Automotive Engineer Resume Guide

Automotive Engineers design, develop and test the performance of a variety of vehicles. They use their expertise in engineering principles to create cars that are safe, efficient and reliable while meeting customer needs. Their work includes researching new technologies, developing prototypes and testing components for safety, reliability and performance.

You have a knack for engineering and automotive repair, but potential employers don’t know who you are. To make them aware of your skillset and experience, you must create a resume that stands out among the rest.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Full Resume Example Summary Experience Skills Education Certifications Contact Info Cover Letter Templates

Automotive Engineer Resume Sample

Nat Schowalter
Automotive Engineer

[email protected]
945-316-9654
linkedin.com/in/nat-schowalter

Summary

Committed automotive engineer with 8+ years of experience in the automotive industry. Experienced in designing and developing high-performance engines, exhaust systems, drivetrains, suspension components and more for a variety of vehicle models. Highly adept at troubleshooting issues from concept to completion. Seeking to join ABC Motors as an Automotive Engineer to create breakthrough designs that will improve efficiency and performance while reducing emissions.

Experience

Automotive Engineer, Employer A
Columbus, Jan 2018 – Present

Developed and tested new automotive engine designs to improve performance, reduce emissions and lower fuel consumption by an average of 10%.
Reduced development time for a range of electric car models from 8 months to 6 months through improved production process design and optimization.
Improved the overall comfort level in vehicles by using advanced noise cancellation techniques that successfully reduced cabin vibration levels by 20%.
Analyzed technical drawings, specifications and other data sources related to vehicle components such as engines, transmission systems and brake systems; used findings to identify potential issues before they occurred on the assembly line or in finished products.
Efficiently conducted quality checks on over 500 cars per week during production phase, ensuring compliance with safety standards while reducing rework costs significantly (+20%).

Automotive Engineer, Employer B
Hollywood, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

Coordinated the development of 30+ automotive engineering projects from concept to completion, and successfully delivered them on schedule.
Designed high-performance engines with advanced components that increased fuel efficiency by 15% and reduced emissions levels by 22%.
Reorganized the workflow process for a team of 5 engineers, resulting in an improved project turnaround rate of 20% within the first month.
Advised upper management on cost-effective solutions regarding production processes and related quality control issues; helped save $25K over 3 months.
Competently diagnosed mechanical problems using diagnostic equipment in order to identify root causes; performed necessary repairs or replacements with precision and accuracy as required.

Skills

Automotive Engineering Design
Vehicle Dynamics
Automotive Safety Systems
Automotive Electrical Systems
Automotive Powertrain Systems
Vehicle Emissions Control
Automotive Manufacturing Processes
Automotive Materials and Processes
Automotive Control Systems

Education

Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
National Institute for Automotive
May 2017

Related Resume Examples

All Examples

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary/objective is like a movie trailer – it should give the hiring manager an overview of your qualifications and experience as an automotive engineer. In this section, you can highlight your technical skills such as CAD software proficiency, knowledge of engine design principles, and expertise in troubleshooting complex mechanical systems. You could also mention any awards or certifications you have earned related to automotive engineering.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Well-rounded automotive engineer with 5+ years of experience in design, development and testing. Expertise includes running analyses for engine performance optimization and fuel efficiency improvement. Seeking to join ABC Motors to play a key role in the production of next-generation vehicle systems that adhere to all industry regulations. Successfully identified an issue causing air intake problems which resulted in improved power output by 15%.

Detail-oriented automotive engineer with 4+ years of experience in automotive engineering, design and development. Experienced in developing engine parts, vehicle systems and components using CAD software. Proven track record of creating designs that meet customer requirements while improving quality and reducing costs by 15%. At XYZ Automotive Corp., successfully designed a new transmission system for the company’s flagship product line.

Proficient automotive engineer with 5+ years of experience in the design, development and testing of automotive parts. Experienced in designing components using CAD software, working on prototype projects as well as reverse engineering existing products. Skilled leader capable of managing teams to ensure timely delivery and successful completion of tasks. Proven track record for reducing costs while maintaining high quality standards.

Accomplished automotive engineer with 10+ years of experience in vehicle design, development and testing. Proven track record of optimizing product performance to meet customer needs as well as corporate objectives. Specialize in meeting reliability requirements through efficient problem-solving techniques while maintaining cost effectiveness. Looking to leverage expertise at ABC Tech for continued success in the automotive industry.

Diligent automotive engineer with 6+ years of experience in the automotive industry. Skilled in developing and designing engines, transmissions, fuel systems and other components for high-performance vehicles. At XYZ Automotive, successfully developed a new engine that reduced emissions by up to 20%. Seeking to bring this expertise to ABC Motors where I can help create innovative solutions that meet customer needs.

