header
- The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
- The employment history section
- The resume skills section
- The education section
For details on each section, read on.
If you need more guidance, we have an entire engineering category of resume examples to help.
- Facilities Engineer resume sample
- Electrical Engineer resume sample
- Engineering resume sample
- Civil Engineer resume sample
- CNC machinist resume sample
- Agricultural Engineer resume sample
- Technician resume sample
- Health and Safety Engineer resume sample
- Research Engineer resume sample
- Project Engineer resume sample
- Structural engineer resume sample
- Mechanical Engineer resume sample
Choosing the best resume format for a process engineer
Your process engineer resume should follow the reverse chronological order format. Unless you have very highly technical skills that you want to highlight, this format, in which you list your jobs from most recent on back, is the way to go. In that case, the functional format, in which skills are placed in the forefront, may be your best bet.
If you have a more complicated work history, are changing careers or are looking for your first job, you may consider one of the hybrid or chronological alternatives we recommend.
Resume summary example: Define yourself
This freeform section can seem a bit daunting, especially if you’re not a word person, but your process engineer resume summary may make all the difference in whether or not you get that interview. To give structure to this 3-4 sentence section, try this formula:
- Introduce yourself and your career (use positive descriptions of yourself and mention your engineering approach)
- Tout your greatest success
- Wrap it up with why you are a great fit for the company
Experienced process engineer with an extensive background in engineering principles, project leadership, and the management of safety procedures. Bringing forth leadership, dedication, and over seven years of experience working with engineers and project managers at multiple levels. Strategic thinker with the ability to improve efficiencies by assessing and enhancing company processes. Proven track record of solving high level engineering problems, and working collaboratively with other engineers to leverage solutions.
Employment history sample: Design your career
The employment history section of your process engineer resume tells the story of your career progression. Don’t make the mistake of trying to cram in everything you have done at every job. Instead, show off your biggest achievements using data and details.
Start off each bullet item with a strong action word and follow it up with what you accomplished. Choose successes that prove to the hiring manager that you already know how to do the job they seek to fill. Save space by eliminating repetition. See our resume sample below.
- Planned and directed the execution of various projects, keeping costs low and improvement rates high.
- Trained incoming engineers to meet standards and protocol expectations.
- Wrote daily reports for accountability and quality assurance.
- Introduced new equipment and trained workers on how to properly operate new equipment.
- Provided ongoing technical support to members of the company, offering my superior engineering knowledge, - and helping the company to meet and exceed goals.
CV skills example: Analyze your highlights
Process engineers need excellent analytical, math, IT, and engineering software skills. Those hard skills are the foundation of your engineering knowledge. But soft skills, or the interpersonal and organization skills necessary to be a great team player, count for a lot.
It’s your job to improve processes and solve problems, but your ideas won’t go anywhere unless you can convince others, so you need excellent communication and persuasion skills. Consider all these factors as you choose the top skills to highlight in this section.
Optimize for the ATS
While there is no simple way to overcome the Applicant Tracking System hurdle, there are ways to improve your chances of getting past the algorithms that rank your resume. Pay careful attention to the wording of the job listing and the frequency of the skills mentioned. Then, insert those words and phrases into your resume text.
The skills section is an easy place to swap out skills, but don’t forget your summary and employment history sections for personalization as well.
One caveat: Be careful to use natural language and avoid overstuffing your Process Engineer resume with keywords.
- Strategic and Tactical Planning
- Team Management
- Project Management
- Equipment Knowledge
Process engineer resume education example
Process engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical, manufacturing or industrial engineering. Employers may also seek a master’s degree. In this section, simply list your degrees and any relevant certifications. If you have a master’s, you may eliminate your high school diploma. Below you'll find the education section resume sample.
2004-2008 NYU, Bachelor in Bio-Chemical Engineering NY, NY
2008-2011 NYU, Master of Science in Bio-Chemical Engineering NY, NY
Resume layout and design: Ready for success
You may have the perfect experience for the job, but if your layout and design are lacking, you may not get a second look. Humans are visual and make snap judgments based on looks. First impressions are hard to overcome, so make sure your Process Engineer resume makes a professional one.
If visual design isn’t your forte, try one of our field-tested resume templates. No matter which one you choose, you will get a clean, organized, customizable document plus, you won’t have to busy yourself with the details of formatting.
Key takeaways for a process engineer resume
- You’re an expert at turning raw materials into finished products – that’s what you have to do to create a great process engineer resume.
- If you find writing your summary daunting, use our structured format (and read our resume samples) to make it easier.
- Think of your resume as an ever-changing document and personalize it for each job.
- Make the resume-creation process smoother by using the online resume builder to get your job hunt started now!
