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Controls Engineer Resume Example

by
Trish Seidel
Reviewed by
Dave Fano
Last Updated
July 25, 2025
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Controls Engineer Resume Example:

Samuel Colton
[email protected]
•
(913) 276-4390
•
linkedin.com/in/samuel-colton
•
@samuel.colton
•
Controls Engineer
Seasoned Controls Engineer with 12+ years of expertise in designing and implementing advanced automation systems. Proficient in AI-driven process optimization, IIoT integration, and cybersecurity for industrial control systems. Spearheaded a plant-wide digital transformation project, reducing downtime by 35% and increasing overall equipment effectiveness by 22%. Adept at leading cross-functional teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes manufacturing environments.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Controls Engineer
10/2023 – Present
IntelliControl Solutions
  • Spearheaded the implementation of an AI-driven predictive maintenance system, reducing unplanned downtime by 35% and saving $2.5M annually across 5 manufacturing plants.
  • Led a cross-functional team of 15 engineers in developing and deploying a cutting-edge Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform, increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by 22%.
  • Pioneered the integration of advanced robotics and machine learning algorithms into existing control systems, resulting in a 40% improvement in production throughput and 15% reduction in energy consumption.
Automation Engineer
05/2021 – 09/2023
Tech-Automation Solutions
  • Designed and implemented a state-of-the-art distributed control system (DCS) for a $100M chemical processing facility, completing the project 10% under budget and 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
  • Optimized PID control loops using advanced tuning techniques and model predictive control, improving product quality consistency by 28% and reducing raw material waste by 18%.
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs on cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems, resulting in zero security breaches over a 3-year period.
PLC Programmer
08/2019 – 04/2021
Innovative Automation Systems
  • Engineered and commissioned a SCADA system upgrade for a municipal water treatment plant, enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities and reducing operational costs by $350,000 annually.
  • Implemented a data analytics solution to identify inefficiencies in the production line, leading to a 15% increase in overall productivity and $750,000 in annual cost savings.
  • Collaborated with vendors to integrate new sensor technologies into existing control systems, improving process accuracy by 25% and reducing calibration time by 40%.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
  • Advanced Process Control Design
  • Industrial Automation System Architecture
  • Safety Instrumented Systems Engineering
  • Model Predictive Control Implementation
  • Control Loop Performance Optimization
  • Digital Twin Development Strategy
  • Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Rockwell FactoryTalk
  • MATLAB Simulink
  • Wonderware System Platform
  • AI-Driven Predictive Control
  • Edge Computing Integration
COURSES / CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
05/2023
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Professional Engineer (PE) - Control Systems Engineering
05/2022
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
05/2021
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Education
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
2016 - 2020
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Control Systems Engineering
Mechatronics
Build your Controls Engineer resume

What makes this Controls Engineer resume great

A Controls Engineer must demonstrate clear impact through technical expertise. This resume highlights hands-on SCADA upgrades, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and IIoT platform integration that reduced downtime and improved efficiency. Cybersecurity training adds valuable depth. Metrics and project scope are well defined. Strong results.