Professional automotive engineer with 8+ years of experience in the design and development of various vehicles. Dedicated to staying up-to-date on emerging technologies, trends, and regulations to ensure maximum quality assurance for all projects. Seeking a position at ABC Automotive to utilize knowledge in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, firmware programming, and robotics automation.

Energetic automotive engineer with 5+ years of experience in engineering, testing and troubleshooting. Experienced in developing new models for racing cars as well as improving existing designs while meeting safety standards. At ABC Motors, designed a car that decreased fuel consumption by 30%. Adept at utilizing modern technologies to improve the design process and maximize efficiency.

Amicable and experienced automotive engineer with 5+ years of experience in the industry. Developed and implemented innovative techniques to reduce manufacturing costs by 10%. Expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering for new vehicle development projects. Highly skilled at creating detailed reports on project progress that meet company standards and deadlines.

2. Experience / Employment

In the experience section, you should list your employment history in reverse chronological order. This means that the most recent job is listed at the top of this section.

When writing about what you did and achieved, stick to bullet points as much as possible; they are easier for a reader to digest quickly. Take some time to think about how best to explain what you did and any quantifiable results obtained from it.

For example, instead of saying “Developed engine components,” say something like “Designed new fuel injector system with improved efficiency resulting in a 10% reduction in emissions.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

Designed
Fabricated
Assembled
Calibrated
Programmed
Tested
Troubleshot
Inspected
Analyzed
Optimized
Documented
Installed
Repaired
Upgraded
Certified

Other general verbs you can use are:

Achieved
Advised
Assessed
Compiled
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Developed
Expedited
Facilitated
Formulated
Improved
Introduced
Mentored
Participated
Prepared
Presented
Reduced
Reorganized
Represented
Revised
Spearheaded
Streamlined
Structured
Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

Assembled and tested new engine prototypes for over 10 different vehicle models, increasing the performance of engines by 15% while reducing fuel emissions by 25%.
Compiled detailed reports and analysis on various components, such as suspension systems and braking mechanisms; identified potential issues in early stages to reduce damage costs by 40%.
Successfully integrated computers into vehicles’ electrical systems to allow for enhanced navigation capabilities, providing customers with a more secure driving experience.
Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills when troubleshooting brake failures or other mechanical issues during road tests; reduced debugging time per issue from 2 hours to 30 minutes on average.
Achieved 5+ certifications from automotive engineering institutions related to vehicle design, chassis construction & repair techniques within 3 years of employment at an auto shop.

Effectively designed and implemented automotive engineering solutions for over 20+ vehicles, resulting in a 15% increase in fuel efficiency.
Optimized vehicle performance by developing advanced algorithms that improved the engine’s power output by 25%.
Tested prototypes on track surfaces to ensure quality assurance standards were met; reduced failure rate of parts from 10% to 5%.
Fabricated more than 50 customized auto parts using CNC machines and 3D printing technology, reducing production time per part by 35 hours on average.
Prepared detailed technical reports outlining design specifications and manufacturing processes which facilitated faster approval process from regulatory agencies.

Introduced 5 new automotive engineering design concepts, which resulted in a 20% increase in fuel efficiency of cars.
Meticulously designed and tested over 50 innovative components for automobiles; reduced production time by 30%.
Spearheaded the development of an advanced engine management system that decreased emissions by up to 80%.
Troubleshot and resolved complex issues related to vehicle performance on-site within 4 hours or less, ensuring customer satisfaction rates remained high at all times.
Represented company at various industry events, presenting projects such as electric car prototypes with improved battery life up to 750 miles per charge.

Assessed engine performance in over 100 cars and trucks, reducing fuel consumption by 15% on average while increasing torque output by 10%.
Inspected engines for mechanical issues and made necessary repairs to ensure maximum safety; prevented breakdowns from occurring in 90% of vehicles.
Streamlined engine design processes using CAD/CAM software tools, resulting in a 20% reduction of production time per vehicle model.
Consistently monitored the manufacturing process to detect any errors or inconsistencies with components such as pistons, cylinders or wires; identified problems early that saved an estimated $10K+ annually on repair costs & downtime hours due to defective parts.
Upgraded existing automotive systems through modifications and replacements of outdated features like brakes, exhaust pipes etc.; improved driving experience for customers significantly with shorter braking distances & lower emissions levels achieved successfully each time.

Mentored 3 junior engineers in automotive engineering principles, resulting in increased production efficiency by 12%.
Participated in the design of 4 new-model vehicles from concept to completion, incorporating customer feedback and ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations.
Resourcefully identified errors or discrepancies in existing vehicle designs and proposed cost-effective solutions that improved performance by 40%.
Revised over 20 mechanical blueprints for engine components while optimizing energy consumption; decreased fuel consumption rate by 15% on average per model produced.
Presented innovative ideas at various conferences worldwide which resulted in 6 patents being awarded for new technologies related to automotive engineering projects within a year’s time period.

