Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan Automation Engineer resumes for specific technical proficiencies, from PLC programming to scripting languages like Python. Without the exact terminology hiring managers are looking for, even highly qualified candidates can be filtered out. This guide covers the essential hard skills, soft skills, and action verbs you need to optimize your resume and land more interviews.
Top hard skills for automation engineer resumes
These are the technical skills that ATS systems and hiring managers look for on automation engineer resumes. Include the ones you genuinely have experience with.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Essential for controlling manufacturing processes; specify brands like Allen-Bradley or Siemens on your resume.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Critical for high-level process supervisory management; mention specific platforms you have integrated.
Python Scripting
Highly sought after for automating software tasks, data analysis, and testing frameworks.
Robotics Integration
Showcases your ability to program and troubleshoot industrial robots like FANUC or ABB.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
Demonstrates your capability to design user interfaces for industrial control systems.
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
Crucial for software automation roles; list tools like Jenkins, GitLab, or CircleCI.
Selenium / Test Automation
Important for QA automation engineers to prove expertise in automated web application testing.
AutoCAD / SolidWorks
Highlights your ability to read, design, and modify electrical and mechanical schematics.
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Valuable in process industries for controlling complex, plant-wide operations.
SQL / Database Management
Shows you can manage and extract data from industrial databases and historian servers.
RESTful APIs
Important for integrating different software systems and hardware components.
Git / Version Control
Proves you follow best practices for tracking changes in code and automation scripts.
Troubleshooting & Debugging
A core competency; highlight specific methodologies you use to resolve system failures.
Electrical Engineering Fundamentals
Essential for hardware automation; mention your understanding of wiring, circuits, and sensors.
Lean Six Sigma
Demonstrates your commitment to process improvement and reducing manufacturing waste.
Got your skills list? Use these skills in our free builder with ATS-optimized templates.
Build your resume →Essential soft skills
Beyond technical ability, these soft skills differentiate strong automation engineer candidates.
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Adaptability
- Project Management
- Technical Communication
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Continuous Learning
Recommended certifications
| Certification | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Certified Automation Professional (CAP) | A globally recognized credential from ISA validating expertise in automation and control systems. |
| Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) | Proves your proficiency in designing and developing software in the LabVIEW environment. |
| AWS Certified DevOps Engineer (AWS DevOps) | Highly relevant for software automation engineers focusing on cloud infrastructure and CI/CD. |
Power action verbs
Start your bullet points with these strong verbs to demonstrate impact.
Example resume bullet points
Here's how to use these skills in real resume bullets with quantified results.
ATS optimization tips
Specify Your Hardware and Software
Don't just write 'programmed PLCs' or 'wrote test scripts'. Name the exact brands (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and languages (e.g., Python, Java) you used. ATS algorithms look for these specific nouns.
Match the Job Description Context
Automation Engineering spans both industrial manufacturing (hardware) and software QA. Tailor your keywords heavily toward whichever side of the spectrum the target job description focuses on.
Include Industry-Standard Acronyms
Include both the full term and the acronym (e.g., 'Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)') at least once so the ATS catches it regardless of how it was programmed to search.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important skills for an Automation Engineer resume?
The most critical skills depend on your niche, but generally include PLC programming, SCADA, Python scripting, CI/CD pipelines, and robotics integration. Balancing these hard skills with problem-solving and project management is key.
How many skills should I list on my Automation Engineer resume?
Aim for 10 to 15 highly relevant hard skills in a dedicated 'Skills' section, plus 5 to 8 soft skills demonstrated through your bullet points. Always prioritize the skills explicitly mentioned in the job posting.
Should I separate software automation skills from industrial automation skills?
If you have experience in both, it is highly recommended to categorize your skills section (e.g., 'Software & Scripting', 'Industrial Control Systems'). This makes your resume much easier for both the ATS and human recruiters to parse quickly.
Put these skills to work
Now that you know which skills to highlight, use our free resume builder to create an ATS-optimized resume with the right keywords in the right places.
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