Controls Engineer Resume Template

Contact Information
[Full Name]
[email protected] • (XXX) XXX-XXXX • linkedin.com/in/your-name • City, State
Resume Summary
Controls Engineer with [X] years of experience designing and implementing [control systems types] for [industry sectors]. Expertise in [programming languages/tools] and [control methodologies], with a track record of optimizing system performance by [percentage] at [Previous Company]. Skilled in [key technical competency] and [advanced control technique], seeking to leverage comprehensive controls engineering capabilities to enhance automation efficiency and drive operational excellence for [Target Company].
Work Experience
Most Recent Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Led implementation of [advanced control system, e.g., Model Predictive Control] for [specific industrial process], resulting in [X%] improvement in process efficiency and annual savings of [$Y] through reduced energy consumption
  • Developed and deployed [type of optimization algorithm] using [programming language/tool] to enhance [specific control loop], increasing production output by [Z%] while maintaining product quality within specified tolerances
Previous Position
Job Title • Start Date • End Date
Company Name
  • Designed and implemented [type of control strategy] for [specific equipment/process], improving system stability by [B%] and reducing variability in [key process parameter] by [C%]
  • Conducted root cause analysis on [recurring issue] using [analytical method/tool], identifying and resolving [D] critical control system vulnerabilities, resulting in [E%] decrease in production disruptions
Resume Skills
  • Control System Design & Implementation
  • [Preferred PLC Programming Language, e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text]
  • [SCADA System, e.g., Wonderware, Ignition]
  • Process Control & Automation
  • [HMI Development Tool, e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View]
  • Instrumentation & Sensor Integration
  • System Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
  • [Industry-Specific Standards, e.g., ISA, IEC]
  • Network Configuration & Communication Protocols
  • [Simulation Software, e.g., MATLAB, Simulink]
  • Project Management & Team Collaboration
  • [Specialized Certification, e.g., PE, CAP]
    • Certifications
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Official Certification Name
    Certification Provider • Start Date • End Date
    Education
    Official Degree Name
    University Name
    City, State • Start Date • End Date
    • Major: [Major Name]
    • Minor: [Minor Name]

    So, is your Controls Engineer resume strong enough? 🧐

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    Resume writing tips for Controls Engineers

    Controls Engineer resumes often miss the mark by using vague titles or focusing on tasks instead of measurable outcomes. Clarifying your job title and emphasizing results can make your resume stand out. Highlighting your strategic value and technical strengths will better align your application with employer expectations.
    • Assuming a generic job title works: Use the exact Controls Engineer title from the job posting to ensure your resume passes automated filters and resonates with recruiters targeting specific roles.
    • Listing daily tasks without outcomes: Frame your experience around how your automation solutions and PLC programming improved system efficiency or reduced downtime, showing clear business impact.
    • Overloading the summary with responsibilities: Craft a concise summary that positions you as a results-driven Controls Engineer who delivers measurable improvements and solves complex integration challenges.
    • Ignoring the integration aspect: Highlight your problem-solving approach to system integration issues, demonstrating your ability to connect multiple technologies and optimize performance across platforms.

    Common Responsibilities Listed on Controls Engineer Resumes:

    • Design and implement advanced control systems using AI and machine learning.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize automation processes and efficiency.
    • Develop and maintain PLC and HMI programs for industrial applications.
    • Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshoot complex control system issues.
    • Integrate IoT technologies to enhance system monitoring and predictive maintenance.

    Controls Engineer resume headline examples:

    Controls Engineer job titles are all over the place, which makes your resume title even more important. You need one that matches exactly what you're targeting. Most Controls Engineer job descriptions use a clear, specific title. Mirror their language rather than getting creative. Headlines are optional but should highlight your specialty if used.

    Strong Headlines

    Innovative Controls Engineer: PLC Expert with Six Sigma Certification

    Weak Headlines

    Experienced Controls Engineer Seeking New Opportunities

    Strong Headlines

    Industrial Automation Specialist: 10+ Years Optimizing Manufacturing Processes

    Weak Headlines

    Hard-Working Professional with Knowledge of Control Systems

    Strong Headlines

    Controls Engineer Leveraging AI for Next-Gen Smart Factory Solutions

    Weak Headlines

    Controls Engineer with Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
    🌟 Expert Tip

    Resume Summaries for Controls Engineers

    Controls Engineer roles have become more performance-driven and results-focused than ever. Your resume summary serves as your strategic positioning statement, immediately communicating your value proposition to hiring managers who scan hundreds of applications. This critical section determines whether recruiters invest time reading your full resume or move to the next candidate. Most job descriptions require that a controls engineer has a certain amount of experience. That means this isn't a detail to bury. You need to make it stand out in your summary. Lead with your years of experience, highlight specific technical competencies, and quantify key achievements with metrics. Skip objectives unless you lack relevant experience. Align your summary directly with the target job's requirements.