Structured design process for the development of 15+ automotive models, leading to a 20% decrease in production time.
Formulated innovative solutions to common engineering problems encountered during design and assembly processes; raised performance output by $3,000 annually.
Actively monitored field trials on various vehicles and conducted rigorous tests to ensure safety features met industry standards; reduced defect rates by 35%.
Installed advanced mechanical systems such as engine control units (ECUs), transmission controllers, power steering assemblies into multiple vehicle prototypes with high precision accuracy levels; lowered installation times per unit from 2 hours to 1 hour on average.
Programmed complex software algorithms into automated driving assistance systems within cars including cruise control, lane-assist sensors & anti-locking braking mechanisms which improved overall response time by 40%.

Independently designed and tested 20+ automotive components, such as engines, transmissions and suspension systems; improved component reliability by 28%.
Calibrated onboard computer system for 15 new car models to ensure optimal performance in terms of fuel efficiency rate and emissions output.
Expedited production process by designing automated assembly lines using robotics technology; reduced time required per vehicle from 8 hours to 2 hours on average.
Facilitated training sessions with subordinates on the use of diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot irregularities in engine/transmission/suspension systems; decreased repair times from 3 days to 1 day within 6 months period.
Utilized advanced CAD software programs (AutoCAD & SolidWorks) to design mechanical parts for cars based on customer requirements, ensuring that all drawings were error-free before submission for manufacturing purposes.

Certified Automotive Engineer with 5+ years of experience in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining a wide range of vehicle systems; reduced customer wait-time by 25% through successful implementation of standardized repair protocols.
Reliably diagnosed defects on more than 50 vehicles per day using specialized diagnostic tools, speeding up the process by 40%.
Repaired over 300 engines including gasoline & diesel engines as well as electrical systems with 95% accuracy rate; decreased engine failure rates by 12%.
Documented all maintenance activities accurately to ensure compliance with government regulations while also keeping customers informed throughout the entire repair process; achieved an average customer satisfaction rating of 4 stars out of 5 across 500+ reviews.

3. Skills

Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual who is proficient in computer-aided design (CAD) and another may be looking for someone who has expertise in engine management systems.

It is, therefore, important to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job that you are applying for. This will help ensure that applicant tracking systems recognize it as a good match when they scan resumes for certain keywords.

In addition to listing relevant skills here, you can also discuss them further under other sections such as summary or experience – this way employers get an even better understanding of what makes you qualified for the role.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

Automotive Control Systems
Automotive Diagnostics and Testing
Automotive Electrical Systems
Automotive Engineering Design
Automotive Manufacturing Processes
Automotive Materials and Processes
Automotive Powertrain Systems
Automotive Safety Systems
Vehicle Dynamics
Vehicle Emissions Control

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume is important if you are just starting out in the automotive engineering field or have recently graduated. Your educational background should be mentioned below your resume objective. If you have significant work experience, however, it might not be necessary to include an education section altogether.

If including a section for education, make sure to mention courses and subjects relevant to the automotive engineer role you are applying for as well as any awards or certifications received during schooling.

Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications are a great way to demonstrate your proficiency in a certain field and can be the deciding factor for employers when choosing between two equally qualified candidates.

Including certifications on your resume is an excellent way to show potential employers that you have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date with industry trends and knowledge, as well as having been tested by a reputable organization. If you are certified in any skills relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure they appear prominently on your resume!

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
National Institute for Automotive
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Nat Schowalter, this would be Nat-Schowalter-resume.pdf or Nat-Schowalter-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Submitting a cover letter is an important part of the job application process. It’s a great way to provide more information about yourself and your qualifications, as well as demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Cover letters typically consist of 2 to 4 short paragraphs that are separate from but complementary to your resume. They give recruiters further insight into who you are, what skills and experience you have, and how passionate you are about getting this particular job.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Lucinda,

I am writing to apply for the Automotive Engineer position with your company. I am a mechanical engineer with experience in the automotive industry, and I believe my skills and knowledge will contribute to the success of your organization.

In my current role as an Automotive Engineer at [company name], I have gained valuable experience in designing, testing, and developing automotive systems and components. My work has involved researching new technologies, investigating customer complaints, and collaborating with other engineers to improve product designs. I have also been responsible for preparing engineering reports and presenting findings to senior management.

Through my work experiences, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills that enable me to identify issues quickly and develop effective solutions. My technical expertise includes proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, as well as experience using analysis tools such as FEA/CFD simulations. In addition, I have excellent communication skills that allow me to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams across all levels of an organization.

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team by applying my skills and knowledge towards achieving the goals of your organization. Enclosed is a copy of my resume for your review; if you have any questions or would like additional information about my qualifications please do not hesitate to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address]. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity; I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Nat