ATS CV Tips for Manufacturing, Engineering and Operations Roles

Manufacturing, engineering, and operations roles have specific keyword expectations that differ significantly from office-based or knowledge-worker roles. If you are applying for roles in production management, process engineering, supply chain, quality, or plant operations, your ATS optimisation needs to reflect the language of these sectors.

Sector-Specific ATS Keywords

Manufacturing and operations job descriptions use specific terminology. Check your CV contains the relevant terms from the job description:

Production and operations: Production planning, capacity planning, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), lean manufacturing, six sigma, kaizen, 5S, production scheduling, shift management, throughput, yield improvement

Engineering: CAD (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA), FEA, FMEA, tolerance analysis, product lifecycle management (PLM), design for manufacture (DFM), CNC, PLC programming

Quality: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, GMP, QMS, SPC, PPAP, APQP, 8D problem solving, root cause analysis, corrective action, audit management

Supply chain and logistics: ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JDE), MRP, JIT, warehouse management, inventory control, demand forecasting, supplier management, OTIF

Health and Safety: ISO 45001, NEBOSH, IOSH, risk assessment, method statement, permit to work

Certifications and Qualifications

Engineering and manufacturing roles often require specific qualifications. List them explicitly:

• Engineering degree (BEng, MEng — institution and discipline)
• Professional membership (IMechE, IChemE, IET, CIPS, CILT)
• Lean / Six Sigma certifications (Green Belt, Black Belt — specify level)
• NEBOSH or IOSH for H&S roles
• Relevant software certifications

Technical Skills Section

For engineering CVs, a dedicated technical skills section is particularly valuable. List software, machinery, systems, and methodologies you have used. Update this for each application based on what the employer has specified.

Quantification in Manufacturing CVs

Manufacturing achievements are highly quantifiable:

• OEE improvements (percentage points)
• Cost reductions (monetary value or percentage)
• Waste/scrap reduction
• Downtime reduction
• Throughput or capacity increases
• Headcount managed

Include these figures. They are both ATS-friendly (specific terminology) and compelling to engineering hiring managers.

Check your manufacturing or engineering CV's ATS score free at CVCircuit.