    Strong Summaries

    • Results-driven Controls Engineer with 8+ years of experience optimizing industrial automation systems. Reduced downtime by 35% through innovative PLC programming and SCADA integration. Expert in Industry 4.0 technologies, predictive maintenance, and IIoT implementation for smart manufacturing environments.

    Weak Summaries

    • Dedicated Controls Engineer with experience in industrial automation. Familiar with PLC programming and SCADA systems. Worked on various projects to improve manufacturing processes and reduce downtime. Seeking a challenging position to apply my skills and knowledge.

    Strong Summaries

    • Innovative Controls Engineer specializing in robotics and motion control systems. Developed custom AI-driven control algorithms, increasing production efficiency by 28%. Proficient in MATLAB, ROS, and advanced sensor fusion techniques. Passionate about integrating edge computing for real-time process optimization.

    Weak Summaries

    • Controls Engineer with a background in electrical engineering. Proficient in programming and troubleshooting control systems. Worked on several projects involving motor control and process automation. Looking for opportunities to grow and contribute to a dynamic team.

    Strong Summaries

    • Experienced Controls Engineer with a focus on sustainable energy systems. Led the design and implementation of adaptive control strategies for wind turbines, improving energy capture by 15%. Skilled in model predictive control, machine learning, and renewable energy grid integration using advanced SCADA systems.

    Weak Summaries

    • Experienced Controls Engineer with knowledge of industrial control systems. Skilled in PLC programming and HMI design. Contributed to projects aimed at improving system performance and reliability. Eager to apply my expertise in a new role and continue learning.

    Resume Bullet Examples for Controls Engineers

    Strong Bullets

    • Optimized PLC programming for manufacturing line, reducing cycle time by 18% and increasing production output by 25,000 units annually

    Weak Bullets

    • Assisted in the implementation of control systems for various projects

    Strong Bullets

    • Designed and implemented advanced model predictive control system, improving energy efficiency by 12% and saving $500,000 in annual operating costs

    Weak Bullets

    • Performed regular maintenance on automation equipment and resolved issues

    Strong Bullets

    • Led cross-functional team in developing IoT-based predictive maintenance solution, reducing unplanned downtime by 30% and extending equipment lifespan by 2 years

    Weak Bullets

    • Collaborated with team members to improve production processes and efficiency

    Bullet Point Assistant

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    The Result

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    🌟 Expert tip

    Essential skills for Controls Engineers

    Your automation expertise and PLC programming skills caught my attention, but I'm curious about your approach to system integration challenges. As someone who hires Controls Engineers, I value candidates who can troubleshoot complex industrial systems while maintaining safety protocols. What's been your most challenging controls project where you had to balance efficiency with reliability? I'd love to hear your perspective on modern automation trends.

    Hard Skills

    • PLC Programming
    • HMI Development
    • Control System Design
    • Electrical Circuit Design
    • Motion Control
    • Robotics Programming
    • SCADA Systems
    • Industrial Networking
    • PID Control
    • Troubleshooting and Debugging
    • System Integration
    • Electrical Panel Design

    Soft Skills

    • Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
    • Attention to Detail and Precision
    • Analytical and Logical Thinking
    • Adaptability and Flexibility
    • Communication and Presentation Skills
    • Time Management and Prioritization
    • Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination
    • Decision Making and Strategic Planning
    • Creativity and Innovation
    • Active Listening and Feedback Incorporation
    • Leadership and Team Management
    • Technical Writing and Documentation

    Resume Action Verbs for Controls Engineers:

    • Designed
    • Programmed
    • Implemented
    • Troubleshot
    • Optimized
    • Tested
    • Analyzed
    • Configured
    • Debugged
    • Integrated
    • Maintained
    • Upgraded
    • Automated
    • Calibrated
    • Commissioned
    • Developed
    • Monitored
    • Validated

    Tailor Your Controls Engineer Resume to a Job Description:

    Highlight Relevant Control Systems Experience

    Carefully examine the job description for specific control systems and technologies mentioned. Ensure your resume prominently features your experience with these systems in your summary and work experience sections. If you have worked with similar systems, emphasize your transferable skills and be clear about your specific expertise.

