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.
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In this guide, along with our process engineer resume example, we will detail the following:
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:
Your salary will depend on your location, experience, industry and other factors.
Most resumes contain the same standard sections. Your process engineer CV should be no different. The basic sections are:
For details on each section, read on.
If you need more guidance, we have an entire engineering category of resume examples to help.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.