Why This Resume Works
This resume scores well with ATS systems and hiring managers because it follows three principles:
Building heights, construction values, steel tonnage savings, square footage. No vague design descriptions.
IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, ETABS, SAP2000, Revit. ATS filters in structural firms scan for these exact terms.
Standard section headings that ATS parsers expect. No tables, columns, or graphics.
How the ATS Score Is Calculated
ATS systems evaluate structural engineer resumes across three dimensions:
Material types, analysis methods, building codes, design software, and structural specializations.
Construction values, building dimensions, material savings, inspection outcomes, and schedule performance.
Proper section headings, consistent formatting, parseable layout, and appropriate resume length.
What Hiring Managers Look For
Based on recruiter feedback and job posting analysis, these are the qualities that get structural engineer candidates shortlisted:
- PE licensure status (or FE/EIT with expected PE timeline) prominently displayed
- Project portfolio showing building types, sizes, and structural systems designed
- Code expertise with specific design standards (ACI 318, AISC 360, ASCE 7, IBC)
- Analysis software proficiency matching the target firm's tools
- Construction administration experience showing field verification and RFI response
Section-by-Section Breakdown
Summary
Lead with years of experience and the types of structures you design (high-rise, commercial, infrastructure). Include your PE license, total portfolio value, and largest project type. Two to three sentences maximum.
Skills
Group skills into categories: Design, Analysis, Tools, and Codes. List specific material types (steel, post-tensioned concrete, timber). Include code references with version numbers when possible (ASCE 7-22, ACI 318-19).
Tip: If the posting asks for seismic design experience, make sure "seismic" and the relevant code (ASCE 7, ASCE 41) appear in your resume. ATS systems match on exact terms.
Experience
Use this formula for every bullet point:
Start bullets with strong verbs: Led, Designed, Performed, Developed, Reduced, Coordinated. Avoid "Responsible for" or "Assisted with" since they hide your contribution.
3-5 bullets per role. Lead with project scale and code compliance outcomes.
Education & Certifications
List PE license with states. An M.S. in structural engineering is standard for many roles. Include SE (Structural Engineer) license if you hold one, as it is required in some states for building design.
Resume format tip: Include a Key Projects section listing your most significant structural designs with scope (sq ft, stories, budget). PE license goes right after your name. Engineering firms want to see specific code and software expertise.
Key Skills for Structural Engineer Resumes
Based on analysis of thousands of structural engineering job postings, these are the most frequently required skills:
ATS Optimization Tips for Structural Engineer Resumes
These targeted tips will help your resume rank higher in applicant tracking systems:
Include your PE license and EIT/FE certification status prominently. These are the top ATS filters for structural roles.
Name specific analysis software (SAP2000, ETABS, STAAD.Pro, RISA, RAM Structural System) and design codes (ACI, AISC, ASCE 7).
Quantify project scope: building size (sq ft), budget, number of stories, span lengths, team size.
Common Mistakes on Structural Engineer Resumes
- ⚠No project value or scale - "Designed structural systems" tells nothing. "Led structural design of a 42-story tower with $180M construction value" immediately establishes credibility.
- ⚠Missing building codes - IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, and AISC 360 are standard ATS filter terms. If you design to these codes, list them explicitly in your skills section.
- ⚠Omitting PE or SE license - licensure is often a hard requirement for structural roles. Make sure it appears prominently with the states where you are licensed.
- ⚠No material optimization results - structural engineering is about efficiency. If you reduced steel tonnage, concrete volume, or construction costs through design optimization, quantify the savings.
- ⚠Not specifying material and project type experience - steel, concrete, wood, and masonry design are distinct specialties. Similarly, commercial, residential, industrial, and bridge projects require different expertise.