    Showcase Problem-Solving and Optimization Skills

    Understand the company's operational challenges and objectives outlined in the job posting. Tailor your work experience to highlight instances where you've improved system efficiency, reduced downtime, or optimized processes. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate the impact of your solutions in terms of cost savings or performance improvements.

    Emphasize Industry-Specific Knowledge

    Identify any industry-specific requirements or standards mentioned in the job listing and adjust your resume to reflect your familiarity with these. Highlight your experience in similar industries, showcase your understanding of relevant regulations, and emphasize any experience with sector-specific technologies or challenges.

    ChatGPT Resume Prompts for Controls Engineers

    Resume writing for Controls Engineers isn’t about being a better writer, it’s about being clearer. As the role evolves with new tools, automation, and complex systems, organizing your experience gets harder. That’s where AI tools like Teal and ChatGPT for your resume come in. They help turn your real-world work into strong, structured content. Clarity wins every time. Start with these prompts.

    Controls Engineer Prompts for Resume Summaries

    1. Create a summary for me that highlights my experience designing and optimizing automated control systems using [specific tools or software], emphasizing my impact on system efficiency and reliability.
    2. Write a resume summary that showcases my expertise in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration to improve manufacturing processes and reduce downtime.
    3. Generate a summary that reflects my skills in integrating IoT and SCADA technologies into control systems, focusing on measurable improvements in operational performance.

    Controls Engineer Prompts for Resume Bullets

    1. Write achievement-focused bullet points describing how I led the implementation of a new control strategy that improved production line uptime by [percentage] using [specific technology or method].
    2. Create measurable bullet points detailing my role in troubleshooting and resolving complex control system failures that reduced maintenance costs by [amount or percentage].
    3. Generate bullets that explain how I designed and deployed automated solutions that increased process accuracy by [metric] and enhanced safety compliance.

    Controls Engineer Prompts for Resume Skills

    1. List key technical skills relevant to Controls Engineering, including software, programming languages, and hardware expertise, organized by proficiency level.
    2. Create a structured skills section that highlights my experience with PLCs, HMI development, SCADA systems, and data analysis tools.
    3. Generate a skills list emphasizing both my technical abilities and soft skills like project management and cross-team communication tailored for Controls Engineering roles.

    Resume FAQs for Controls Engineers:

    How long should I make my Controls Engineer resume?

    A Controls Engineer resume should ideally be one to two pages long. This length allows you to present your technical skills, project experience, and achievements without overwhelming hiring managers. Focus on relevant experience and use bullet points for clarity. Highlight key projects and technologies, such as PLC programming or SCADA systems, to demonstrate your expertise. Tailor your resume for each application to ensure it aligns with the specific job requirements.

    What is the best way to format my Controls Engineer resume?

    A hybrid resume format is ideal for Controls Engineers, combining chronological and functional elements. This format highlights your technical skills and project achievements while providing a clear career progression. Key sections should include a summary, technical skills, work experience, and education. Use clear headings and bullet points for readability, and quantify achievements with metrics to demonstrate impact, such as improved system efficiency or reduced downtime.

    What certifications should I include on my Controls Engineer resume?

    Relevant certifications for Controls Engineers include Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Siemens Certified Programmer, and Rockwell Automation Certified Control Systems Technician. These certifications validate your expertise in automation and control systems, which are crucial in the industry. Present certifications prominently in a dedicated section, listing the certification name, issuing organization, and date obtained. This highlights your commitment to professional development and industry standards.

    What are the most common mistakes to avoid on a Controls Engineer resume?

    Common mistakes on Controls Engineer resumes include overly technical jargon, lack of quantifiable achievements, and generic job descriptions. Avoid these by using clear language that non-experts can understand, emphasizing results with metrics (e.g., "reduced system downtime by 20%"), and tailoring job descriptions to highlight relevant skills and technologies. Ensure overall quality by proofreading for errors and maintaining a clean, professional layout to make a strong impression.

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